For the final blog from the Sri Lanka 2025 team, we would like to share a few signs and scenes probably not seen too often in Southern Ontario (or Canada for that matter)!
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
The last child received his gift of a bedkit from one of Sleeping Children Around The World’s generous donors. A better night’s sleep is guaranteed. Tomorrow, sadly, we will see no more children, but we do have an opportunity to see where some of the bedkit items are produced.
We visited three manufacturers who produce the t-shirts and pyjamas, the re-usable carrying bag, and the pillow. The t-shirts and pyjamas are made by a group of twelve women, working with very modern sewing machines. They are brought to work by the company van since all live locally. Some women were already trained before starting here, others were trained on the job. The business has been operating for 15 years, starting in a small way inside the home, eventually expanding to the current sewing centre.
The reusable carry bags are a product of a cottage industry, 7,000 bags were made in three weeks by three ladies using re-built industrial sewing machines. In previous years this company has also supplied the schoolbags for the SCAW distribution.
All 7,000 pillows are made in a small cottage industry by three industrious women. The pillows are hand-stuffed with shredded material.
SCAW is very grateful to their Overseas Volunteer Partners for their diligence in seeking out reliable, conscientious suppliers for the bedkit items, ensuring that donated dollars are wisely spent.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Today we traveled from Kandy to Columbo which was a fairly long trip broken up by numerous exciting distractions. A big surprise was seeing a lady with three porcupines on leashes like dogs. She was very unhappy when we were taking photos as this was her way of making a living so naturally we contributed.
The main event was visiting the Pinnawala elephant orphanage which we all loved. We even got to feed and touch the elephants.
It is quite the heart-warming place, especially when we were able to watch them go to the river and swim and bathe.
The youngsters love to frolic like young children, splashing and rolling in the water. Many of the elephants have been injured and are unable to survive in the wild while others are released when possible.
If you'd like more information Google the Pinnawala elephant orphanage.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Team Sri Lanka is in Kandy today enjoying a free day!
Our overseas partners are doing a wonderful job of teaching us some history and showing us some of the cultural aspects of this wonderful country. What a privilege it is to be here.
We visited the temple of the tooth and saw preparations for the festival in 10 days (including bathing the elephants)!
We went to a batik factory and learned about the process and also saw a cultural dance show.
Tomorrow the distribution continues.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
What to say about today's adventures?! We were in Bibile today and handed out 800 bedkits to 800 enthusiastic children! We were greeted by a marching band that led up through an archway the children had made by hand.
Next came the speeches and our national anthem to which we learned there are more verses than I knew existed!
The dances . . . unless you are there, there are no words to describe how incredibly talented these young ladies and gentlemen are.
Next, a choir of boys sang “Take me Home Country Roads” which we joined in singing. We learned later that they had won first place in a competition with this song. They were amazing!
Then we were onto pictures and handing out bedkits! It was another day of big smiles and thank yous!
On to the next one!
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
We completed our third distribution in the Ampara district today and were warmly greeted by the community with floral leis, a traditional dance, and invited to light a welcome lamp. The act of lighting lamps is seen as a way to invite good fortune and blessings and signifies a warm and heartfelt welcome.
We delivered 530 bedkits to children that had been bused in from the surrounding areas, many making a two and a half hour bus trip to get here.
Our OVPs had the site set up for a well-organized distribution and with help from Prefects at the school all 530 bedkits were distributed.
It was quite a challenge for the overseas partners to coordinate everything. The buses were staggered in such a way that there weren't a lot of children waiting in the heat, and we had lots of young people helping to carry the bedkits out with the children. Our volunteers were a wonderful help, as always. These young rotarians are an inspiration as they are so energetic and also good with the children.
On the way back we made a surprising visit to what used to be the dump, and what did we find? Wild elephants. Rather like the bears in Canada, elephants eat whatever they can find, but unfortunately consume plastic bags as well. This is a huge concern because the bags do pass through the system. They are very smart and will break through electric fences by pushing trees over the wires to get where they want to go. Everyone was very excited to see them.
For tranquillity we visited the most amazing temple that was built up so high that you looked over the whole area. The view was incredible and words cannot describe the feeling of peace there.
We were honoured to have the opportunity to visit. Thank you to the overseas team for this experience. We say good bye to the Rotarians in Ampara and look forward to travelling to Bibile for the distribution tomorrow.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Greetings from Ampara, Sri Lanka
Today we completed the delivery of 1000 bedkits. Ampara is a central hub for the eastern region of Sri Lanka.
