HELPLANKA UPDATE …….

Download the latest Update - 20th May 2008


The Helplanka Mobile Library which was funded and equipped by UK donors
and launched in 2007 in Sri Lanka has been sold without Helplanka's
permission. Despite our best efforts to prevent this from happening the
Sri Lankan authorities and Police were unable to take action. The UK
Charity Commission have been informed as has The Sri Lanka High
Commission in London. We are now unable to run our programmes in Sri
Lanka as all the equipment and books have also been stolen. We intend
to continue the other Helplanka programmes such as child sponsorship
and donations to schools but we are not hopeful of obtaining any
compensation or insurance for the losses incurred.

 

 
 
   
 

Successful Concert

After the very successful Independanz Concert in London where we raised £10,000 for the Helplanka Mobile Library, we are very pleased to announce that we have now purchased a Nissan Vehicle in Sri Lanka which will be fitted out with racks and be prepared for the first programmes in July.


Book Donations

UK libraries, schools and friends of Helplanka have donated over 1000 books which will be shipped out to Sri Lanka by our good friends at Glen Carriers. We are in negotiation with book suppliers in Sri Lanka to purchase discounted books in bulk and also distribute vouchers as part of the programme.

The Mobile Library Programme begins

The Mobile library will commence in the Galle area first and will visit all Helplanka existing projects including Batticaloa, if it safe to do so. If we can manage further projects inland - depending on funding - we will endeavor to reach as many children as possible who need educational resources.



So how have utilised the money you have donated?

Firstly we undertook one month of research to spec the vehicle and search for one and contacted as many people as possible in Sri Lanka to help. We have spent £6000 on purchasing a reconditioned vehicle – a large chunk of the budget. The remainder of the funds will be used for shipping the books, buying new books locally, staff wages and expenses for the driver and assistant as well as keeping money for repairs, new tyres, insurance, racking, diesel etc. Naturally, we intend to continue raising funds for the mobile library long term. If you are interested in more specific detail and want to see the plan and figures please email sam@helplanka.co.uk

Volunteers get involved

In July twenty-five sixth formers from Somerset, UK will take the mobile library for reading programmes to children in Sri Lanka as part of a volunteer programme run by Helplanka. We also hope to obtain the support of our partner charities operating in Sri Lanka and offering the service as a value add to their programmes. We want to share this valuable resource and thanks to all of you we have managed to fulfill a much needed requirement.

Thank you from Helplanka and the children of Sri Lanka!

Please also read - Project Outline