New Hope for Children Center Brings Light to Kotagala Amid Economic Struggles

In the midst of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the small town of Kotagala in the Nuwara Eliya District is facing unique challenges. The majority of its residents work in the tea estates, grappling with meager incomes that make it difficult to meet basic needs. Job losses have forced some to take up part-time and daily wage labor to sustain their families, leaving them struggling to afford even the most essential requirements.

For the children of Kotagala, access to education has become a daunting task. With limited income, parents find it challenging to send their children to school, let alone provide them with the necessary stationery for studies. Moreover, the absence of proper tuition classes within the town forces children to travel long distances to Nuwara Eliya, hindering their academic pursuits and interest in education.

However, a ray of hope has emerged for the residents of Kotagala with the recent inauguration of a new Hope for Children center by the Diocese of Colombo. The community members, burdened by economic hardships, were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the initiative, expressing their appreciation for the Church’s efforts to address the educational challenges in their village.

Mrs. Uma, a local resident, commended the initiative, stating, “The Kotagala children face difficulties attending tuition classes because of the distance they must travel. Therefore, our children are fortunate to have this Hope for Children center opened in our village.”

Miss. Rajeshwary, the principal of a local school, emphasized the significance of the new center, saying, “This is incredibly valuable for the children as it will significantly boost their educational interests. I am delighted that a Hope for Children center has been established in Kotagala.”

Mr. Selvaraj, who has experienced job loss due to the economic crisis, shared his struggles, stating, “Balancing the needs of our children’s education and our family’s necessities has been challenging during this struggle. However, with the help of the Hope for Children project, there might be an opportunity for us to achieve a better balance in our lifestyle.”