AGFS’s Charity Work with children in Sri Lanka
AGFS has an ongoing charitable relationship with schools and disadvantaged children in Southern Sri Lanka. Below is an exert from a recent article in a local magazine where AGFS’ headquarters are based.
‘Their dedication to protecting children and enhancing their wellbeing has led to Arthur and Emily to charitable endeavours within the UK and beyond. In 2023 the couple established links with an amazing grass roots charity in Southern Sri Lanka, ‘UK Friends of Gale’. The country was devastated by the 2024 tsunami and has suffered political and economic instability for decades. UKGC works with the poorest, most disadvantaged children and families in the area, through investment in their education, housing and infrastructure projects, provision of food and clothing, and much more.
Through their charitable donations, Art and Emily now sponsor over 30 children from four schools in Sri Lanka. “We believe education is the key ingredient for improving children’s live opportunities and bettering the lives of those they love,” says Art, and he adds: “The benefits are long-term and multi-generational.”
In February 2024, Art, Emily and their children went to Sri Lanka to meet the children they sponsor. “This has had a profound impact upon us all,” says Art, and he elaborates: “Despite daily adversities, the people we met were so open-hearted, smiley and determined to thrive.” He adds: “What our own children have learnt through this experience was priceless.”
Art and Emily visited the homes of some of those children, including that of a thirteen-year-old ‘A-star’ grade student. Her family simply didn’t have the money for her books or equipment and other necessities, and Art comments: “The poverty was raw and shocking.” In another family they visited, the young mother recently became paralysed following a brain operation. Art recalls: “We did what we could for her and the kids, to soften their difficult life, and enable our sponsored child to continue attending school. Their father could no longer work, now that he became their mother’s carer.
“We paid for learning aids and equipment, new shoes and clothes for dozens of our charity-recipients and their siblings,” says Art, and he adds: “How could we not?” He continues: “UKFG is very good at sending sponsors updates, photos, letters and videos so you can see the difference your donation makes to any specific child in real time!” Any current or aspiring donors can visit Sri Lanka and get involved in any capacity they wish, visit schools and meet the families UKFG works with. Art says: “It is also a beautiful country to explore, with wonderful people and amazing food.”
Since its inception in 2004, UKFG has been run as a 'sub-branch' of established UK charity, The Harrow Trust. “They have virtually no running costs and all the money goes straight to those most in need”.
The charity has a waiting list of children who’ve applied for help and support. “It takes about £170 annually to help fund education and other essential necessities for one child,” says Art, and he adds: “We would like to encourage any readers who would like to learn more about how they can become involved in this charitable work to liaise directly with UKFG.” See: www.ukfgsrilanka.co.uk
Author: Arthur Gajewski August 2024
