“The Elephant” of Fatima Boys' Home is an understanding for our foundation. This concrete slide, in the form of an elephant, was in front of the boys’ orphanage for many years. In recent years, this slide fell in decay and became broken. Because of the fact that our work started in Fatima Boys' Home, we consider the elephant as a symbol of our work. So time to realize a new elephant. During a visit of some members at the home in 2005, the children showed how a part of a playground was demolished to make way for a newly constructed part of the house. A big play elephant had always been the most popular item and was an excellent place to pose and make nice pictures. Many have a photo with children beside, on top and in front of the elephant as a reminder. The message was clear ..... the kids had to get a new elephant. We are glad it is possible to slide of a trunk again and have the opportunity to symbolize our relationship of almost 15 years in the home. With a wink to Sjaak! The founder of the foundation From Hand to Hand.
At Fatima Boys' Home, 55 boys with a variety of backgrounds (from tsunami victims, vagrants, until little criminals and orphans) are staying. Day in and day out a sister is doing her very best to give the boys a home and a better future, and that is not easy. A visit of our foundation is always a success, as Sister Mureen says: "The children are delighted by the visit of foreigners, it's a welcome break for their difficult lifes.” On July 2, Jan Heerkens and Edwin Somers visited Fatima Boys' Home. It was the first day of their visit to Sri Lanka 2007. The reception of more than 40 boys was overwhelming. The boys celebrated the visit of the "Uncles" as a fantastic party. We were the first to open the elephant slide. Fatima and the Foundation have a long history together. Here for our founder, the late Sjaak, it all began! The elephant in the garden was once the symbol of FBH: In memory of Sjaak and as a symbol of our ambition to continue the work we have restored the elephant. I was allowed to do the opening. After that a Sinhalese Children's carnival broke out. Dancing, wrestling, swinging, singing, magic and much more. An unforgettable experience on a very special place.
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