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Meet Pathmapriya, Grace Girls Home
For 18-year-old Pathmapriya Konalingam, Grace Care Center has provided a sense of safety, refuge and, most often, family.

“I am very grateful to be at Grace,” Pathmapriya recently said. “One day I would like to sponsor a child so they have the same opportunity I have been given.”

The determined student, who first came to Grace Home in January 2004, has seen more than her fair share of tragedy. Her family was displaced from their native village Muttur during the August 2006 battles that left the community in ruins, among the latest in a long history of loss. Her father was killed in 1991; a brother lost an arm during August 2005 attacks on Muttur; and, most recently, her mother reportedly drowned in December 2006 while trying to reach Trincomalee by boat.

In spite of challenges that would destroy the strongest of spirits, Pathmapriya has committed herself to her studies, hoping to become an accountant and currently studying for her Advanced Level exams. When she’s not learning the ins and outs of numbers, Pathmapriya enjoys reading (and writing) Tamil poetry.

“She is one heck of a strong lady,” said Grace Care Center manager Diane McLaughlin. “She is determined to continue with school and has jumped right back into her routines.”

 “I am now a real orphan,” said Pathmapriya, grateful for, “The love and affection from everyone here [at Grace].”

Hope Center | Meet Pathmapriya | Concert Review| Volunteer Profile