By Razmina Razeen | General Manager
1.0 Introduction
This report offers an in-depth look at Shanthi Maargam's multifaceted endeavors throughout March to May, underscoring its pivotal role in serving the community. Central to its mission are the essential services provided, including counseling and hotline support, which cater to diverse needs ranging from individual sessions to trauma counseling. Despite encountering challenges, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to responsiveness and outreach. Notably, the report highlights the impact of community counseling initiatives, particularly support group sessions designed to nurture emotional intelligence and empathy among children. Furthermore, it delves into the dynamic youth center activities which include programs facilitated by Counsellors, external faciltators and the Social Work Internship program, such as the Kathandara Handawa program and the Gardening Project, which foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth among participants.
2.0 Shanthi Maargam Counselling Services
2.1 Counselling data from March - May
Below are the counseling data for the period from March to May:
Number of counselling (in person /online)
March 50
April 37
May 54
Number of Hotline calls
March - 202
April - 145
May - 130
This data reflects the ongoing need for mental health support and our commitment to providing accessible services to the community.
2.2 Community Counselling work
i) Center support groups series
March
The team analyzed data from four previous support group sessions, identifying four primary relationship categories: hostility/violence, emotional/physical abuse, close companionship with a best friend, and love. These relationships had varying impacts on children, influencing their emotional regulation, often leading to defensiveness and aggression. Based on these findings, the intervention plan was designed to address emotions and thoughts, distress tolerance, self-care, coping skills, self-identity, gender stereotypes, assertiveness, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills, with each topic covered in 3-4 tailored sessions. On March 20th, a session with seven children was held to explain the upcoming topics, gather preferences, and establish commitment and session rules.
April
The Center's support group series focused on understanding thoughts, emotions, physiological responses, and behaviors through cognitive behavior theory across four sessions. The first session on April 3rd, with 10 participants, emphasized emotional awareness using storytelling and an emotions guessing game, addressing dominant participants by encouraging quieter ones to share. The second session on April 10th, with 7 participants, identified physiological changes due to emotions through mindfulness and body mapping, improving attendance by consulting participants about their availability. The third session on April 29th, also with 10 participants, explored the relationship between thoughts and emotions using discussions and a "thought-watching game," addressing comprehension challenges with simplified explanations and participant input to foster an inclusive environment.
May
In May 2024, SMYC hosted four support group sessions focusing on enhancing emotional awareness and coping skills. Topics included understanding thoughts and emotions, navigating the "Circle of Control," and developing distress tolerance strategies across two sessions. Each session aimed to deepen participant insights and engagement, with occasional challenges addressed to maintain session effectiveness.
ii) Community School workshops
A workshop was conducted at Susamayawardhana Vidyalaya in April engaged 46 grade 9 and 10 students in the Tree of Life activity to enhance self-understanding and rapport. Participants created symbolic trees representing their identities, with roots for familial and cultural influences, trunks for core values and skills, branches for aspirations, and leaves for achievements. Facilitators demonstrated the activity and guided reflections on emotional experiences, revealing feelings of relaxation, pride, and satisfaction. These reflections highlighted the session's effectiveness in promoting self-awareness, emotional expression, and personal growth.
3.0 Shanthi Maargam Youth Center Activities
3.1 Story telling Program
The interns conducted narrative storytelling sessions with children on March 14th and 20th, initiating stories with the first two lines and prompting the children to develop their narratives. This approach successfully engaged the children in creative thinking and imaginative storytelling, showcasing their unique abilities. Reflecting on the workshop, such activities are recognized for nurturing creative thinking, empathy, and emotional management skills in youth. Encouraging self-expression through storytelling not only boosts self-confidence but also fosters exploration of imagination in a supportive setting.
3.2 Gardening project
The gardening project, undertaken collaboratively by youth club members with support from center management and student social workers, aimed to promote personal growth and skill development. Each youth received resources like plants, soil, fertilizers, and tools to start their gardens, fostering hope, self-confidence, mindfulness, teamwork, and responsible behavior. The project's success underscored the effectiveness of such initiatives in empowering youth, emphasizing the value of support and resources in their developmental journeys.
3.3 Educational Support for Students
Weekly English and Maths classes continue with consistent attendance, focusing on youths aged 14 and above eager to enhance their spoken English skills. New Sinhala classes, led by a voluntary legal officer, initially targeted children aged 6 to 17 but identified a need for specialized sessions for those preparing for the OL exam. Plans are in progress to organize these focused classes, emphasizing past paper discussions and personalized assessments to prepare students effectively.
3.4 Weekly Guitar Class
The guitar classes are conducted in two batches weekly by our counselor, Nathan. Additionally, children have the opportunity to practice on a rotational basis by visiting the center on other days. In anticipation of the Sinhala New Year celebration program, students from the guitar class are diligently preparing for a special presentation. Under Nathan's guidance, they are honing their skills and rehearsing to deliver an engaging performance that will be a highlight of the festivities.
3.5 Lunch Program and Free play
During the reporting period we maintained our commitment to providing consistent lunch and facilitating free play sessions at the Shanthi Maargam Youth Center. These programs are vital for nurturing children's overall development and well-being. Our free lunch initiative not only addresses hunger but also creates a supportive environment where children feel cared for and valued, leading to enhanced concentration and academic performance. We recognize the financial challenges many families face in providing regular meals, highlighting the importance of community programs like ours. To broaden our impact, we plan to expand the lunch program to more days per week with additional donor support, ensuring more children receive nourishment and thrive in a nurturing environment
3.6 Sinhala New Year Celebration
On April 27th, the SM Youth Center hosted a vibrant Sinhala New Year celebration with 50 children. Organized by the youth club, the day featured cultural activities like boiling milk and traditional games such as Kana Mutti Bideema and Bun Eating Competition. The event fostered unity among children from diverse backgrounds, highlighted by teamwork and harmony. Avurudu dances and songs entertained attendees, and gift packs from the Ladies Circle brought joy and cultural pride to the memorable day.
