Annual Report 2014 I Alliance Development Trust I1
2I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
Annual Report 2014 I Alliance Development Trust I3
CONTENTS
Uniting and Empowering Communities by Dynamic Action for Social Peace, Public Justice and Economic Sufficiency to Transform the Nation
16
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
48 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
52 36
RELIEF ASSISTANCE
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
6 8-9 10-11 56-59
Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Our Team
About the ADT
40 4I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
NATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Special Initiatives
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The year 2014 was full of challenges and opportunities. There were natural disasters like the drought, floods and landslides. Politically too there was a great deal of pressure, with Non-Governmental Organisations facing increased restrictions by the state. Amidst all this, the ADT remained faithful to its calling and responded to these challenges with great commitment.
The needs in 2014 were great and the resources as always were limited, but the ADT extended its help in whatever way possible to bring healing and reconciliation to situations of brokenness and strife.
And so, as we move forward into 2015, we go ahead with a commitment to continue to serve the poor and vulnerable communities and empower and transform The Alliance Development Trust’s (ADT) was officially their lives. established on 14th July 2008. The ADT reaches out to a broader group of marginalised people working through community-based sectors of Relief Assistance, Community Development Programme, Children’s Programmes, Livelihood, Water and Sanitation, HIV and AIDS, Leprosy training and the empowering of war widows. Through these sectors the poor and vulnerable are rehabilitated, supported and empowered to transform their lives through long-term sustainable Godfrey Yogarajah assistance. Chief Executive Officer
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“
T
he
Alliance
Trust’s
Development
(ADT)
development
facilitated
through
development
activities
conducted
National
as
relief
and
Programmes. Projects implemented under the Community
efforts
are
Development sector addresses needs and concerns in
community-
the areas of Livelihood, Children, Water and Sanitation
based programmes and social welfare
and
Sexual
and
Reproductive
Health
among
others.
programmes. The ADT works towards improving the quality of life for
While the ADT’s main office is located in Colombo, it effectively
victims of war and natural disasters,
reaches out to communities across Sri Lanka,through its regional
socially marginalised groups such
offices in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Trincomalee Batticaloa and Galle
as those living with HIV and AIDS
and its satellite offices in Mannar, Anuradhapura, Chilaw and
or Leprosy and other vulnerable
Gampola.
persons
including
women
and
children.
The ADT is committed to international standards of good practice and conduct and its response will conform to such
The ADT implements its projects
recognised standards such as the Sphere Standards, People in Aid,
through
and
World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO)
sectors
Code of Ethics and Conduct for NGOs, the ICRC Code of Conduct,
Community
International Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) and
integrated of
Relief
the
structured
programme Assistance,
Development Programme and other
Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).
” 10I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
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ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT TRUST Introduction: Community Development Programme | Relief Assistance | National Programmes
NATIONAL PROGRAMMES Throughout 2014, the ADT responded to the various needs arising in the country with the aim of bringing about a safer and brighter tomorrow for the sake of all Sri Lankans. Thereby, the ADT did not remain within the parameters of the selected villages and disadvantaged communities, but stepped up to the need of creating awareness on issues such as HIV and AIDS, Leprosy, good sanitary practices, child protection, etc.
T
he Alliance Development Trust (ADT) has reached out to several marginalised communities and responded to various needs during the year under review. In the implementation of all projects, the ADT focuses on ensuring gender equity, protection of the environment, the empowerment of disabled persons and the participation of youth. It focused on bringing about better living standards for those in need through the various programmes conducted.
The ADT conducted its National Programmes under the following sectors: oo oo oo oo oo
Sexual and Reproductive Health Leprosy Water and Sanitation Livelihood Children
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The majority of the projects conducted by the ADT during the year 2014 were under its Community Development Programme. This special initiative is designed to respond to the needs of selected communities which do not have adequate living standards nor access to basic amenities. All projects conducted in these selected villages are carried out with the aim of helping the communities reach holistic development. At the very onset of the programme, the ADT secures the necessary approvals of the relevant District Secretariats which also plays a vital role in directing the ADT to identify an appropriate village. Thereafter the ADT works closely with the Community Based Organisations (CBOs) such as the Rural Development Society, Women’s Rural Development Society, etc. In the event that such CBOs do not exist in that particular village, the ADT guides the community to form a development committee of volunteers who work towards the betterment of their village. At the implementation of all projects, the ADT ensures that the communities are fully involved and are empowered to be stakeholders of the development taking place in their villages. In this regard, the ADT conducts special training programmes for selected members of the community in order to equip them to be decision makers and identify the needs of their community and the resources available to respond to these needs. In this manner, the ADT is able to ensure that the development work begun during its presence in the village is sustainable and will not end once it phases out after a few years in order to reach out to another marginalised community.
