We discovered Wattegama girls home in 2006, -a dark and crumbling colonial-era structure on the jungle outskirts of the village, inadequately furnished, devoid of running water most of the year, inhabited by 40 remarkable children whose incredible spirit was maintained only by the love they gave each other.  It has been our commitment to improve the emotional, physical, and educational welfare of this particular group of children, to affect their present plight and future prospects.

Education - Initially finding that the brightness of these children was not reflected in their academic performance, our educational efforts resulted in a record number of children passing their "Ordinary Level" (11th grade) exams and proceeding to "Advanced Level" studies.

Transitional/Independent Living - For our older children who have qualified for A/L studies, OSI has provided for their transition out of the Wattegama orphanage and into private boarding, A/L school enrollment, and tutoring.  For non-A/L prospects, OSI is providing private boarding and vocational training, and respectable job prospects that will allow them some control over their destinies.  For all of our young people in our transitional program, OSI is providing counseling, budgeting, and independent living guidance all along the way.

Projects - OSI has accomplished numerous major projects for our Wattegama children:

	Running Water for Thilini's Home May 2011 Connection and materials to equip Thilini's home with running water...		Thilini's Home February 2009 New home for our little Thilini's family...
	Orphanage Interior Restoration January-July 2008 Major restoration of interior of the 140-year-old Wattegama home...		New Furnishings August 2006 - April 2007 Complete refurnishing of children's dormatory rooms at Wattegama home...
	New Bathrooms and Showers January - April 2007 Construction of shower facility and reconstruction of water closets at Wattegama home...		Academic Residence April 2008 Residence/Study room at Wattegama home for our oldest children studying for their final exams...
	Orphanage Water Line August 2007 Establishment of a water supply to Wattegama home...		Eye/Vision Examinations January 2008 Complimentary eye exams and follow-up care for every child in our homes, from IRIS Asia...

Geography

	More Maps - See more maps of Sri Lanka and of the Wattegama local...
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