Message from the Founder/Director (Rev. Dr. David V. Patrick OMI)
More than ever before, the deteriorating state of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts in the Northern Province is on the increase both economically and spiritually. The use of alcohol and drugs at present is at its peak affecting acutely the children (school drop outs, malnutrition, lack of interest in studies, etc.), the youth (unemployment, access to drugs, gang violence, suicide, social disturbance, etc.) and the families (domestic violence, family separation, divorce, etc.). Finding new avenues and strategies to wipe out alcoholism and drug addiction is the urgent need of our time. Getting support at all levels creating a sustainable network among the social leaders, political leaders, religious leaders, parents and elite are urgent and immediate. The 11 targeted villages at Mulaitivu district, 11 located villages at Kilinochchi district and 11targeted villages at Jaffna district have been our immediate concern during the last three years. The needs are grave during this Coved 19 period calling attention to immediate action. Our year plan for 2021 concentrates on psychosocial empowerments of students, youth and widows and single headed families
Affiliation to Oblate province of Jaffna
At present, our mission is accepted and approved by the Provincial council of Jaffna Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as an Oblate undertaking. The charism of our Founder St. Eugene de Mazenod is broadly brought forth in the constitutions of Change Charitable Trust. Our special concern for the new poor, the young drug addicts goes well with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Congregation. Their basic need for transformation cannot be overlooked since they lead to further deterioration of humanity. Hence, we have to create network so as to combat social evils establishing equity, tranquility, transitional justice and democratic government.
In collaboration with the Oblates, we are broadening our mission from Jaffna diocese, Mannar diocese, to Trinco diocese, Batticaloa diocese, Badulla diocese, Ratnapura diocese and Galle diocese. Our unlimited and unconditional services reaching many more people all over Sri Lanka without any form of discrimination are favourably attended.
Our involvement
We are involved with care of students, youth guidance, family reunion and strengthening, social transformation and elders’ care. We attempt to maximize the inner potencies of the weakened people motivating them to grow physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually.
The teams involved in this mission are highly motivated to maximize resources to build our entire nation to flourish in making our people self-reliant, spiritually well-fed respecting human values. The other- at centered positive approach to solving humanitarian problems is adopted.
CCT obtains regular support from the Mental Health Unit of Jaffna General Hospital and Kuruntham at Chavakatcheri, in addition to the weekly visits of Dr. S. Sivathas, the veteran psychiatrist.
The process of recovery
The path of recovery is never exactly the same for two persons. Process of recovery is slow and takes much time. The approach is quite personal and altruistic. Person to person relationship is established. Poverty-stricken people are to be assisted substantially taking personal initiative. Being tuned to think positively, the affected persons must become aware that they are agents of their healing concentrating on personal healing.
However, anyone looking to find out about rehabilitation and recovery either for themselves or for others will recognize a few steps towards healing;
A few steps towards healing:
1. Identification, selection & accompaniment
2. Seeking individual, family and group counseling
3. Medical, psychosocial treatment
4. Regular intake of food and nutrition
5. Relaxation
6. Group formation (AA groups, experiential sharing, and team spirit)
7. Meditation & group prayers
8. Psycho-spiritual-encounter camps.
Prevention programs:
1. Psycho-social awareness programs at village level & at school level
2. Field visits & inter-village interventions
3. Youth vocational guidance & self-help opportunities to youth.
Finally, permit me to express my sentiments of thanks and gratitude to Rt. Revd. Dr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam, the Bishop of Jaffna diocese, Very Revd. Fr. Eugene Benedict omi, Oblate Provincial Superior for their collaborative support in our mission and for felicitations as well as to Mr. Antony Callis, Country Coordinator ZOA and EU for coming forward to render financial assistance for the last three years as partner organizations to launch in project towards the rehabilitation of addicts and the strategic prevention of alcoholic and drug addiction in the selected villages of Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu, Mannar districts in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. I also express my sincere thanks to Dr. S. Sivathas, psychiatrist, Very Rev. Fr. P.J. Jebaratnam Vicar General of the Jaffna diocese, Rev. Dr. S.J. Emmanuel, Rev. Fr. Prabu, Sal., Mr. S. Emilianspillai program consultant, Dr. K. Kajawinthan, Mr. Yugendra, Mr. S. Ronney guy, Mrs. Eyangelin, counselor, Mr. Ranchan, Mr. Indiran, Mr. Saktheeswaran, the Mullaitivu coordinator, Mr. D.R. Jerin, Kilinochchi coordinator, and Mr. P. Soosaithasan, the program assistant for their continuous valuable support in implementing this project.
Thank you.
God bless you all.
Rev.Dr. Fr. David V. Patrick, OMI