Nirosha Damayanthi

I couldn’t have asked for a better place and a better community than MJF Centre to do my job while taking care of my children. The Centre has given my 3 children a fun and fulfilling life filled with enriching experiences. I truly appreciate Merrill J. Fernando for his efforts in establishing a facility like this that supports vulnerable families like us every step of the way.

Once I asked my son –– who was 9 at that time whether my job as a Janitor made him uncomfortable or brought him shame. I received a reply that hit me right in the feels. He told me that “When Abraham Lincoln became the President of America, his father was an illiterate shoemaker. Lincoln took pride in what his father did because it was a dignified job. So why should I be ashamed of what mum does?” At that moment I knew that I had raised my children right. My sons and two daughters did not have the comforts & the ease of life that most of the middle-class children of their age would enjoy. But I was able to give them a solid upbringing and instilled in them good values like treating others with respect and kindness. My husband is a Floor Tile Installer. As a family of 5, there was a time we struggled to live on a meagre income. So I decided to find a job that would help sustain the financial stability in our life. I am beyond blessed that I have no complaints about my job.

My children are my strength. I can see their future being forged in this Centre through the work they do. The programmes offered here help children to realize their fullest potential in a nurturing environment in which they can grow, learn and thrive. They get the exposure and the opportunities to participate in a variety of activities which encourage them to be well-rounded, empathetic, environmentally aware and artistically creative young individuals.