Sri Lanka..... Raka/Lion House
In December 2007 the third annual review of Raka House was conducted and the findings were generally pleasing.
The facility is now exclusively run by community workers, who are not entwined with the local judiciary, police and commerce. A full time employee is nor running the centre, managing the activities, projects and outreach into the community.
Outreach has become more of a focus for their work. It was locally identified that there are service which are desirable but not often obtainable, by other communities. As such workers take their service out-and-about to engage and support others not able to attend Raka.
The medical facilities installed at the centre are now focusing on specific areas of health opposed to general health, with vision, oral hygiene and anti-natal activities being provided by local health establishments on an outreach basis.
Most pleasing of all was the outcome of the sewing project, where people are now retailing their products from Raka House, taking enough to sustain their families which putting back into the facility for the use of their machines. This is creating a small but steady income, which covers utility costs etc. as an identified opportunity, further investment in their activity could inspire greater levels of output and possibility become the start of a community cooperative.
The IT training facility has also been well used but as with all IT equipment it is not becoming heavily worn and outdated. In the humid conditions of Sri Lanka the life expectancy of a PC is diminished considerable so we are pleased that they have lasted thus far but would be eager to see renewed investment in this service, as it is becoming a logical transition for those leaving the government run school to become involved with the Raka run IT classes. This also allows a logical, if only short term, progression of the Wickes Trust support grant
In terms of general maintenance the facility is holding up well. It is nice to see scruff marks on the paint and the odd crayon scored on the walls as it is an indication of activity and usage. The workshop facilities have not been developed, which was a pledge made by the local government. Sadly, and directly because of this, the adult education classes, specifically for men, have not been started as there is no workshop to conduct the activities within. We suggest that the delivery of a workshop, for little money, could deliver manual skills to the local male population in joinery, metal work etc which would allow them at best to gain work or at least to improve their own living conditions
To date 81 children have been receiving the Wickes Trust scholarship grant. Of those 81 children, 27 have now left education and progressed beyond the care of Raka. The funds have been used to support an additional 20 children, whilst increasing the grant slightly for the overall 74 children currently in its scholarship program.
