Empowering Hearing-Impaired Children with Love, Care, and Opportunity
The Daughters of Providence is a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1828 in Modena, Italy, by the visionary Rev. Fr. Don Severino Fabriani. Guided by the profound belief that “No work is more sublime in the sight of God than to serve the most miserable of His poor children,” our congregation was established with the mission to serve and uplift individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
Recognized and approved by Pope Gregory XVI in 1829, our congregation has since extended its presence to countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. We are dedicated to transforming lives by providing access to education, care, and opportunities for personal growth, especially to children often marginalized due to their disabilities.
Our Mission in Sri Lanka
Responding to the call of His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, we arrived in Sri Lanka in 1996 to bring our mission to those in need. In 2002, we established the Don Severino Fabriani Institute for Hearing Impaired in Waikkala, a serene location within the Diocese of Chilaw. Named in honor of our founder, the institute is a sanctuary for children with hearing impairments, offering them free and fair access to education regardless of caste, creed, or race.
Since 2008, our hostel has provided a safe, nurturing environment for children from remote areas who require accommodation to attend school. Currently, it houses 30 students, ensuring they are cared for, educated, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
Our Work
At the Daughters of Providence, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our dedicated sisters oversee a structured daily schedule that balances education, recreation, and personal development. Alongside their academic journey, children are encouraged to explore their talents and grow holistically, with the goal of becoming active and capable members of society.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite our unwavering commitment, we face significant financial challenges. The hostel’s operating costs have skyrocketed due to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and global disruptions like COVID-19. Many families struggle to pay the nominal fees required for their children’s stay, leaving us to rely heavily on the kindness of donors and limited income-generating projects such as poultry farming and seasonal sales.
Unfortunately, these initiatives are inconsistent and unreliable, often suffering setbacks from natural disasters such as floods. This has further compounded our financial difficulties, making it harder to sustain essential services like food, medical care, and educational resources for the children.
How You Can Help
We invite you to join us in continuing this vital mission. Your generosity can help us:
- Provide nutritious meals and clean water.
- Maintain a safe and comfortable hostel environment.
- Ensure access to quality education and extracurricular activities.
- Support operational costs, including salaries for staff and repairs to facilities.
Together, we can create a brighter future for these remarkable children, giving them the tools they need to overcome adversity and lead dignified lives.
By supporting the Daughters of Providence, you contribute not only to the welfare of these children but also to a legacy of compassion, empowerment, and hope.
Let us partner in this divine mission of love and service.