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During the year in review, the ADT worked in a total of nine villages selected from all around Sri Lanka. These villages are; oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oo
Varani Iyattalai J344 – Jaffna Ulavanoor – Kilinochchi Theravil – Mullaitivu Madukulam – Vavuniya Devanampiyatissapura Stage I – Anuradhapura Kilikunjumalai – Trincomalee Iluppadichchenai 148 – Batticaloa Suhadapura, Ratmalana – Colombo Meegahagoda, Ahangama – Galle
RELIEF ASSISTANCE In 2014, the Alliance Development Trust reached out to persons affected by various emergency situations especially those who were victimised by the heavy rains, drought and landslides. Furthermore, vulnerable communities also received training on how to minimise the risk of such disasters and on how to respond to such situation in the event such disasters do occur. The ADT provides assistance in the form of distribution of food and non-food items with the aim of also providing hope and encouragement for those affected.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Success Stories | Village Background | Projects Completed | Fact Files
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - VARANI IYATTALAI J344
FACT FILE
Photograph
- VARANI IYATTALAI J344
Total population:
1133
Number of children :
402
Ethnicity:
Tamil
Number of widows:
101
Households with monthly incomes < SLR 1000:
200
*Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
Ranjithamalar packaging her products
Ranjithamalar Tastes the Flavour of Happiness Ranjithamalar is a very enterprising lady from Varani Iyattalai, Jaffna. She refused to accept defeat when her husband’s demise resulted in the end of their business venture. She was determined that she could manage to not only look after herself but also provide for the needs of her brother’s son and daughter who were orphaned. For years she struggled to make ends meet; she would grind the chillies she grew in her garden, packet the powder and sell it to the neighbouring markets. The income she secured from these ventures were enough for their day-to-day needs. Ranjithamalar knew that she was capable of improving this livelihood but she was unable to do so because she could not raise the capital needed. So she kept trudging on in this manner, barely managing with the marginal profit that kept her home fires burning. It was during this time that Ranjithamalar came to know of an organisation called the Alliance Development Trust that was helping the people of Varani. She came to know of the meetings that they would hold in the community hall about developing the community and decided that she would tell them about her need. “I told them about my small livelihood venture and about my plans of developing it” recalled Ranjithamalar explaining how the ADT supported her dreams of expanding her little livelihood into a steady business. “I told them that I needed money to improve and expand this business. They approved a loan for the development of my business.” She went on to explain 18I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
how she was able to purchase a stock of chillies from her neighbours at a lower than market price with the loan she received. Ranjithamalar’s success lies in the special flavour of her products. “I roast the ingredients before I grind them” she shared with a smile. Seeing the potential to improve her livelihood, the ADT has now given her a second loan. “Thanks to the income I receive from this business I am able to look after my brother’s children too” she said while expressing her gratitude. “We learn so much through the monthly meetings held by the ADT at which they teach us how to invest and save the money we earn from our livelihoods. We are learning so much about how we can improve our lives thanks to the ADT.”
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
VARANI IYATTALAI J344
• Change Makers Club benefitting 105 children • World Children’s Day celebration benefitting 420 persons • Distribution of educational material among 105 children • Awareness on drug and alcohol prevention benefiting 39 persons • Awareness seminar on nutrition benefitting 50 persons • HIV and AIDS awareness benefitting 204 children • Educational trip benefitting 68 children • Medical examination benefitting 30 children • Year-end get together for 105 children • Hygiene seminar benefitting 312 persons • Construction of 05 toilets benefitting 23 persons • Construction of a common toilet benefitting 140 persons • Construction of 03 tube wells benefitting 345 persons • Capacity building and training on identifying resources available in the village benefitting 15 persons • Entrepreneurship training for 22 persons • Distribution of 20 microfinance loans • Training programmes for 06 volunteers • Trainings on mobilising and equipping the community benefitting 18 persons
JAFFNA The village of Varani is a beautiful one located in the heart of Jaffna. On sunny days the paddy fields glisten in the sunlight and gladden the hearts of the farmers. Nevertheless, Varani is located far from the development of the city and its inhabitants do not have access to basic amenities such as potable water, transportation and an irrigation system for their fields. Many still struggle to regain their former living standards which they lost to the armed conflict. It was with the aim of assisting them to reach better living standards that the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) reached out to the community of Varani. The greatest obstacle in the path of development was the caste differences which did not permit the community to work as one. Therefore the ADT, through its regional office in Jaffna, worked firstly towards removing this obstacle and promoting unity and coexistence among the villagers. Further, as there are 402 children who call Varani their home, the development programme taking place in this community takes on a child-centred approach. Here it is the needs and future of the children that receives primary focus and attention in the implementation of all projects and activities. The ADT has been working with the community of Varani since 2011.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - ULAVANOOR
FACT FILE
- ULAVANOOR
Total population:
1312
Number of children:
417
Ethnicity:
Tamil
Number of female-headed households:
67
Number of wage labourers:
224
*Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
Navaleshwari leads a Community Development training
Bridging the Gap between the Community and the Government Authorities The Women’s Rural Development Society (WRDS) of Ulavanoor was initiated a few years ago and Navaleshwari joined this society with much enthusiasm. She saw the need for development in her village and she was convinced that she should dedicate her time for this cause. However, there was very little they could do as women in a patriarchal community who did not even know how to approach the local government agents in order to raise issues that needed to be addressed. In 2014, the Alliance Development Trust introduced its Community Development Programme to Ulavanoor and joined with the WRDS in order to bring about development in the village. Navaleshwari, who was then the President of the WRDS, together with the other members of the society eagerly attended all the training programmes conducted by the ADT. They were empowered and equipped through the training sessions which taught them how administrative systems work, on the responsibilities of community leaders and how to perform their duties towards their community. “We learned the responsibilities of a leader and the duties that need to be performed by the Secretary and the Treasurer of the society” recalls Navaleshwari. “We were also able to set up an administrative system and draw up an action plan.”
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The trainings they received helped them understand the needs of the village and how they could network with the relevant authorities and bring them to their notice. With the guidance of the ADT, Navaleshwari and the WRDS members were able to liaise with the local government bodies and appeal for a community hall. They first approached the Grama Sevaka and the Government Agent for their permission in this regard and then secured the permission of the Divisional Secretary of Kilinochchi. Within a year, the WRDS was granted a building for their use which is now at the heart of all their projects. The WRDS now bridges the gap between the government and the people of Ulavanoor; advising them in their problems and bringing their issues to the notice of the authorities. Navaleshwari has many plans for this new hall. “We want to use this building to uplift the standard of the children’s education. For instance we would like to set up a library here” she disclosed. “We also hope to use the premises for skill development and livelihood training.” Navaleshwari also hopes to contribute towards a brighter tomorrow. ”We want to completely eliminate poverty in our village, and we choose to do this with the help of the ADT. This is why we formed this association. This is what we hope to do and will continue to do.”
