AFFILIATE PROJECTS
Friends of Needy Children Association (FONCA)
FONCA is a registered Non-Governmental Organization which was established in 1991 by a group of persons from Sri Lanka. It has no political, religious, racial bias or affiliations. The mandate of FONCA is, very simply to ‘Brighten the lives of children committed to institutional care in Sri Lanka.’
Sadly, thousands of children in Sri Lanka find themselves in institutions for a variety of reasons. Some have been abandoned at birth, others have lost one or both parents while some have parents who do not have the financial means to care for them. Government grants and support from charitable organizations, religious institutions and well-wishers enable these ‘homes’ to provide children with the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.
However, any form of enhancement activities, which children enjoying normal family life take for granted, are beyond the budgets of these child care homes. All members of FONCA work on a voluntary basis and therefore establishment and administrative cost is minimal. Transport cost too is met by members enabling approximately 99% of financial donations received being used to fulfill its mandate.
FONCA cares for approximately 50 orphanages located around Sri Lanka and supports the management of these homes in many ways. These include the meeting of certain infrastructural needs at the homes, provision of sports/music equipment, mosquito nets, linen, first-aid kits, crockery and also educational scholarships for orphans embarking on tertiary education.
The highlight of the FONCA calendar is the Annual Holiday Camp for institutionalized children where the children are given a week long holiday which includes visits to places of cultural and historical interest, organized sports and entertainment activities, knowledge quizzes and concerts.
FONCA depends on the generosity of donors to make their work a reality. They ensure accountability of any donations made and encourage donors to keep in contact with the homes, or children they support.
Island Adventures hopes to facilitate support for FONCA initiatives through our commitment and drive towards Responsible Tourism.
