What - Prithipura Homes 
Where - Prithipura Communities - Prithipura Infants Home, Beach Road, Hendala, Wattala - 11300, Sri Lanka 
When - Everyday 
Who - Katherine and Pieter 

This week on WTF, we take a trip to a place which is full of smiles. I worked on a project called “Hundred for the Hundreds” with my Foundation DIF, and got a chance to visit this place where you will feel your troubles disappear. We live in a world where people are never happy with anything, but here, these kids find joy in a simple hug you give them. 

“Prithipura Communities” was founded in 1964 by the late Dr. Bryan de Kretser. Initially Bryan and a helper cared for two children with severe disabilities at what is now known as the “Prithipura Infants Home.” 

Due to poverty and difficult family circumstances, babies and children with disabilities were frequently abandoned by their families in hospitals. Bryan took on the mission to support these children; some of the most vulnerable in Sri Lanka who required intensive support. 

Over fifty years later, “Prithipura Communities” now operate from four locations and support two hundred and forty children and adults with disabilities with specialist care, education, vocational training and work opportunities. 

Babies and pre-school children, as well as children or adults with severe disabilities reside at the Infant Home where they receive intensive care, therapy and general support by dedicated staff and volunteers. And these caretakers are seen as mothers by these kids and you see the true and honest love that grows between them. 

While I was there, I met Dinu who came from an orphanage for single mothers. As she has Down’s Syndrome, no one wanted to adopt her and the orphanage asked the “Prithipura Home” to support her. She is just too cute and didn’t want to move away from me! 

Someone who still remembers me from my last visit, Katherine and Pieter’s adopted daughter, who was on her way to a party, popped by just to say ‘hi’. Rehara, who is now 10 years old, has Down’s Syndrome. She has been at Prithipura since she was less than a month old. She has limited contact with her birth family who visit twice a year but feel unable to care for her full-time. But she has found one loving home for herself. 

Then I moved to see the workshop, which helps some of them with the money they make at the shop. They supply to places like Barefoot. 

Sumithra, Padma, Chandrani, Kamani are all women with learning disabilities who grew up or were educated at “Prithipura”. They have developed very good skills and are able to be somewhat independent. However, they would struggle to live independently without support as they live at the home. Barefoot provides the raw materials and the women receive the profit from the rugs they make. They are helped to manage their finances and are able to buy what they like with the money they make from the work they do. Sumithra has even bought a gold chain with the money she earned. 

Finally I spoke to the two who are behind this very selfless effort and that’s Katherine and Pieter. “We employ around 60 people across our four locations all of whom go above and beyond their call of duty. They really are ‘parents’ for those who live with us and develop positive relationships. Unfortunately, finding funding for salaries is always difficult. And any support will be a great help,” they said. 

It’s a great place to go visit - all what they need is a little love! So if and when you have time, do drop by. 

For more details: 

Phone: 0094 11 2 930 635 
Fax: 0094 11 2 945 247 
www.prithipura.org 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrithiCom 

For more photographs, click here. 

Watch the video below: 

Today on WTF 

Hair and makeup by Capello Saloon 
Video and photographs by Kings Co. 
Creative Partner - You're My Favorite 
Transport Partner - PickMe 
Outfit - Jump