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
ULAVANOOR
•
KILINOCHCHI
World Children’s Day celebration benefitting 106 persons • Year-end get together for 252 children • Hygiene seminar benefitting 86 persons • Construction of 12 toilets benefitting 50 persons • Cleaning, renovation and reconstruction of 03 common wells benefitting 141 families • Capacity building and training on identifying resources available in the village benefitting 18 persons • Entrepreneurship training for 18 persons • Distribution of 10 microfinance loans • Trainings on mobilising and equipping the community benefitting 17 persons • Community initiated project: acquiring a community hall for development projects benefitting 1312 persons
The villagers of Ulavanoor lived through years of displacement, trouble and turmoil due to the armed conflict which raged in the island for 30 years. As the village, which is located in Kilinochchi was a rebel controlled area, the villagers faced the brunt of the war and were forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Once the fires of the war died down, the villagers returned to their homes bearing visible and psychological scars of the many horrors they had lived through. A considerable number of households are dependent on widows who are desperate without sources of income to provide for the needs of their children. Several other breadwinners struggle with their disabilities as they try to earn a living as labourers. Even amidst these struggles, the community of Ulavanoor recognises the need for a better tomorrow for their children. They believe that armed with a sound education, their children can lead better lives. However, the children of Ulavanoor have little access to this education and to the brighter tomorrow of which their elders dream. There is only one nursery school for the children of Ulavanoor and the nearest school which is located outside the village has classes up until the 09th grade only. This situation has resulted in the children’s lack of interest towards their education and the youth of the village thereby cannot secure meaningful employment. In a bid to keep alive the community’s hope for a better tomorrow, the Alliance Development Trust reached out to the community of Ulavanoor in 2014, not only to help them reach better living standards but also to provide a sounder future for the children. It is thereby with the best interest of the children at heart that the ADT introduced the specially designed Child-Centred Community Development Programme to the community of Ulavanoor. A preschool which was constructed by the ADT in 2013 for the benefit of the children is now at the heart of all development taking place in the village. The Women’s Rural Development Society (WRDS) of Ulavanoor spearheads the development taking place in this little village under the guidance of the ADT.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - THERAVIL
FACT FILE
Photograph
- THERAVIL
Total population:
414
Number of children:
173
Ethnicity:
Tamil
Number of women widowed by the war:
28
Number of dependants:
28
*Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 201 • Juchrista holds up the eggs she has collected from the farm
• • •
Juchrista’s Teamwork Benefits the Greater Good
•
• Juchrista wakes early to finish her house chores and take her little daughter to school. Life has not been easy for her since her husband died as a result of a shell attack during the ethnic war that ravaged their peaceful little village. Now that she has more responsibilities thrust upon her, Juchrista stitches clothes as a livelihood and grows vegetables in her garden in order to give her child a nutritious meal. Nevertheless she was finding it very difficult to provide for her daughter’s educational needs and this was Juchrista’s greatest worry. Juchrista’s workload increased when she joined the Theravil Vulnerable Persons’ Livelihood Promotable Society (TVPLPS) which was initiated by the Alliance Development Trust. As the Treasurer of this society, Juchrista had to attend several training meetings and she was thereafter involved in securing a special building which would become a community poultry farm. Her responsibilities have only increased now that the poultry farm is functioning smoothly. As the Treasurer of the TVPLP society, Juchrista works daily at the accounts ledger in a small office situated in close proximity to the community poultry farm. She often runs over to the farm to feed and water the chickens even though it might not be her day on the roster.
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“I wake up early morning attend to my housework, take my daughter to school and come to the office at 8.00 a.m.” explained Juchrista. “I leave at 12 to collect my daughter from school and then I return to office and work till 7.00 p.m.” Juchrista is happy to contribute her time towards the community poultry farm. A total of 35 persons comprising of widows, disabled persons and others who were affected by the war work on a roster to feed the chicken, refill their water containers and clean the cages. They share among themselves the profit incurred from the sale of meat and eggs. “Our first salary was (SLR) 2500” recalled Juchrista. “The 02 following months we earned (SLR) 3000 and thereafter we earned (SLR) 3500. As our earnings increase, we will soon be able to save money for our children’s education!” Juchrista is very enthusiastic about the development taking place in their little village. Even though they still do not have an electricity supply, the people of Theravil have joined hands with the ADT in the name of improved living standards. They have already laid out plans for new future projects. “We plan on working on a banana plantation and a vegetable plot too” shared Juchrista with a beaming smile and a hope for a better tomorrow.
• •
Distribution of educational material among 25 children Educational trip benefitting 70 children Year-end get together for 25 children Construction of 04 toilets benefitting 17 persons Cleaning, renovation and reconstruction of 02 common wells benefitting 135 person Construction of 02 tube wells benefitting 74 persons Community poultry farm benefitting 35 persons Trainings on mobilising and equipping the community benefitting 44 persons
THERAVIL MULLAITIVU The village of Theravil is quite picturesque at sunset. The golden rays of the sun meander its way through the shady trees to reflect off the face of a smiling villager. But all too soon the sun sets on this little village in the heart of the Vanni which drowns into the night with no electricity supply to sustain its light. Slowly the smiles fade as the villagers remember the dark days of death, displacement and destruction. The explosives used during the war also contaminated the fertile land and sources of water. The community was resettled to their village even in the midst of contagious diseases and limited access to public transportation, roads and the marketplace. Even though the community of this village in Mullaitivu strives hard to overcome the cloud of despair which hangs over their village since the armed war, their limited access to basic requirements prevents them from reaching normalcy and financial stability. There is seemingly no hope for the future generations either as most of the youth of Theravil do not complete their secondary education because of the lack of facilities available and due to the years of schooling they lost to the war. The youth too slave away as labourers, assisting their fathers in providing for the needs of their family or taking on the role of the breadwinner to provide for their families consisting of widowed mothers and orphaned siblings. In 2014, the Alliance Development Trust reached out to the community of Theravil to help them in their quest for better living standards. Reaching out to the community through the Rural Development Society, the ADT provided for the needs of the people through development education, livelihood programmes and improving conditions of water and sanitation. The needs of the children of Theravil are at the heart of most projects implemented by the ADT and therefore the development programme takes on a child-centred approach.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - MADUKULAM
FACT FILE - MADUKULAM Total population:
193
Number of children:
47
Ethnicity:
Tamil
Households with monthly income between SLR 5,000 – SLR 10,000: 52 Number of wage labourers:
35
*Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
Sathyavelu shows off his prized goats
Help Comes at the Eleventh Hour Sathyavelu’s parents decided to move from Kegalle to Vavuniya in 1993 and brought with them all their belongings loaded in two lorries. When the guns began to rattle and bombs fell from the sky, Sathyavelu’s family had to face the fear and dread of displacement. All they could take with them was one suitcase packed with what they thought they needed most. Like most others in Madukulam, Sathyavelu’s family returned to a destroyed home. Decades later, Sathyavelu is now a father to two children; one daughter attending preschool and one son who came first in his 04th grade. His wife left these two children to his sole care when she left the country in search of employment. However, she took ill in June 2014 and Sathyavelu has not received any financial support from her since then. A cloud of dread and worry fell on Sathyavelu’s shoulders as he did not know of how to provide for his children’s next meal leave alone finance their education. He was facing a great dilemma because he could not leave his young children alone at home in search of employment in the town. Not so long after, the village development committee and an ADT officer walked into his home to ask if they could support him with a loan to begin
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a livelihood of his choice. “I was able to purchase four goats with the money I received from the loan given to me by the ADT in July. Three of the goats are now ready to litter two kid goats each in January and February (2015)” said Sathyavelu who is hopeful that soon he will have a considerable number of goats. “They asked me to attend the meetings and they taught me how to run a business profitably and how to improve my livelihood.” Sathyavelu is very happy that he is able to rear goats in his backyard. He has also constructed a spacious shed for the goats to protect them from the wild animals in the jungle and to ensure that they stay healthy. “I go into the jungles in search of ladappa leaves and other leaves that they like to eat” beamed Sathyavelu who takes good care of his goats. “It is a great thing that the ADT helps people like myself who are not employed. This livelihood has really uplifted me and I am very grateful to the ADT.” Sathyavelu is certain that once the kid goats are born, he will be able to earn a profitable amount from the sale of goat milk. He hopes that his four goats will soon multiply into a herd and he will be able to provide employment for his neighbours and thereby help those who are in need, just like the ADT helped him in his hour desperation.
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
MADUKULAM
•
VAVUNIYA
Change Makers Club benefitting 32 children • Distribution of educational material among 32 children • Awareness on drug and alcohol prevention benefitting 135 persons • Awareness seminar on child protection benefitting 35 persons • Educational trip benefitting 48 children • Medical examination benefitting 16 children • Year-end get together for 32 children • Construction of 04 toilets benefitting 18 persons • Cleaning, renovation and reconstruction of a common well benefitting 10 families • Cleaning, renovation and reconstruction of 12 wells for agricultural purposes benefitting 36 families • Capacity building and training on identifying resources available in the village benefitting 25 persons • Entrepreneurship training for 10 persons • Distribution of 20 microfinance loans • Distribution of a microfinance loan for a community goat farm benefitting 03 families • Sexual and reproductive health seminar for 31 parents • Training on mobilising and equipping the community benefitting 11 persons
The community of Madukulam was scattered during the time of war and was resettled back at their homes once the war ended. However, the village they returned to was merely a shadow of the fertile and happy village it used to be. Most of the villagers had lost their belongings and homes to the fires of the war and therefore fought a daily battle to get back on their feet again. For 03 years they struggled without support from any social organisation; the community lost out on most of the assistance that was distributed among other war affected persons due to its rural location. Even though the people of Madukulam tried to reach its former days of economic sufficiency, they were unable to do so without any assistance from an aid agency. However since the village is located 26 kilometres away from the Vavuniya town, Madukulam lost out on several development projects and aid distribution that benefitted other war affected communities. The villagers therefore eke out a living as farmers or daily paid labourers. This distance that separates the residents of Madukulam from the nearest town also robs them of their access to health care. Furthermore as the bus service functions only twice a day, marketing for their food and provisions costs them an entire day’s work. As there is no school in the village, travelling to the nearest school also affects the schooling children who usually find boarding facilities or live with relatives. This limited access to educational facilities and the villagers’ financial instability result in the children not completing their secondary education or families leaving their village in search of greener pastures. With the hope of creating better living conditions within the village, the Alliance Development Trust reached out to the community in 2011. The ADT initiated a village development committee in order to equip them through its Community Development Programme and to empower them to bring about development for the betterment of their village. During the reporting period, all projects conducted by the ADT were child-centred so that the children of this village will benefit and have access to a brighter future. Annual Report 2014 I Alliance Development Trust I25
COMMUNITY DE VELOPMENT - DEVANAMPIYATISSAPURA
FACT FILE
- DEVANAMPIYATISSAPURA
Total population:
1735
Number of children:
290
Ethnicity:
Tamil
Number widowed by natural disasters:
45
Number of persons employed in the government sector: 87 *Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
DEVANAMPIYATISSAPURA
•
ANURADHAPURA
•
Angel and her friends are delighted with their educational trip
•
Angel’s Adventure Fills her with Wonder Little Angel woke up early on 15th August, 2014. She washed herself and put on a nice dress with fingers trembling with excitement. Together with 54 other children and 15 adults from her village she boarded a special bus which would take them on a trip to Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. This was the very first time 05 year old Angel would see the wonders of these historic cities and other places of interest. Angel’s friends giggled with joy as they got down at the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. After the troupe climbed to the very peak of the rock fortress and admired the vicinity, they enjoyed a picnic breakfast on the Sigiriya grounds. Thereafter the group of explorers set off for the historic Golden Temple of Dambulla which is one of the largest temples in Sri Lanka. En route to Kandy, the children visited the Polgolla Reservoir where they took down notes on the information shared by the guide. As all the excitement, exercise and singing made the children hungry, the bus soon stopped for lunch. The children almost forgot their hunger when they realised that they would have a picnic-style lunch at the famous Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. They gulped down their food so as to make more time to walk among the flower bushes and the majestic trees in the gardens. Little Angel was so happy that she was able to see so many places for the very first time. Her older friends found the visits very informative as they could use the
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information for their school work. However, little Angel who is still in the primary grade enjoyed the flower gardens the most. “I saw lots of different flowers like roses in the gardens” she explained. “I enjoyed the trip very much as I liked travelling with my friends.” The adults who accompanied the children on the trip were very grateful for this opportunity created for their children. As the children of Dewanampiyatissapura do not receive an opportunity to mingle or experience the world outside, the adults profusely thanked the ADT for taking their children on this expedition.
• • •
• • • •
• •
Change Makers Club benefitting 80 children Distribution of educational material among 79 children Awareness seminar on nutrition benefitting 60 persons Educational trip benefitting 55 children Clearing and fencing a playground benefitting 290 children Children initiated project: awareness on dengue prevention benefitting 470 persons Year-end get together for 79 children Construction of a toilet benefitting 04 persons Walk and campaign to mark World Water Day benefitting 400 persons Capacity building and training on identifying resources available in the village benefiting 16 persons Entrepreneurship training for 25 persons Training on mobilising and equipping the community benefitting 11 persons
For generations the community of Devanampiyatissapura have lived amidst great hardships and misery. The colonial overlords brought their forefathers from South India to perform menial labour such as garbage collecting and cleaning the streets. Following the colonial rule, this group of people was employed by local authorities of the historical city of Anuradhapura to keep the city clean. They were settled in an area within the city limits in line houses without adequate access to basic amenities. The community was also treated negligently due to their background. The local government later decided to preserve the area occupied by this community as part of the historical city and it was thus that they were relocated to Devanampiyatissapura which is in the outskirts of Anuradhapura. However, the living conditions in Devanampiyatissapura were not adequate either. At the point of settling this community in Devanampiyatissapura, the construction of the houses was not complete and the water, drainage and toilet facilities were provided on a temporary basis. Further, as the government did not provide any help towards improving these living conditions, it was only a few families who were able to improve their housing conditions. As the majority of the villagers still engage in very low profile jobs, they continued to face hardships without proper toilet facilities and drainage facilities. The community also faced a health situation as the village did not have a garbage disposal system. Further, the children of the community did not have much interest in completing their secondary education and pursuing higher education. There was also problems prevailing due to alcoholism, lack of attention towards child protection and problems arising due to unwise parenting. It was in this context that the Alliance Development Trust embraced the community of Devanampiyatissapura in 2011 with the aim of assisting them in reaching better living standards. Through its Community Development Education (CDE) programme, the ADT provides the necessary guidance to the newly formed Community Development Society of Devanampiyatissapura to solve the common problems they face and to take ownership of the development taking place in their village. Special attention was paid to the needs of the children of this village as the CDE programme took on a child-centred approach with Annual Report 2014 I Alliance Development Trust I27
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - KILIKUNJUMALAI
FACT FILE
- KILIKUNJUMALAI
Total population:
154
Number of children: 60 Ethnicity:
Tamil/Sinhalese
Number of widows:
30
Number of wage labourers:
35
*Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
Dilukshi’s son takes part in the games
Fun and Games Brings a Community Together Dilukshi moved into Kilikunjumalai as a child after the Tsunami in 2004. As she recalls, the village was just a jungle where a few people who had nowhere else to go had set up temporary shelters. At the end of the war more people moved into Kilikunjumalai even though the basic amenities such as water and electricity supply were not accessible. As the people living in Kilikunjumalai hailed from different backgrounds and walks of life, the villagers would most often keep to themselves and would not gather to even discuss the issues they face or how they could develop their village. “The ADT came to the village in 2011” recollects Dilukshi. “They asked us about the needs of the people and they helped us to form a development committee for the village.” Dilukshi who is now a mother of three, is very much involved in the development programmes taking place in Kilikunjumalai as a member of the village committee. She was among those who proposed that a cultural event be organised to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year as one community. On 05th May 2014, the whole village comprising of 154 persons, gathered at the village grounds in anticipation of a time of great fun and enjoyment. Some of the cultural games enjoyed by the young and the old were breaking clay pots blind-folded, balloon games, pinning the eye on the elephant, musical chairs, a bun-eating contest, a duck race and a family marathon. The day’s celebrations culminated with a beauty pageant. There were visitors from 28I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
other surrounding villages who also came to witness the fun and games taking place at Kilikunjumalai. The participation in all the entertainment activities was high as the children, youth and adults enthusiastically engaged in the games and activities. The festival celebrations united the villagers of Kilikunjumalai and it fostered great comradery amongst them. “This is the very first time we organised a New Year celebration. We organised this event because our children have not taken part in such celebrations before” said Dilukshi who went on to say that as a mother she is grateful that her children were able to take part in this event. “I am happy that my children took part in this celebration. My youngest son used to be very shy and would not speak with outsiders. At this event I was happy to see him taking part in the games. Similarly, after the cultural event we see that there is unity amongst the entire community.”
