By Joel Stanier | General Manager
Dear friends and supporters,
At Their Future Today (TFT), we are deeply committed to ensuring that every child has the right to love, freedom, and family. Through our dedicated Alternative Family Care programme and the extraordinary efforts of our team, we are driving systemic change to transform the lives of children in care in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Raising Awareness and Advocating for Change
This year, TFT’s Alternative Family Care and Project Coordinator, Nimmu Kumari, has become a powerful voice for care leavers worldwide. Following a high-profile interview on renowned TV personality Lahiru Madulige’s show, Nimmu’s story has gained national attention. She has since been featured in major newspapers and invited to speak on the SHE TV programme, where she shares the collective experiences of care leavers—stories of fear, lost childhoods, and the urgent need for family-based care solutions.
Nimmu describes her work with TFT as her “dream job,” and her passion and dedication inspire all of us. As an organisation, we are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team, accelerating our mission to create a brighter future for children in care.
Amplifying Voices on the International Stage
Nimmu’s impact extended far beyond Sri Lanka this year as she represented care leavers at the prestigious FICE Conference in Croatia. This marked her first time taking centre stage outside Asia, where she delivered a powerful speech raising awareness about the challenges faced by children transitioning out of orphanages at 18—often unprepared for life beyond institutional walls.
At the conference, Nimmu highlighted the need for systemic reform and the adoption of family-based care solutions. Her heartfelt message resonated across borders, fostering solidarity with fellow care leavers. Nimmu asked us to pass on her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated clothes—she wore them with pride and passed some along to a fellow care leaver from India, creating a beautiful moment of solidarity across borders!
A Team of Inspirational Leaders
The incredible work of our Sri Lanka team has garnered recognition and admiration. This year, Deshamanya Percy Gunarathna, International Women of Courage Award Winner Marini De Livera, and USAID Shine 50 Award Winner Nimmu Kumari came together with Lahiru Madulige to finalise filming plans that aim to shine a spotlight on the lives of children in care and the importance of alternative family-based care. Their efforts have created excitement and anticipation for a new wave of awareness and advocacy.
A Shared Mission for Every Child
The work we do at Their Future Today is made possible by the unwavering dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters. Together, we are challenging outdated institutional models, promoting family-based care, and giving children the chance to grow up in environments where they are loved and nurtured.
As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration—within Sri Lanka and across borders—to ensure no child is left behind. From national TV interviews to international conferences, our team’s efforts are paving the way for systemic change, creating hope for countless children and care leavers.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Your contributions make moments like Nimmu’s advocacy, the solidarity among care leavers, and our growing impact possible. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Warm regards,
Joel
By Joel Stanier | General Manager
By Joel Stanier | General Manager
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