ChildFund Sri Lanka recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of impactful work in the country. To mark this milestone, the organization enhanced its localized presence through the launch WiDE Lanka (Women and Children Development and Empowerment) further strengthening its commitment to local leadership and community-driven initiatives.
The 40th anniversary celebrations were graced by the presence of Isam Ghanim, ChildFund International’s President and CEO, who was in the country for a short visit. During his tour, he met staff, various stakeholders, visited a vocational training center in Amunukumbura that develops the skills of youth with disabilities in hospitality, food technology, and graphic designing, and joined the inaugural event of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Framework, developed by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education with support from ChildFund Sri Lanka.
Established in 1985, ChildFund Sri Lanka aims to improve the lives of marginalized and vulnerable children, providing them with the capacity and opportunity to become young adults, parents, and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities. Operating across 12 districts, ChildFund Sri Lanka serves over 200,000 children, families, and communities, working towards providing access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection from abuse and exploitation.
WiDE Lanka is dedicated to empowering women and children in Sri Lanka by advancing their rights and well-being through education, economic opportunities, health, and protection. Its program areas include the promotion of rights, needs, and agency of women and girls; economic empowerment; access and support to quality education; improvement of health and nutrition status of women and children; climate resilience; and social inclusion. These programs collectively aim to create a supportive environment where women and children can thrive and achieve their full potential.
ChildFund is expanding its scope to include women, recognizing that investing in women leads to the overall development of families, communities, and the nation. This enhanced program will provide economic empowerment, health and nutrition support, and educational opportunities for girls and women, creating a ripple effect of positive change. By addressing the needs of both women and children, ChildFund is building stronger, more resilient communities and paving the way for a brighter future for all.
To amplify its impact, ChildFund is committed to driving systemic change that ensures its efforts lead to long-term, transformative outcomes that benefit entire communities. It follows a co-creation approach, collaborating closely with local communities, government bodies, partners, and stakeholders to design and implement innovative and effective programs.
Inclusive development is at the heart of ChildFund’s mission, striving to ensure that all children and women, including those with disabilities, have access to opportunities and resources. ChildFund programs are designed to be inclusive, promoting equal participation and addressing barriers that prevent marginalized groups from thriving. By fostering an inclusive environment, ChildFund enhances individual lives and the social fabric of communities, leading to a more equitable and just society. Looking ahead, ChildFund has set an ambitious goal to bring 1 million smiles by 2030 through its comprehensive program.
Founded in 1938, ChildFund International is committed to improving the well-being of children and families around the world.
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