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
KILIKUNJUMALAI
• Change Makers Club benefitting 60 children • Distribution of educational material among 60 children • Awareness seminar on education benefitting 58 persons • Awareness on child rights and protection benefitting154 persons • Awareness seminar on social issues and the responsibilities of parents and children benefitting 88 persons • Educational trip benefitting 40 children • World Children’s Day celebrations benefitting 65 persons • Children initiated project: tree planting benefitting 55 children • Year-end get together for 60 children • Programmes to mark World Water Day benefitting 150 persons • Hygiene seminar benefitting 34 persons • Installation of pipe line benefitting 12 families • Capacity building and training on identifying resources available in the village benefitting 15 persons • Entrepreneurship training for 17 persons • Distribution of 10 microfinance loans • Awareness seminar on sexual and reproductive health and gender benefitting 52 persons • Training on mobilising and equipping the community benefitting 11 persons
TRINCOMALEE Among the disruption caused by the 30 year long ethnic war, was the great number of families who had to face the uncertainty of displacement. Many left their homes and belongings behind as they fled the war affected areas in search of safety. There were a considerable number of families who even left the country and sought shelter in neighbouring India until the fires of war died down. On returning to the country with great hopes of living peacefully, there were families which were dismayed to find that they had no homes anymore. Among such families who had nowhere to go were the families who were relocated in the village of Kilikunjumalai in Trincomalee. This small valley, surrounded by tall hills that keep watchful vigil over this sleepy hamlet, now is home to 43 families. Even though it is only 08 kilometres away from the nearest town, the villagers still do not have access to pipe-borne water and certain families do not have electricity supply. Also, the villagers are forced to walk 02 kilometres to the nearest bus service that takes them to the town. The children have to cover 03 kilometres on foot to the nearest school. Due to their low income, the villagers are unable to improve their poor living conditions. They still live in temporary homes of clay and wattle sheltered by tin roofing sheets. A number of families use a common toilet or a neighbour’s toilet; some others are forced to use the jungle to relieve themselves. The rock quarry near the village causes several health hazards; the children suffer from trauma because of the loud noise caused by the dynamite and the villagers cough up blood due to the rock dust that they breathe. It was in a bid to improve the living conditions of the villagers and the children of Kilikunjumalai that Alliance Development Trust initiated its Child-Centred Community Development Programme. Simultaneous to the construction of toilets and tube wells for the use of the community, the ADT also formed a special development committee who are trained and equipped to identify their needs and take ownership of the development taking place in the village. Together, the ADT and the development committee now bring improved standards of living to each and every home in Kilikunjumalai. Annual Report 2014 I Alliance Development Trust I29
COMMUNITY DE VELOPMENT - ILUPADICHCHENAI 148
FACT FILE - ILUPADICHCHENAI 148 Total population:
1,348
Number of children:
606
Ethnicity:
Tamil
Number of dependants:
93
Number of farmers:
71
*Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
ILUPADICHCHENAI 148
•
BATTICALOA
Menaka guides her students in learning the Tamil alphabet
• •
Better Resources means Better Performance
• •
As a new day dawns upon the quiet village of Valakkalai, Menaka neatly drapes her saree and ties her hair into a tight bun. As a preschool teacher, she looks forward to going to work at the Gandhi Preschool where she teaches 15 precious little ones the ABCs. Nevertheless there are days when she is saddened by the thought that the parents do not take enough interest in the children’s education. Menaka believes that preschool education is quite necessary as it teaches children important things which they need to know within these formative years of their life. Sadly, the parents of certain children do not grasp the importance of preschool education and thereby attendance on some days are poor. Even though Menaka would advise them to send their children on a regular basis, the parents did not seem to understand.
posters that line the walls. “There is an improvement in the children’s knowledge after the ADT provided us with these posters. They often point to the pictures and respond well to what is taught.” Even Nalini, a young mother who came to pick her daughter from school, said that she sees an improvement in her daughter’s education. “The school has seen much progress, particularly in relation to the material they have to teach the children” she expressed.
