Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka

by Shanthi Maargam
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Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka
Healing children and youth in Sri Lanka

Project Report | Nov 30, 2021
Continuation the online work for the betterment of

By Asanka Senadeera | Community Outreach and Centre Coordinator

Introduction

The island wide lockdown and travel restrictions have continued from August to the end of October in the country. Hence, Shanthi Margam had to continue the implementation of the activities and programs online. Our community outreach work continues through the WhatsApp group we created and our online counseling services are being provided through our free hotline, first aid and psychological counseling in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

COVID 19 in My Eye: Art competition for children and youth

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions in engaging our children and youth in-person, we have been conscious to ensure regular initiatives are launched towards their emotional well-being. Recognizing the therapeutic aspects of art in expressing one's experience and emotions in a healthy manner, an art competition was organized as a means of engaging our children and youth. The artwork focused on the pandemic and its impact on their lives. The artwork was evaluated by our staff using the following criteria: understanding of theme, creativity, use of color and meaning. The results of the competition, winners etc were communicated to the children and youth on our watsap groups and posted on our social media platforms. 12 Children participated in the competition.

Safe spaces for children and youth supporting emotional well-being, holistic learning, and intercultural harmony

With the funding of USAID, Shanthi Maargam conducted a training program on safe spaces for children and youth supporting emotional well-being, holistic learning, and intercultural harmony for participants from our target communities who access Shanthi Maargam Services. The participants were between the ages 12-17 years and 08 were actively participated to the program. The training program was conducted throughout September on Zoom. Interaction is maintained throughout the week with assigned homework and discussion via a WhatsApp group. The program was completed in October following 4-weeks of hourly sessions.

Children stated learning about the importance of unity, diversity of religions and what racist behavior is. Whilst there were other challenges related to the program such as connectivity, weather, digital IQ, non conducive learning environment, these were anticipated in advance and mitigated to the best of our ability including the provision of data, introductory session to explain use of platform & technology, regular reminders and communication via WhatsApp, Handouts and stationary delivered to their homes etc.. The pilot program provided immense insight and set a good foundation for the participants in understanding the important aspects and the desired behavior and attitudes related to race, religion and harmony.

Empowering girls to respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and facilitating supportive and safer environments in urban, low income settings in Sri Lanka

With the funding of Asia Foundation, Shanthi Maargam works towards strengthening the skills and awareness among female children on prevention and response to Gender Based Violence. The program was re-conceptualized given the current restrictions and safety concerns with COVID-19 to an online delivery format. Implementation has predominantly been via WhatsApp through the creation of Informal groups, sharing of educational posters and videos and discussions.

After the lockdown and travel restrictions lifted out in the country, we revisited the Colombo Suburban Railway Project (CSRP) - Project Management Unit and started work at the field level. First, we met with the members of the community based organization in the target community with the support and supervision of the officers of CSRP. Also we identified 15 youth-women leaders, children and youth. We had initial discussion with the Grama Niladhari (local level administrative officer appointed by the central government) in the target community area. Also, we started communication with the officers of Urban Development Authority, Sri Lanka who is the government authority in the resettlement process of the target community.

Free counseling service

During this time in which a dialogue on mental health issues is much needed, the services offered by Shanthi Maargam in uplifting the mental health of children and youth. Our hotline is open 8.00 AM to 10.00 PM every day. We offer first aid and psychological counseling over the phone and one on one counseling sessions (currently conducted online due to prevailing situation) in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

The counseling team could manage 506 hotline calls, 97 tele-counselling sessions through hotline, 256 of 1-on-1 online counseling sessions, 56 new clients from August to October.    

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Aug 2, 2021
Navigating the restrictions in the wake of COVID-19

By Asanka Senadeera | Community Outreach and Centre Coordinator

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Organization Information

Shanthi Maargam

Location: Battaramulla, Western - Sri Lanka
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @ShanthiMaargam
Project Leader:
Kamani Jinadasa
Battaramulla , Western Sri Lanka

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