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I believe that the Hemas Group was the The preschool too was fully operational and it was honoured by a visit from many
th
first to venture into overcrowded Menik dignitaries including the 8 Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon,
who served from 2007 to 2016. Coincidentally, on many occasions he had said: "I
Farm where not only adults but also grew up in war and saw the United Nations help my country to recover and rebuild.
That experience was a big part of what led me to pursue a career in public service.
children were struggling to find their As Secretary-General, I am determined to see this Organization deliver tangible,
own space and some privacy. Displaced meaningful results that advance peace, development and human rights."
teachers within Menik Farm were In a similar sense, in its own way, the Hemas Group which never “took possession”
of what it was contributing for a national cause through branding or advertising,
mobilized and given a refresher training was also making efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected by conflict. It had
and we set up 4 preschools and a small taken on the role of a bridge-builder, while also giving a voice to the poorest and most
vulnerable.
playground which went a long way in By this time, the estimated numbers at Menik Farm had swelled beyond 280,000 in 7
helping the children. This was even before zones.
schools began functioning for the bigger The very first preschool in Menik Farm set up in Kadirgamar Village in Zone 1 had
children. unprecedented numbers – around 10,000 little ones coming on a roster basis from 8
a.m. to 8 p.m., enjoying a few pleasures of childhood amidst the heat, dirt and dust.
The play area was in Zone 7, while there were many Child Friendly Zones in other
Yamuna Perera
Then Director of the Children’s Secretariat areas. With play in the sellam midula, smiles wreathed the faces of the children once
again.
This special focus on little children continued from 2009 to 2011 until the people within
Menik Farm were provided land for relocation to start life anew.
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