• • • • • • • • •
However the attendance did improve when the preschool received a new coat of paint. Since the children also receive nutrition packs, breakfast and even a mid-day meal, the children too are now enthusiastic about coming to school. “It has been very beneficial for us since the Alliance Development Trust came to Iluppadichchenai. They provided the school with educational material and necessary equipment too” said Menaka who is grateful for the colourful
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• • • •
Training for 295 paddy and Other Food Crop farmers Distribution of agricultural inputs among 240 farmers Establishment of compost units benefitting 08 persons Skill development trainings benefitting 40 persons Distribution of high-breed cows among 13 war widows Training on micro enterprises development benefitting 157 persons Exposure visits and exhibitions benefitting 322 persons Distribution of 160 microfinance loans Training for Community Based Organisations benefitting 144 persons Community initiated projects benefitting 1,431 persons Awareness seminars on human rights benefitting 325 persons Environmental awareness programmes benefitting 596 persons Equipping and training 135 community mobilisers Assessment of nutritional needs among 115 children Awareness seminars on health, hygiene and nutrition benefitting 190 persons Distribution of nutritional supplements among 150 children Construction of 04 wells for agricultural purposes benefitting 75 persons Renovation of 03 preschools benefitting 80 children
The community of Iluppadichchenai 148 consists of four villages, namely, Valakkalai, Sinnakalaipodamadu, Navalthottam and Iluppadichchenai. Situated in the rural localities of the Batticaloa District, these villages are filled with acres of paddy fields and grazing grounds for herds of cattle and goat. The villagers go about their daily routines with a smile on their faces in readiness to greet a neighbour. The birds perched high on the palmyrah fronds whistle songs of peace and serenity. However the villagers remember when the air would rattle with the sounds of guns and echo with the cries of people. The people of this community faced displacement during the time of war and went through indescribable hardships in times of floods and drought. These hardships and lack of access to education and employment forced the people of Iluppadichchenai into poverty. As the main sources of income are agriculture and animal husbandry, the villagers’ earnings are enough for their day’s meals and basic necessities. Those who cannot afford to maintain their fields, often sell their fields and work as labourers in a neighbour’s field. Often the prolonged dry season affects the paddy cultivation as the farmers do not have access to a proper irrigation system. During the dry season, the farmers are forced to abandon their fields and engage in unskilled labour. Water scarcity is a major issue for this community as they walk approximately 05 kilometres in search of potable water. Even though there are several open wells in the village, the water in these wells are polluted. The villagers do not have access to any sanitation facilities. Also, there are no schools in these four villages and the schooling children travel long distances to get to the nearest school. The Alliance Development Trust entered Iluppadichchenai in 2012 with an integrated Community Development Education initiative to support this community faced with low standards of living. Through its specially designed development plan, the ADT initiated several projects to improve the health conditions of the people, provide skill training, improve their access to water and sanitation facilities and equip the community to attain development for the entire community. During its presence in Iluppadichchenai, the ADT worked closely with the Community Based Organisations and empowered them to take ownership Annual Report of their 2014 tomorrows. I Alliance Development Trust I31
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - SUHADAPURA
FACT FILE - SUHADAPURA Total population:
472
Number of children:
175
Ethnicity:
Sinhalese/ Tamil
Number of female-headed households:
18
Number of wage labourers: 51 *Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
Bhanuka learns an important lesson
Bhanuka Learns the Importance of Child Security Bhanuka hurried through his lunch and homework on 7th October, 2014. He had to be ready for the special programme organised by the Change Makers Club he belonged to. Even though he was only 10 years old, Bhanuka understood the importance of World Children’s Day which would be marked at this programme. He was not late but he had to struggle to get a seat in the small temple hall where 64 children and 11 adults gathered to witness the day’s proceedings. Officers from the National Child Protection Authority graced the occasion as the chief guests and speakers who addressed the gathering on several important issues. The audience was instructed to change their lifestyles for the better. The children were advised to inculcate good habits, set goals for themselves, to avoid dark and lonely places where gangs of men lurk, to always travel with a companion, to protect one’s body, to scream for help when inappropriate advances are made and to report any nature of abuse. This session was conducted in a manner which even the younger children understood, where games were conducted to retain their attention and interest. A short movie clip was also played for the benefit of the older girls and the 11 parents present.
needs and capabilities. As he felt neglected and unloved, the protagonist spent his time instead with his friends. His family becomes concerned about his safety when the boy is reported to be missing. The boy then returns to his family with a poignant message for all the parents “Love me and pay attention to my needs when I’m around; don’t wait till I go missing to show me how much you care.” Everyone took home a new message which they had learnt. Bhanuka said that he learnt the importance of protecting himself. “I learnt today that I must not go anywhere alone” he said. “Today’s programme taught me that I should go with an adult if I’m going anywhere.” The Alliance Development Trust supported and guided the Change Makers Club in conducting this programme with the aim of protecting the children and securing a better tomorrow for them.
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
SUHADAPURA
• • •
RATMALANA
Change Makers Club benefitting 83 children Distribution of educational material among 83 children • Awareness seminars on child protection benefitting 123 persons • Awareness seminar on health and nutrition benefitting 40 children • Medical examination for 22 children • Educational trip benefiting 65 children • World Children’s Day celebrations benefitting 75 persons • Children initiated projects benefitting 303 persons • Year-end get together for 83 children • Community cleaning (shramadhana) benefitting 210 persons • Capacity building and training on identifying resources available in the village benefitting 09 persons • Entrepreneurship training for 09 persons • Distribution of 09 microfinance loans • Training on mobilising and equipping the community 12 persons • Construction of a fence on the bank of the lake benefitting 170 families
As the morning dawns, the children of Suhadapura wake up to a cacophony of noises. Not only can they hear their mothers preparing breakfast but they can also hear the bustle of activities taking place in the households next door. The people of Suhadapura belong to a shanty community living in small houses constructed with wood and bricks with little or no space between each other. Even though they are not far from the developed cities of the Colombo District, there are several problems that this community face due to underdevelopment and neglect of this locality. The community is vulnerable to natural disasters; during the rainy season the lake near the village floods the streets. During such times, the community not only fears the illnesses that may spread but also attacks from crocodiles. Further the sanitation facilities and drainage facilities in this locality is poor and this affects the living conditions of the Suhadapura community. As many of the residents engage in low profile jobs, they find it very difficult to contribute towards improving these conditions of the community. Also, the children of the community face several issues due to the parents’ low knowledge of child protection. The needs of the children often tend to be neglected as both parents are employed. The Alliance Development Trust reached out to Suhadapura in 2011 in order to mobilise the community to attain better living standards. A special Child-Centred Community Development Programme was initiated to bring about a better tomorrow for the children of Suhadapura. The ADT also continued to train and equip the village development committee of Suhadapura which was formed to address the needs of the community and thereby take ownership of the development taking place.
