Transforming the care of children in Sri Lanka

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am thrilled to share the remarkable progress we've made during our recent Alternative Family Care training sessions in Sri Lanka. The engagement and enthusiasm from the participants have been beyond our expectations, setting a promising tone for the future of foster care in the country.

On the first day, we focused on Foster Care for senior National Probation Officers, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. As we crossed our fingers for day two, we were delighted to see the momentum continue.

During the second day of Probation Officer training, despite technical challenges with the sound system, the 10-minute version of our award-winning animated training film captivated the audience. The film, based on the inspiring true story of our patron Richard Farleigh, effectively conveyed the nuances of foster care, kinship care, and adoption. The heartfelt engagement of the participants left me feeling deeply moved and grateful for the dedication of individuals like Richard, Helen, Isuru, and Jason, who worked tirelessly to make this crucial film possible.

Guided by our professional partners Professor Myrna Mcnitt from the USA and Dr. Vasundhra from India, were tasked with developing and implementing foster care strategies based on their knowledge. Even sceptics emerged with exciting plans, showcasing a profound understanding and determination to embrace this transformative concept.

The training also featured powerful testimonies, including TFT's Advocate Nimmu Kumari's poignant story of growing up in orphanages and her discovery of foster care as a lifeline. Marini De Livera, our collaborative partner, shared her legal successes in advocating for family care over institutional placement.

By the end of the training, 100% of attendees expressed a keen interest in embracing and developing foster care in the Southern Province. Their commitment to piloting the program is a crucial step, and their request for ongoing assistance and support underscores the significance of national childcare service probation officers in driving the success of this initiative.

At Ruhunu orphanage, a similar sentiment emerged among managers and staff. Despite initial concerns about job security, there was unanimous agreement that foster care is essential for providing children with the love and family life they deserve.

Taking the initiative further, meetings were held with Southern Province Commissioner Rasika Dissanayake and Ministry Secretary Yamuna Perera to secure support at both the provincial and national levels. The breakthrough came when Ministry Secretary Namuni Perera agreed to include foster care in UNICEF-funded family care initiatives under clause 38e of the UNCRC, bypassing the need for a separate Foster Care Act.

A meeting with Miranda Armstrong, UNICEF's Chief of Child Protection, further solidified our progress. The potential expansion of family care funds to incorporate foster care is a testament to the collaborative efforts and determination of everyone involved.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "It always seems impossible until it is done." After nearly two decades of dedication, it is heartening to witness the realisation of what seemed like an impossible goal – foster care in Sri Lanka is becoming a reality.

As we celebrate this milestone, I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for supporting our mission. Your belief in our cause and the legacy of individuals like Peter Cundill, whose foundation played a crucial role, has brought us to this transformative moment. As we embark on this journey, I am reminded of Steve Jobs' words, "If you're crazy enough to think that you can change the world, you probably can!"

This isn't the end; it's just the beginning. Together, we are creating a brighter future for these beautiful children who deserve love, care, and the warmth of a family.

With loving-kindness,

Lynn