Srilanka. VAROD (Vanni Rehabilitation Organization for the Differently-Abled) which is a Claretian Response in the post-conflict situation in Srilanka, opened its new office in Selvapuram, Murikandy.
The Office was opened by Rev. Fr. Mathew Vatamattam CMF- the General Prefect of Formation of the Claretians on the 8th of Feb, 2012. Rev. Fr. Stefan Wolf CMF- The Claretian Provincial of the Province of Germany blessed the building. The event was held in the presence of Rev. Fr. Joy Mariaratnam CMF- the Delegate Superior of the Claretian Srilankan Delegation, Rev. Fr. Albert J Arulraja CMF- The Executive Director of VAROD, Rev. Fr. Ronald Sujeevan CMF- the Assistant Director, the Voluntary CBR staff in the field and few Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The new office will be a sub-unit of the Main Office in Vavuniya and it will strengthen the CBR work in the districts of Kilinochchi & Mullaittivu. It has got a physiotherapy unit, two district offices and a hall for classes. The center is built with the support of MANOS UNIDAS which has been supporting our CBR progarmme in the district of Kilinochchi.
(VAROD), focusses on the rehabilitation and the empowerment of the Persons with different disabilities (PWDs) through the different ways possible in the current situation of this country. Though the inspiration for the empowerment of the PWDs is received from 14 years of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Programme of KAROD (Killinochchi Rehabilitation Organization for the Differently Disabled) during the conflict period, the present mode of functioning is adopted as a response to the post-conflict reality in Vanni- Region which covers the three districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu & Vavuniya. Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Rayappu Joseph, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mannar welcomed our idea and has been supportive of our apostolate.
Till now, VAROD has been implementing programmes from the Office in Pamabimadhu, Vavuniya. It has been implementing the CBR programmes in all the three districts having the rehabilitation center “VAROD Life” in Pamabaimadhu, Vavuniya, in the two Centers for the Boys & Girls with mental & physical disabilities. Advocacy, Sponsorship programmes and staff empowerments are other concerns of VAROD. In spite of the challenging current socio-political-economical situation, VAROD has tried its best to give witness to God’s love to the needy.
In the entire three districts, nearly 5’000 PWDs are covered by the CBR programme. Many of them are being supported through medical, educational and livelihood rehabilitation programs. In the Amalamarial Vidivelly Boys’ & Claret Arunothayam Girls’ centers so far 90 persons have benefitted and now 47 are at the residence. In the VAROD Life Rehabilitation Center nearly 150 persons were taken care of. At the moment 41 persons receive residential support which includes medical care, education and vocational training. The physiotherapy unit has been a great help for the residents and the nearby people.
VAROD is also a shared mission. Two Holy Family sisters are assisting in taking care of the Girls’ Center and its programme. One Holy Cross sister assists in the nursing work in the Rehabilitation Center. The “Amaithithendral” the Oblate counseling team assists in counseling and group works.
