Sri Lanka – Promote the protection and education of children aged 3 to 6 in poor areas of Sri Lanka through the strengthening of nurseries and primary schools, and economic support for the poorest families

Promote the protection and education of children aged 3 to 6 in poor areas of Sri Lanka through the strengthening of nurseries and primary schools, and economic support for the poorest families.

Status: Completed | Number of beneficiaries: 700 children and their familie

Project duration: 2017/2021, 5 years

Location: tea plantation regions

Project financed under a framework agreement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Local partner

PALM Foundation is a Sri Lankan organization that has been implementing holistic development programs for the plantation populations in the center of the country, as well as neighboring and remote villages, for more than 25 years. In order to develop empowerment and build community capacity, PALM Foundation projects are implemented through a participatory approach and through the creation of community-based organizations. PALM Foundation is involved in various fields such as:

• Social mobilization and the development of women’s representation and participation.
• Infrastructure development, access to water and sanitation
• Child protection
• Natural Resource Management and the Development of Organic Farming
• Health promotion and nutrition
• Microfinance
• Education of populations on different themes: gender issues and gender equality, civil rights, health and well-being of the elderly, the dangers of alcohol and other sensitization.

The problem

The tea plantation region in Sri Lanka is one of the poorest in the country with human development indicators below all national indicators. The literacy rate of children is only 80% while it is 95% everywhere else. Unsanitary living conditions, malnutrition, poverty, economic migration of mothers contribute to the high school drop-out and child labor rates.

Objectives / Activities

The objective of the project is to improve the quality of primary and kindergarten education for children and toddlers by providing them with a quality learning environment.

• Reinforcement of nurseries and primary schools: renovation of schools, creation of libraries, playgrounds, access to water…
• Development of school lessons and teacher training
• Creation of children’s clubs, organization of cultural and recreational activities
• General awareness (parents, community, public authorities, management of tea plantations) on child protection and children’s rights in the 8 target localities, creation of committees to monitor children’s rights, advocacy

Beneficiaries

700 children and their families.

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