This Development Program aims to improve the well-being of children, especially the most vulnerable, using an approach that is long term (15-20 years), holistic, focused on children, and seeks to enable their families, local communities and partners to address the underlying causes of poverty. These root causes are not just lack of access to the basic necessities of life like water, food or health care, but also include inequities like gender or ethnic discrimination, or abusive practices like exploitation or domestic violence that affect a child’s well-being.

Activities

In order to increase household income, we trained over 300 community members to start and grow their own small businesses. To increase household income, 105 farmers attended cattle management training programs that we organized in partnership with the Department of Animal Production and Health. We conducted a health intervention for 32 malnourished children that included food and vitamin supplements, nutrition education for parents, and growth monitoring. We also partnered with the Ministry of Health to treat anemic pregnant women so their babies would achieve a healthy weight before birth. We screened 139 community members for high blood pressure, diabetes, vision problems, and dental disease and referred those with health concerns to local clinics. We supported 39 local preschools with teacher training and classroom upgrades to improve children's learning environment and prepare them for primary school. 600 students who were struggling in English and math received tutoring in their subjects and were able to advance to the next grade level. We held campaigns in 16 communities to raise awareness of the importance of education and increase the number of children enrolled in school. We worked in the community to raise awareness on child protection issues and formed children's clubs where students learned about how to advocate for their rights.

Cross-cutting issues

Most Vulnerable Children, Environment, Advocacy

Locations

• Sri Lanka>Northern

Sectors

• Agriculture
• Economic Recovery and Development
• Education
• Health
• Protection

Other projects