Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has received an award from Kudakudhinge Hiya, Villimale, in recognition of the continuous support and services rendered to the shelter from 2010 to 2013. The award was presented by the Minister of Gender, Family and Human Rights at the event held to mark the 8th Anniversary of Kudakudhinge Hiya.
Since its inception, ARC has been working closely with childrens shelters, conducting many programmes for the holistic development of the children, as well as capacity building trainings for the staff. As part of this work, ARC has been conducting several programmes for the children at Kudakudhinge Hiya, including regular Islam/Quran classes and Badminton training, weekend Zumba classes and English Reading programme, as well as Holiday camps such as Swimming, Art, Chess and Carrom. Through such programmes, ARC hopes to introduce the children to a wide range of educational and fun activities, which will also help them learn new skills.
ARC believes that it is also extremely important that the staff members at childrens shelters are well-trained and equipped with the right knowledge, attitude, and skills to work with children. Some of ARCs training programmes for the staff at Kudakudhinge Hiya over the past three years include Staff Development sessions, Early Child Care Training, Parental Effectiveness Training, First Aid Training, as well as Kitchen Training, and Lifeskills Programme.
Providing support to childrens shelters remains a top priority and ARC takes this opportunity to thank the management and staff of Kudakudhige Hiya for the continued coopreration extended, and to all the individuals and organizations who have made these programmes possible. ARC hopes to receive even greater levels of support from the community to continue and expand our projects and ensure that children in shelters receive the care and support that they need and deserve, to grow up happy and reach their true potential.