Description
The first thing I told myself when I came face to face with Husni was, “This is one bright kid”. His manner exuded intelligence as he sat down with me for a quick chat. Meeting him on the road, you wouldn’t know this was a child who lives at a home for children with his younger brother, since his mother went abroad seeking better fortunes for them.
Hailing from Nawalapitiya, Husni lived with his Mother, Grandparents and younger Brother and Sister. Now he lives at the home with his brother, his grandparents caring for the sister. He tells me that there was poverty at home, and that they are better off at GLH, with material comforts they could not afford back home. He also asserts they are taken care of as if they were at home, so its very good. Yes, he says grinning, they do get into squabbles with the other boys. But its all good natured and fun.
He goes to the same school as his buddy Ismatullah, and loves to study. He enjoys learning Mathematics & English, but shies away from Geography. The little English he spoke with me was clear and precise. He said he can speak some Sinhalese too, although Tamil is what he spoke best. He says he likes to study and play in his free time after school. He particularly enjoys Chess, the mention of which lit up his little eyes. He plays Cricket and Volleyball with the others too.
‘So, what will you be when you grow up?’ I asked. ‘A Doctor’, he said with a determined finality.
