Siva Poomi Home for Differently Abled - Jaffna

Number of mentally challenged was increasing in the region with the effects of war and malnutrition. However, parents remained with conservative thoughts and kept such children behind doors for the fear of ridicule by the society. Cognitive ability of mentally challenged may range from very low to extremely high and the dependency and their demands also vary accordingly. It is important to identify capacity of each individual and provide training on various aspects such as writing skills, reading skills and behavioural skills, etc. based on that. However, if left unattended chances are high for further deterioration of their self-confidence and inferiority complex.

Siva Poomi Home for Mentally Challenged was established in 2004 with the intention of improving the life of those who need additional attention. And we were able to change the attitude of society and parents to certain extent through showing outcomes. Caring of these children are very closely monitored and planned. Teachers with enormous dedication, involvement and high tolerance study the individuals carefully and employ various mechanisms to educate these children and continuously assess the improvement to make sure progress happens. Concentrated classes than traditional classroom environment is essential to pay special attention, hence, Sivapoomi receives the services of 15 specially trained teachers to look after 215 of its inmates. Unlike normal children a separate bus donated by MNT is being used to transport special children up and down the school.

In addition to normal education, special exercise classes and training on sports are also provided. Further, to equip them with special life skills, vocational training to mention few, envelope making, sewing, etc. is being taught and MNT contemplate plans to take this in larger scale and incorporate livelihood projects to develop it as a community where marketing efforts will also be carried out. This would ensure the inmates who take off the hostel grounds though continue to be dependent will leave with added confidence and some financial freedom. MNT at present supports the home with a monthly contribution of Rs. 200,000/-

We are proud that one of our nestling, an 18 year old, Sri Lanka national gold medal winner of the 100 meter sprint, Thushyanthan Sivarajah is selected to participate in the Special Olympics in Athens, Greece. This selection for the Special Olympics is a commendable achievement and we sincerely thank all our honorable donors who had made this a reality.