Supporting Helpless Children in Manawa: A Noble Initiative to Uplift Education
Education is a cornerstone of development, yet formal school education alone cannot fully nurture a child’s character and values. It is widely acknowledged that the moral and spiritual guidance provided by Dhamma Schools lays a solid foundation for building virtuous individuals. The values children inherit from their parents and community shape their lives profoundly. Any effort to strengthen this foundation is a noble act, as this story vividly illustrates.
Despite their enthusiasm for learning, many children in Sri Lanka face severe challenges due to a lack of resources. Millions of children are forced to work during school terms to support their families. Among them are 120 children in the village of Manawa, Kuliyapitiya, in the Kurunegala district, who attend a Dhamma school at a local nunnery. These children, however, lack even the most basic facilities for their education.
The Struggles of Manawa’s Children
In this remote village, children study outdoors under the shade of teak and aela trees. Many of them come from families struggling with poverty; their parents earn a living through blacksmithing and incense stick production. Basic necessities like adequate meals and proper transportation are luxuries here.
Venerable Gangasiripura Dhammaloka Thero recently visited this village and witnessed the dire conditions firsthand. Learning that the nunnery, partially housed in a tin shed, was hosting Dhamma school sessions, he took it upon himself to raise awareness about their plight.
A Call for Compassion
Moved by the situation, Venerable Dhammaloka Thero shared a live video on social media, highlighting the children’s struggles and appealing for support. His words carried a heartfelt plea:
“Today we visited the nunnery in Manawa village, where 120 children receive Dhamma education on Sundays under the trees. Despite the difficulties, the children and their mothers earnestly request a proper hall for their studies. We appeal to kind-hearted individuals around the world to help build a hall for these innocent children, who are the future generation. This effort will guide countless children toward the right path and be an invaluable act of charity.”
A Community’s Perseverance
The children, pointing to the trees, expressed where they study, underscoring their predicament. While many Dhamma schools enjoy proper furniture and facilities, these children sit on the ground, vulnerable to the elements. On rainy days, they are forced to move to a nearby community hall, an arrangement that is far from ideal.
The head nun of the monastery elaborated on the struggles of establishing the Dhamma school.
“Manawa is a marginalized village. Many parents here are iron and cane workers, which prevents them from taking their children to distant Dhamma schools. Recognizing this need, the villagers came together to propose starting a local Dhamma school. With immense effort, we initiated classes on June 2nd. Despite collecting donations and selling tickets, resources are still inadequate. We urgently need a proper hall for the children to study in peace.”
A Path Toward Hope
This story is not just about the hardships faced by Manawa’s children but also about the resilience and dedication of a community striving to create better opportunities. Building a hall for these children will provide them with the stability and dignity they deserve. It will not only enhance their education but also serve as a beacon of hope for future generations.
Anyone moved by the plight of these children can contribute to this cause and make a lasting impact. A proper Dhamma school in Manawa is not just a building—it is a sanctuary for nurturing young minds and instilling lifelong values. Let us come together to support this noble mission and open the doors to a brighter future for these children.
By Nilanthi Renuka