3.7 Mental Health Educational Workshop
The workshop at Shanthi Margam Centre aimed to provide psychosocial, educational, and motivational support to students aged 11 to 18. It featured mindfulness exercises, memory assessments, goal-setting activities, and motivational storytelling, led by skilled resource persons. Despite challenges, such as attention-related issues, the program successfully promoted self-motivation, unconventional thinking, and mindfulness. Positive feedback from 19 attendees highlighted its impact in fostering personal growth, enhancing engagement, and building essential life skills among disadvantaged youths.
On May 27, 2024, a mental health workshop targeted youth aged 12 to 19 from Gothamipura and Susumayawardana schools in Borella. The workshop aimed to enhance emotional awareness and understanding of how emotions influence thoughts and actions. Activities included an icebreaker and the "Emotion Bus" activity to explore various emotions. Participants engaged in group discussions and drawings to reflect on emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Facilitators introduced the cognitive triangle model, addressing cultural and social stigmas around emotional expression. Feedback from participants highlighted enthusiastic engagement, confirming the workshop's success in promoting emotional awareness in diverse social and cultural contexts.
3.8 PATHS to change program
The PATH program, initiated at Shanthi Margam, aims to enhance adolescents' holistic development through bonding, resilience, and positive life beliefs. Initial sessions identified varying qualities in existing bonds, stressing the importance of fostering healthy relationships to prevent negative outcomes like substance abuse. Activities with children aged 9 to 14 involved discussing bonding concepts, sharing personal experiences, and learning strategies for maintaining positive relationships. The program aims to build rapport, increase self-awareness, and equip students with skills to resist negative influences, promoting healthy friendships and effective interpersonal dynamics.
In May, PATH session delved into personality dynamics, highlighting how character and behavior shape personal values and emotional patterns. Starting with a 3-minute mindfulness exercise, participants engaged in activities with hypothetical children displaying diverse behaviors. They categorized and ranked these behaviors based on pleasantness, exploring their impact on preferences. Through discussions and roleplays of challenging behaviors, participants gained insights into personality types and their influence on social interactions, fostering a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics.
3.9 Youth Club Meeting
The Youth Club Meeting on April 2nd, 2024, gathered 10 children to plan the Sinhala New Year Event at the center. Discussions were lively and focused on organizing traditional games, cultural performances, and logistical details like decorations and costumes. Participants showcased their talents through proposed dances and songs, demonstrating proactive leadership in assigning tasks and ensuring a productive meeting that set the stage for a successful celebration.
3.10 Cultural Musical program
The SMYC youth club organized a "paduru handawa" cultural program for members aged 14 to 20, aiming to blend entertainment with cultural enrichment and skill development. Participants led the event themselves with support from staff and interns, showcasing their talents through performances and engaging in discussions to deepen their understanding of cultural significance. The initiative emphasized teamwork, leadership, and performance skills, fostering closer relationships between youth and staff while promoting empowerment and ownership among participants. Overall, it successfully combined cultural appreciation with personal growth, creating a meaningful experience for all involved.
3.11 Career Guidance Workshop
On May 16, 2024, a career guidance session at Shanthi Maargam Center, led by Mr. Priyantha Fernando from NAITA, engaged 25 participants in video-based motivational programs, interest and skill assessments, and guidance on joining NAITA for required certifications and skills. Participants gained knowledge and motivation to pursue their career goals, previously lacking direction. One youth club member from Gothamipura was notably inspired to enroll in a JCB course at NAITA, demonstrating significant personal growth and leadership. Other members expressed interest in similar paths, seeking guidance from center staff to plan their futures effectively.
.4. 0 Shanthi Maargam’s Outreach Project
4.1 Project for Collective Action Against Period Poverty
i) Support Group Series
In March, two support group sessions were conducted, one being the final session with the first group in Gothamipura and the other with the first support group in Wanathamulla.
On March 13, 2024, the Wanathamulla session involved seven participants focusing on menstruation awareness. Discussions began with introductions and a check-in round, exploring participants' experiences learning about menstruation and the explanations they received from family and health sources. They shared challenges including physiological discomfort, emotional fluctuations, and social stigma, noting religious and cultural beliefs around menstruation. Despite myths and taboos, participants showed openness and positive attitudes towards menstruation, citing benefits from comprehensive health education workshops, including breaking down societal taboos.
On March 14, 2024, a support group session in Gothamipura with five participants focused on discussing menstruation-related shame and the importance of open communication. Participants shared varied perspectives on the consequences of not discussing menstruation openly, highlighting both the benefits of communication for support and understanding, and the challenges posed by societal norms and family dynamics. Facilitator Rashmi emphasized available resources at Shanthi Maargam, including free counseling services, concluding with an invitation for participants to seek support as needed.
On April 30, 2024, a second support group session was held in Wanathamulla with four women from the community. The session began with a reflection on the previous support group and focused on participants' experiences with using sanitary napkins and challenges in disposal. It addressed discomfort in discussing menstruation openly at home, exploring underlying reasons. The discussion also examined myths and societal stigma associated with menstruation, aiming to encourage critical analysis and challenge prevailing beliefs and attitudes.
ii) Community Awareness Program
The second community awareness educational session to address myths, offer accurate menstrual information, and facilitate menstrual health workshops was accomplished with the support of the Medical Officer of Health with the diverse participation of 100 women from Gothamipura on the 31st May and 10th June.
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser