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What is a Children's Development home?
A Children’s Development Home (CDH) serves as a sanctuary for children who, while not necessarily orphaned, find themselves in situations where their parents are unable or unwilling to care for them adequately. These homes provide a nurturing and secure environment for children who come from broken families or who have been left behind due to severe economic hardship. In Sri Lanka’s Western province alone, there are more than 80 such CDHs dedicated to the welfare of these children.
Operated by various religious organizations, including Buddhist, Christian, and Catholic groups, these homes welcome children irrespective of their background, ensuring that they are cared for without bias based on caste, creed, or religion. Children may end up in these homes either because their parents are unable to provide for them or due to legal rulings that determine alternative care arrangements.
It’s concerning that there are only a few children’s homes in Sri Lanka that cater to Islamic backgrounds, leading to a situation where many Muslim children reside in homes affiliated with other faiths. As a result, these children may grow up without a proper understanding of their own religious heritage. This underscores the importance of ensuring that children in care receive appropriate religious education and cultural upbringing consistent with their backgrounds.
In summary, Children’s Development Homes play a vital role in providing a supportive environment for children in need, regardless of their religious or cultural affiliations. However, efforts should be made to ensure that children from all religious backgrounds have access to homes that can provide them with a nurturing environment aligned with their beliefs and cultural heritage.
Operations of a Children’s Development Home
Staring up Yathama Al Arkam was not an easy feat. The association had to qualify to the standards and requirements of the Department of Childcare and Welfare which included the registering of the association with the relevant government department and be certified as a “Lama niwasa” or Children’s Development Home.
Al Arkam- Current Operation
Al Arkam Islamic Welfare Association has made significant strides since its inception. Evolving into an established organization, we now offer comprehensive support to underprivileged children, encompassing Islamic education as well as formal academic training. With a dedicated staff of 10, we have transitioned from operating in rented premises with temporary accommodations to owning our own facility.
On December 3, 2011, we celebrated a milestone as we relocated to our permanent location, providing a stable home for over 25 children under our care. Our commitment to gender-specific care is reflected in separate housing facilities for boys and girls.
Despite our progress, the demand to admit more children into Al Arkam remains pressing. Recognizing the need to expand our capacity and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, we have undertaken immediate measures to accommodate additional children. Our expansion plans aim to provide enhanced facilities and meet the growing needs of the children entrusted to our care.
"Our mission at the Muslim Child Development Center is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment grounded in Islamic principles, where every child can flourish intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Through holistic education, compassionate care, and community engagement, we aim to empower Muslim children to become confident, compassionate, and contributing members of society, grounded in their faith and committed to serving humanity. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, ensuring that each child reaches their full potential and embraces their identity with pride and purpose."
"Our vision at the Al Arkam Child Development Center is to create a world where every Muslim child grows up in a nurturing environment that celebrates their faith, fosters their potential, and empowers them to positively impact their communities. We envision a society where Islamic values of compassion, integrity, and justice guide every aspect of a child's upbringing, leading to a generation of confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals who contribute to building a more harmonious and equitable world. Through our holistic approach to education, care, and community engagement, we aspire to be a beacon of excellence in Islamic child development, inspiring hope and creating opportunities for every child to thrive and fulfill their God-given potential."
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President's Message
M.M. Isfahan Founder and President
Bismil-laahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem (In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, Most Merciful) As the founder, I am happy to pen a few words about the Arkam Children’s Development Home which I initially started with 5 children. The need to start such an institution was stemmed from a casual conversation I initially had with the current Deputy President, Mr Abdul Rahman Baj and subsequently, with the current board members and the well known Muslims of Athulugama when we were in the Inamul Hassan Arabic College, Athulugama. Since then, with the tremendous support of the present Board and prominent Muslim members of Bandaragama, Athulugama, we have managed to establish this institution.
Our mission is not only to give them food and clothing but also to provide a good home with an Islamic environment. Providing them with a sound education to secure a good future and gain confidence when the time comes for them to face this world on their own, is also a part of our plan. But above all our greatest happiness is to treat and support them like our own children. Every child deserves the right to a good home and education. To achieve this, it is only possible with the commitment of dedicated staff who can deliver community based services to these children.
For more than four years we operated from a rented premises. Alhamdulillah, with the help of donors we have now moved into our own premises and the new children home complex is currently under construction.
I wish to thank all the donors and well-wishers for their generosity and shall appreciate your continuous support towards this worthy cause. Inshaallah, our aim in the future is to take in more needy children and give them a better life so that they can be dutiful citizens while preserving their Islamic upbringing. . Nothing is possible without the help of Almighty Allah to whom we are very thankful and I am really glad that I got this opportunity to do so. We pray that Allah will guide us and give us His blessings to continue on this path
basic requirement and standards
The need for a Muslim Child Development Center which led to the start of Al Arkam.
The need for children’s homes rooted in Islamic principles becomes increasingly apparent when considering the plight of Muslim children growing up in environments where their religious identity may not be nurtured adequately. A recent initiative highlights this necessity: prompted by a non-Muslim individual’s invitation to visit a Children’s Development Home (CDH) under their care, where it was disheartening to witness Muslim children engaging in religious practices not aligned with their faith.
During the visit, it was observed that a young Muslim girl was leading prayers, which underscored the urgency of providing children with an environment that fosters their Islamic upbringing. Recognizing this need, the founder of Al Arkam stepped forward to establish a Children’s Development Home based on Islamic principles. The initiative garnered support from the local community, with villagers actively contributing to its establishment.
Al Arkam Children’s Development Home was officially founded on January 26, 2009, with an initial intake of five children. This new endeavor aims to provide a nurturing environment where Muslim children can grow up with a strong foundation in their faith and cultural heritage, ensuring that their religious identity is respected and upheld from a young age.
d community engagement, we aim to empower Muslim children to become confident, compassionate, and contributing members of society, grounded in their faith and committed to serving humanity. We are dedicated to fostering a cultu
What Our Children's Say
"Testimonials from our young ones at Al Arkam Child Development Center:
The story of ………. (Boy)“I am …….; I came to Al Arkam two years ago when I was 2 years old. My waappa(father) is not with us and my umma(mother) can’t take care of me as she is very poor. So I came here and I am happy with all my brothers and sisters. I go to school every day and I want to become like doctor uncle one day.” This is a bright and talented boy who joined us 2 years back when he was just 2 years of age. His story like many living here is a sad one. As His father faced incarceration his mother having no means of taking care of baby Eesan handed him over to a church. It was only when we were informed by the Muslims in Ragama that we took him in, and now the mother visits him once in 4 months. Baby Eesan is now in good care hoping to become a doctor in the future
The Story of …………(Girl)“I am …………., my ummi (mother) left me in a church, I don’t know where my Abi (father) is but uncles from Al Arkam brought me here. This is a nice home. I love all my sisters here” This is a 5 year old girl. Her mother decided to leave this sweet little girl in a church when the child’s father passed away. As the mother did not know what to do she resorted to abandoning her child. Al Arkam upon hearing about her, took her in and has been helping her to be a follow Islam.
The story of ………. (Boy)“I am …….. I and mummy was living in a Sinhala uncle’s house. I know I have a Muslim name but did not know what Islam was about. After I came to Al Arkam I learnt a lot about Islam. And now I am proud to be a Muslim” This Boy was discovered only upon hearing his name among a group of children who weren’t Muslims playing around. The Muslims in the vicinity upon inquiry discovers that His father deserted his family and his mother was facing incarceration due to dealing in narcotics and thus was taken care by the neighbours. When Al Arkam was contacted, we visited the mother and got her consent to look after him, and now He is 7 years of age and is quite happy with us.
Building a better world for and with children
“Empowering children, transforming lives: Our child development welfare programs provide essential support for healthy growth and development. Join us in ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.