While on holiday in Sri Lanka, our member and Past President, Bruce McEwen, and his tour group had the opportunity to visit the Hatton tea gardens — a region known for its lush plantations and hardworking tea-picking communities. During the visit, Bruce met with children involved in a local initiative operated by Wings of Hope, an in-country partner of MUKTI Australia.
The project, known as the Child Assistance Programme, supports the children of tea pickers by addressing their educational and wellbeing needs. It was during this visit that a concerning issue came to light: around 80% of the 200 children in the program were suffering from vision difficulties. These problems stem largely from inadequate lighting in homes and classrooms, as well as nutritional deficiencies — both common challenges in these rural communities.
Upon hearing this, our club felt compelled to act. We are proud to share that we have provided financial support of $3,220 to assist in the purchase of necessary eyewear for affected children, as well as some parents and staff members. An optometrist has also generously volunteered to conduct the vision testing, ensuring that each child receives the correct prescription and care.
Improving vision is more than just providing glasses — it's about giving these children a better chance to succeed in school, stay engaged, and build a brighter future.
We thank Wings of Hope, MUKTI Australia, and all involved for their tireless efforts in supporting these communities — and we are proud to play a small part in this meaningful work.
