Kiwanis Club Seeks to expand in Sri Lanka

The Kiwanis Club is a society that works solely for the protection of children. Like similar clubs such as the Rotarians and Lions the Kiwanis Club works through its members to make a contribution to society but in the case of Kiwanis this contribution is focused on children.

Working throughout the world on projects to improve the lives of children the club is not an NGO but a cooperative society of members who share a common desire to help children, said the visiting Chairman of the Asia Pacific region Stewart Labrooy. The Kiwanis Club has been operating in Sri Lanka for 25 years through its Colombo chapter but despite undertaking significant projects such as the installation of intensive care facilities at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, the organization has kept a low profile.

However under the presidency of Mr. Daya Ratnayake the Club is looking to change that and add Kiwanis to the Sri Lankan vocabulary by establishing affiliated clubs throughout the country. The organization is seeking new members from any walk of life who are prepared to dedicate some of their time and effort to raising funds and carrying out projects for children.

The president said that membership was an opportunity for ordinary people rather than government officials or NGO staff to make a difference to the lives of children. He concluded his speech with Mahatma Gandhi’s famous words "If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."

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