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Chankanai Area Program

Sponsor a child

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2014 - 2029

Location

Sri Lanka

Areas of Focus

Livelihoods  | Health

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

977people were actively involved in savings groups, providing them with financial literacy training and access to small loans

Progress

403people participated in activities aimed at supporting child protection and ending violence against children

Progress

305children and youth participated in groups and clubs, gathering with peers to develop new skills and positive values

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

The Chankanai community is home to almost 50,000 people and is located along Sri Lanka's coast. Although there is ample rainfall in this area, the soil doesn't absorb water, causing floods. Flooding not only affects farming and travel to places like school, but also increases the risk of waterborne diseases. A lack of access to clean drinking water also contributes to poor health.

Unemployment is a major issue affecting families and children. Barriers to education and a lack of job opportunities have resulted in drug use, parental absenteeism, domestic abuse, sexual violence, and poor health. Instead of spending their limited income feeding, clothing, and caring for their children, parents are held captive by their addictions. As a result, many children lose interest in school and social activities and become malnourished and vulnerable to diseases.

Civil war damaged the courts and justice system in Chankanai and skewed community values. As a result, violence and crime have grown, forcing children into drug trafficking, early marriage, and teen pregnancy.

...
Challenges
Education
A primary concern in Chankanai is education. Children often get off to a difficult start, as there are few preschools and qualified teachers in the area, and community members lack understanding about the importance of early childhood education and development.

In elementary and secondary grades, instruction is arranged by the Ministry of Education, however teachers are often assigned to subjects that don't match their qualifications. In addition, a lack of resources and teaching aids negatively impacts students learning.

Classroom activities are not monitored by either school management or parents, and students lack guidance in pursuing their goals. Child counseling services are not available in the community, leaving children with little academic support.

Health Care
The physical health of children, mothers, and families in Chankanai is another issue. There is a high occurrence of malnutrition, especially in families headed by single mothers, as they must return to work shortly after giving birth. This reduces the available time to breastfeed their infants. Not eating properly during pregnancy also contributes to low birth weights. During the rainy season, dengue fever is common, and many children and mothers battle anemia throughout the year.

Child Protection
Child protection and wellbeing is problematic in Chankanai. Unemployment and addiction lead to negative behaviours like neglect and domestic violence, impacting children in particular. In environments where they are not properly fed, clothed, loved, and cared for, children do not find peace and happiness.

Community understanding about children's rights is low and children are often vulnerable to harmful practices. Children's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing is often threatened. Children are also at risk of child labour, which is often dangerous or degrading.

Discrimination based on class, ethnicity, and gender make children, and especially girls, vulnerable. An increase in gender-based and domestic violence in recent years has perpetuated the same cycle of poverty and addiction among the community's youth.

Water and Sanitation
Children are highly vulnerable to waterborne diseases like diarrhea, primarily because of poor community hygiene practices. A lack of information also contributes to the improper use of toilets and overall poor quality of sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of illness....
Plans
Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:
  • Improve children's access to basic education, with a focus on literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Increase early childhood care and development opportunities to nurture the physical, mental, and social growth of young children.
  • Ensure that girls and boys alike can receive a quality education in an inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environment.
  • Develop community support systems to empower children to excel in school.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Improve the access of children and their families to essential health services.
  • Promote proper nutrition and health care practices among families to avoid preventable diseases.
  • Increase access to food and proper nutrition for families, especially expecting mothers.

Child Protection
To ensure children and youth enjoy a safe and protected environment, World Vision will work to:
  • Ensure that girls and boys have their rights respected and valued.
  • Strengthen children's committees and train children to know and protect their rights.
  • Establish community-based protection systems and provide families with access to support services.
  • Equip local partners with tools to better care for and monitor vulnerable girls and boys.

Water and Sanitation
In partnership with families and sponsors, World Vision will work with the community to:
  • Promote proper hygiene practices among families to avoid the spread of waterborne diseases. Improve community members access to clean drinking water and safe, hygienic sanitation facilities.
...
An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.