By Yalini Saranya | Center Manager
Who We Are & What We Do
Shanthi Maargam is a community-based organization that has been working since 2016 to respond to these realities through a deeply rooted, community-driven approach. Established with the vision of creating safer, more supportive environments for children and youth, the organization focuses on strengthening mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience among those living in underserved urban communities. Through its youth centre in Colombo, Shanthi Maargam provides accessible, culturally responsive psychosocial support, combining safe spaces, education, life skills development, and community engagement. What makes the organization unique is its strong presence within the community itself, built over years of trust, consistency, and meaningful relationships with children, parents, and local stakeholders. For many families, Shanthi Maargam is not just a service provider, but a trusted support system that stands with them during both everyday struggles and times of crisis.
The urgency of this situation has intensified in recent years. Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, combined with ongoing social and environmental pressures, has placed enormous strain on already vulnerable families. Rising stress within households has contributed to increased risks of gender-based violence, school dropout, and emotional distress among children and youth. Despite this, access to affordable, community-based mental health and psychosocial support remains extremely limited, especially for low-income urban communities. Without early and consistent support, many children are left to navigate trauma and instability alone, increasing the likelihood of long-term harm.
For nearly a decade, Shanthi Maargam has been working at the heart of these communities, providing a safe, consistent, and trusted presence for children and families. Through its youth centre, the organization offers a space where children are not only protected but also nurtured, where they can learn, express themselves, and begin to rebuild a sense of stability and hope. The approach is grounded in community trust and a Positive Youth Development framework, ensuring that children are supported holistically, addressing both their immediate needs and their long-term development.
The impact of Shanthi Maargam’s work extends beyond children to their families and the wider community. Parent support meetings have evolved into safe and empowering spaces where mothers and caregivers can share experiences, learn from one another, and begin to prioritize their own well-being. Over time, parents have moved from being passive participants to active partners, taking initiative in organizing meetings, supporting community activities, and even assisting in crisis response efforts. This shift reflects a deeper level of ownership and trust, which is essential for sustainable community change.
Despite these achievements, the needs continue to grow, and the challenges remain significant. Children in these communities are still at high risk of falling through the cracks due to poverty, violence, and lack of access to essential services. Without sustained support, the safe spaces and programs that currently provide stability and protection may not be able to continue. The consequences of this would be immediate and severe, leaving children once again exposed to unsafe environments and without the support systems they rely on.
Why Immediate Action Is Urgently Needed
In the urban settlements of Wanathamulla, Gothamipura, and Obeysekarapura, children are growing up in environments shaped by poverty, violence, and instability. Many face daily risks, unsafe living conditions, exposure to substance abuse, family breakdown, and limited access to education or emotional support. According to Shanthi Maargam’s internal data, over 58% of children are affected by economic hardship, while many others are impacted by parental substance use, absence of caregivers, and exposure to violence. These realities are not just statistics; they are lived experiences that deeply affect children’s emotional well-being, behavior, and future. Sri Lanka’s recent economic and social crises have made this situation more urgent. Families are under immense stress, increasing risks of gender-based violence, school dropouts, and mental health challenges. Without immediate intervention, these children risk being left behind permanently.
What Your Support Will Do
Your contribution will directly support:
1. Safe Spaces for Children
2. Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
3. Education Support
4. Nutrition & Basic Needs
5. Community & Parent Engagement
This urgent appeal seeks to ensure that Shanthi Maargam can continue and expand its critical work. Funding will directly support the continuation of safe spaces, access to psychosocial support and counseling, educational assistance, nutrition programs, and community outreach. These interventions are not standalone activities; they are part of an integrated approach that addresses the complex realities children face and supports their overall development and well-being. At its core, Shanthi Maargam’s work is about restoring dignity, building resilience, and creating pathways for children to imagine and achieve a different future. The children we work with are not defined by their circumstances; they are full of potential, strength, and possibility. With the right support, they can overcome the challenges they face and build lives of stability and purpose. This is a critical moment. The need is urgent, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference is real. With your support, we can continue to stand with these children and their families, providing not just services, but hope, safety, and a future they deserve.
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