Surangi talks about her experiences at an SOS Children’s Village

My name is Surangi and I am proud to say that I was and am a child of an SOS Children’s Village in Sri Lanka. All children need parents who love them, who can spend enough time talking to them, playing with them or just simply spending quality time. I believe a happy childhood is a precondition to a happy life. Would you agree with me that in order to have a happy life as grown-ups, Children need to live normal and healthy as a child? Regular and healthy eating, playing, a lot of sleep and plenty of love is essential.

Well, this is my story as I would like to share my childhood with you.When I was a baby, I wondered where my mother was…I wondered- here I am…I cannot express myself…. but suddenly, someone held me so tenderly, hugged me and held me very closely. I felt this person’s love and I felt wanted again…. I really did not know who she was...

I had a childhood filled with love and happiness lingering around me. I grew up in an environment where I had ample space to play, a lovely atmosphere, lots of children (my mother told me that they ALL are my brothers and sisters) and of course the extended uncles and aunts.

For once, Wow!! How lucky I am to be a part of a very big family!

I had the enthusiasm to study, I loved going to school. I was very keen on my studies and therefore, I got through with the grade five scholarship examination and got an opportunity to attend the top-most school in Sri Lanka. That is Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya. Apart from my studies, I took part in athletics and became the school sports champion for three consecutive years.

The school life was totally different from the life at home. I got to meet various children with different backgrounds. I obtained a huge amount of experience in associating with them. I still recall my best friend Marina, who taught me to speak in English. We had lots of fun. Those memories will never fade away.

I got through the General Certificate of Examination, thereafter a scholarship was awarded to me to follow a three month English Course at the Cambridge Academy of English in England. I could not possibly believe my luck. It was another turning point in my life. I enjoyed myself a lot during this course.

I completed my Advanced Level Examination in the commerce stream. After studies I was employed at the Hilton hotel in Colombo for some time.

When I was 21 years old, I got married. Today I have two lovely daughters, a loving husband, and a house of my own too.

My SOS mother is retired now and she is living with me! A huge “Thank You” is not enough for my beloved mother, who was behind me like a shadow. She is the pillar behind my success today.

And not to forget my loving home, SOS Children’s Village which provided a good start to my happy life today. Thank you SOS!

Your support transformed Surangi’s life. Many more children are still waiting under the wings