At our distribution today, we delivered kits to children coming from many rural schools. Over the two day period in Ampara we met children from 26 rural schools, including one from a local Muslim community.
We had terrific support from the local Rotary Club members including youth members, Poojani and Methmi.
Additionally, we continue to have great help from Indika, Heshan, Rashan and Sudarshan, representing the local footwear company, to deliver a new pair of shoes to each child.
The warm and humid climate of Sri Lanka can be challenging at times but the smiles of these beautiful children continue to bring us energy and joy!
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
It’s hard to believe and somewhat bittersweet as we journey back to our hotel that 7000 children in Tanzania will be sleeping peacefully thanks to all our Sleeping Children donors.
For Mama and her Upendo team it means that a grand total of 135500 children over the past 25 years have received a bedkit. Wow!!
It has been a blessing to spend the last two weeks as part the of Team Tanzania, 2025 because “teamwork certainly made this dream work!”
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
It was a slow start to our day as the school was not as prepared as the rest of the schools on this trip!!! But even with a chaotic start it was a smooth day of distributing 700 bedkits to the children all thanks to Mama Wandoa, her volunteers and our SCAW team of 8!! By day 9 we are a well-oiled machine and each volunteer has their role for the day and the execution is flawless!!! This team is all about being flexible and if someone needs a break or is needed for a meeting with a parent or headmaster the rest of us help out and pick up where needed!!! One more day, one last distribution, 700 more happy children and our trip will be complete!!
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
We completed our 5th distribution today and delivered 500 bedkits at Bandagiriya P.S, Hambantota. We could feel the community’s excitement as soon as we arrived.
Our OVPs did a great job organizing the site creating an efficient process for the children to receive the items in the bedkit. Members of the Rotary Club of Kolonnawa joined the distribution and their assistance was greatly appreciated.
After the distribution our OVPs organized lunch with a visit to a local juice company where we learned how the business began with an idea to process sour sops, a local organically grown fruit, and quickly grew. The company produces many varieties of fruit juices, carbonated beverages, dehydrated fruit and wine, all made with locally organically grown fruit purchased from local farmers. The company has been recognized for their commitment in uplifting rural farming communities.
The team then drove across to the island to the East coast and look forward to starting distributions there tomorrow.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
This morning the air carried the sound of the school bell ringing - but it wasn’t a bell at all. It was a rusty tire rim hanging from a tree. Resourceful, and quite effective!
The teachers of Tanzania are true heroes. They manage large classes with limited resources, yet bring boundless energy and deep care to their students.
We heard many heartwarming stories: teachers giving from their own pockets - food, uniforms, supplies - for children whose families cannot afford them. Some even volunteer while waiting for paid positions, still showing up every day with dedication.
Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a labor of love. And here in Tanzania, that’s more evident than ever. Asante sana, teachers. Thank you for being the hands that shape the future.
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Today we were greeted by golden dancers and beautiful smiles.
We completed a morning distribution of 500 bedkits and an afternoon distribution of 500 bedkits as well.
Excited children were laughing and grinning while waiting patiently for their turn to have their picture taken and receive their bedkit. During the interview, which was my job today, parents were so very grateful for everything. When asked the question if there is anything we could add to help out a little more, they couldn't answer. It's more than we have ever had, so how do we ask for more, was the general answer. We managed to talk to the principals of one of the school whose only suggestion was, colored pencils are nice but regular pencils would be more practical. The best part of the day, for me, was the reaction of one of the older girls. As I handed her her bag she was surprised by its weight and she looked at me with a big smile and said ooooohhhhhhhh!
We finished the day hot and tired but ready and eager to do it all again tomorrow!
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Day 7 – Mikwambe S/M
We started today at the leisurely hour of 8:00 a.m. and even had time for a second cup of coffee! We drove to the site where, as usual, the volunteers had everything done. There were another 700 bedkits ready to distribute.
The camera crew had to make a hasty retreat to a classroom when the rain came. This was no problem, because the volunteers had it covered asap. The classroom needed some cleaning before pictures and SCAW volunteer Nancy Loveless came to the rescue with a broom.
Thanks to our driver Abasi who volunteers his time, when not behind the wheel, helping to organize the children for the pictures.
