Sri Lanka/Chilaw: The Peter Claver Institute for Mentally Handicapped Children, formerly the Peter Bachman Institute, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary

During our stay in Sri Lanka, we visited one of the PBF sustainable projects of the Peter Claver Institute for mentally handicapped children in Chilaw, Sri Lanka. It was formally launched 20 years ago with the help of PBF in a well-established building. Since then, the institute has grown to provide a wide range of services and support for mentally handicapped children in Sri Lanka. The anniversary celebration highlights the impact and progress made over the past two decades. They gave us a warm welcome and expressed gratitude for the PBF Foundation. We take pride in the sustainability of the project.

Until 2016, the institute was known as the Peter Bachmann Institute. PBF was responsible for the operation of management and all associated duties. In order to ensure the project’s sustainability, PBF management turned the institute over to Jesuits in 2016. Immediately, they changed the name into Peter Claver Institute. Peter Claver was a Jesuit missionary to South America who, in dedicating his life to the aid of enslaved Africans, earned the title of “apostle of the Negroes.” in the 17th century. They told us this name will help them generate funds for the operational costs. His activity and mission were in the line of PBF spirit. As long as the project continues and is sustainable, PBF supports the name.

Mr. Churchill, the director of the institution, reported that over 300 mentally challenged children have graduated in the past 20 years, with thirty students currently attending their class. The institution has active members like brothers of charities, parents, and board trustees. By the time we met 12 parents, nurses, and other members of the institute.

They thought that each child had unique skills and behaviors. Therefore, they need a holistic approach to learning and practicing their skills. The institution focuses on providing individualized care and education to help each child reach their full potential. The collaborative effort of all members involved has contributed to the success of the program over the years.

I had the opportunity to convey my message about the spirit of PBF. Differently abled children should be treated as subjects, like ourselves; they are not objects to be ordered and controlled. I believe it is important to acknowledge the abilities and talents that they have developed through their own paths.

Getachew Sale, PBF coordinator