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Today’s distribution took us to Chekeni Mwasonga, about an hour outside the city. We were struck by the school’s community - despite an average of 82 students per class, the connection between the parents and the school is carefully fostered by the headmaster.
Before the distribution began, the parents gathered and listened attentively as Benjamin and our team explained what their children would be receiving in the bedkits. As Benjamin translated into Swahili, the team displayed the items, Teegan modeled the kanga and backpack, and demonstrated the mattress carried on the head - a common practice here. The parents responded with joyful cheers and waves of gratitude.
This school also includes a thoughtful follow-up component; every Friday, teachers conduct home visits to check in on the families of children who received bedkits. After a previous distribution here in 2023, teachers confirmed that the bedkits were being used as intended, including proper use of the mosquito nets.
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
July 20th
Today was our first day in beautiful Sri Lanka. It started with a team meeting with our wonderful in-country partners, the rotarians of Kelaniya.
What a wonderful adventure we will be on. The rest of the day we travelled south through lush countryside with a stop at the most southern tip of Sri Lanka.
We can’t wait to see the children tomorrow.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Sri Lanka, 2025: July 21
Beliatta, Sri Lanka
Our first distribution was today and we successfully delivered 1200 bedkits!
We were welcomed with a special ceremony last night at our hotel and we continued to feel the warm embrace of Sri Lanka as we began the day with our wonderful Rotary partners.
Floral tributes, marching bands and beautifully costumed dancers celebrated the arrival of the volunteers and made it a truly special day!
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
We have arrived!
This has to be one of the best on-arrival greetings we have ever had. This trio met us right at the exit ramp from the plane, guided us through immigration, and on to baggage claim, making sure we had all our luggage. Zero problems with the arrival card. Many thanks to the Rotary Club of Kelaniya for easing our entry into Sri Lanka.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Today the team was able to enjoy a day off. We took in a little Tanzanian culture and history with a quick plane ride to Zanzibar. How lucky were we to enjoy this incredible sunrise as we stepped off the plane.
We were met at the airport by our guide for the day - Mady. He took us to our first stop which was the Jambo Spice Farm where we were greeted by Doula. Doula informed us that there are over 30 spice farms in Zanzibar.
He then took us through the farm when we encountered over 20 different spices including lemongrass, vanilla, coffee, cacao and of course cinnamon - known as the Queen of Spices and cloves known as the King of Spices! Doula even made us some new jewelry.
And who knew that empty coconuts are used to fertilize new growth?!
We then had an amazing lunch of the local fare before we departed to ”Stonetown” where the slaves were encased. It is a town built all of stone with no cars and of course it is the birthplace of Freddy Mercury!
We are back at it tomorrow with another 700 bedkits to distribute as we complete the last half of the total of 7000 bedkits in Tanzania!
Lala Salama!! 🛌
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Pre-Arrival
Team Sri Lanka is ready for take-off and eager for the busy distribution ahead. We are looking forward to working with our partners, the Rotary Club of Kelaniya. Stay tuned.
Team Sri Lanka, 2025
Rotary Club of Kelaniya 🇱🇰 + SCAW 🇨🇦
We had a wonderful day at Vikindu Technical College. It was a lovely site with plenty of shady tress and very pleasant weather.
It was a busy site with lots of activity and even a few monkeys. We used the mattresses today to build a backdrop for our 132 pictures.
Unfortunately, we ran into some terrible weekend traffic so it took 4 hours to get back to the hotel, a trip that would normally take 1.5 hours. Just another day in Tanzania . . . .
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦
Today we travelled to Mgagala Annex school to begin Day Four of our distributions. As we arrived we saw all the volunteers from Upendo working hard to unload the 700 backpacks and mattresses from trucks and vehicles.
In the middle of the unloading was Mama Wandoa carefully watching every detail and counting. She started counting at around 5 a.m. at her home making sure every backpack was accounted for and placed in the right vehicle. She has a system. It is marking everything in groups of fives. Every time a helper walks by her and has five articles they say tano (5) and she tracks it on her clipboard. Her careful attention to detail makes for a very successful distribution.
During our day SCAW and all the volunteers count children, pictures, labels, mattresses, backpacks and at the end of the day we celebrate that 700 children are going home to have a better sleep.
It all begins with tano, a small number that grows to amazing joy for the children.
Tonight we count our blessings. What a wonderful day.
Team Tanzania, 2025
Upendo 🇹🇿 + SCAW 🇨🇦