The children too had something special planned for the day. A drama addressing the issue of the attention the children need from their parents. It was a story of a boy whose mother and siblings did not heed his 32I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - MEEGAHAGODA
FACT FILE - MEEGAHAGODA Total population:
1060
Number of children: Ethnicity:
299 Sinhala
Number of persons with disabilities:
12
Number of self-employed persons:
81
*Data gathered by the ADT at the end of 2013
The people of Meegahagoda clean their neighbourhood
Health and Safety Education for Communities in Dengue Hotspots Another day dies down and the villagers of Meegahagoda feel a deep sense of guilt weigh them down. The sharp pain from a mosquito bite is a reminder that the garden and backyard are still unattended. Their children complain about the mosquitoes that bite them when they are studying in the morning. There is a discussion within the family about a recent victim of dengue and the escalating number of cases reported in Galle. However it is too late to trim the overgrown hedges; maybe tomorrow there might be time to attend to the garden. Nevertheless the sun would set again tomorrow while mosquitoes continue to breed in the overlooked puddles, fish tanks, broken flower pots and waste material that lie forgotten in a drain. There was a great need to spread awareness about the cleanliness of the village of Meegahagoda in order to prevent the spread of dengue which had already claimed lives in the Galle District. As the rainy season had just begun to increase the vulnerability of the villagers, the Village Development Committee of Meegahagoda organised a dengue prevention programme on 18th October, 2014. The committee together with the local Physical Health Inspector (PHI), local government agent (Grama Sevaka), divisional
34I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
social services officer and two police constables visited each home in the village with advice for a healthier lifestyle. They encouraged the households to clean their gardens and surroundings while inspecting places where water could collect and provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The villagers also received information about dengue and how it spreads. The officials motivated the villagers to destroy mosquito breeding grounds for the sake of the children who are most vulnerable to the disease. The inspection prompted the villagers to immediately attend to their neglected gardens. The children joined their parents as they trimmed the bushes, cleaned the drains and swept the gardens. The ADT’s regional coordinator for the South also ensured that posters with messages on dengue prevention were displayed in prominent locations. The villagers were grateful for this programme that encouraged them to keep their surroundings clean. Chandrika, a police constable who joined in this awareness campaign, was glad that she too could contribute to a better lifestyle among the people of Meegahagoda. “I am happy to take part in this activity” she expressed. “I realised that the people too appreciated the individual attention we paid them since they left all their other engagements to join in the programme.”
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014
MEEGAHAGODA, AHANGAMA
•
GALLE
Change Makers Clubs benefitting 95 children • Distribution of educational material among 95 children • Awareness seminar on drugs and alcohol benefitting 76 persons • Educational trip benefitting 48 children • World Children’s Day celebrations benefitting 210 persons • Medical examination benefitting 30 children • Year-end get together for 95 children • Dengue prevention programme benefitting 280 persons • Hygiene seminar benefitting 60 children • Construction of 05 toilets benefitting 25 persons • Cleaning, renovation and reconstruction of 04 common wells benefitting 146 persons • Installation of tap line benefitting 60 persons • Training mobilising and equipping the community benefitting 14 persons • Playground for youth benefitting 221 persons
Once their husbands go to town in search of manual labour, the womenfolk of Meegahagoda take their young children to school. Then they sit in their gardens in front of a rusted spinning wheel and spin yarns of coir-rope which they sell to the markets. This additional income helps the households acquire their daily necessities and provide for the children’s educational needs. However around 20% of the households in this village do not have access to pipe-borne water and electricity supply as they cannot afford to pay for the connection and for the usage of these amenities. Many of the households face financial hardships and therefore their propensity to save is very low. There have been several occasions where children have been forced into early marriages also due to the parents’ financial difficulties. The households of Meegahagoda also face certain difficulties due to alcoholism; some families are living through financial difficulties and domestic violence because of the breadwinner’s alcohol dependency. Further, the school within the village has very few facilities and resources available. Therefore the parents try to enrol their children to other schools. As the children lack access to proper education and do not qualify for university entrance, the parents do not persuade their children to engage in their studies. Thereby there is very little social mobility seen within the community of Meegahagoda. Even though the Alliance Development Trust reached out to this community with the hope of empowering them to attain better living conditions, it faced several challenges in garnering the support of the entire community. Nevertheless the ADT introduced its Child-Centred Community Development Programme to the village in 2011 and several development programmes have already been implemented by the Village Development Committee and the Change Makers children’s club initiated by the ADT.
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RELIEF ASSISTANCE Relief for Flood Victims | Relief for Drought Victims | Relief for Landslide Victims
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RELIEF ASSISTANCE
RELIEF ASSISTANCE During the period under review, Sri Lanka faced the hardships of adverse weather conditions and many living in affected areas lost their homes, belongings and loved ones. The Alliance Development Trust reached out to those affected by these natural disasters in a bid to help them in their time of dire need and to assist them to return to normalcy. The ADT provided relief in the wake of the floods, landslides and the period of drought which was experienced in the island in 2014.
Relief Assistance for Flood Victims A total of 11 districts experienced an unprecedented rainfall and floods in July and August 2014. This extreme weather condition affected a total of 104,525 persons and displaced 6,100 persons who had to seek temporary shelter at school and public venues. Further records indicate 26 deaths, 10 casualties and one person who was reported missing. The victims of the heavy rains and floods were left in a most desperate state of helplessness as they battled hunger, fear, cold and spreading illnesses in camps for the displaced.
Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kegalle, Kandy and Ratnapura. These packs contained rice, sugar, biscuits, samaposha (processed cereal), soya, green gram, flour, dhal, tea leaves, candles and matches, mosquito nets, bed sheets, soap, toothpaste and tooth brushes, water bottles and sanitation packs. The beneficiaries of these relief packs were identified through the regional offices so as to reach out to those who were most affected. Furthermore, special steps were taken to ensure that the aid reaches children, women and disabled persons affected by the floods. Relief Assistance for Drought Victims Even while certain parts of the island were experiencing torrential rains, certain other parts of Sri Lanka were facing severe drought conditions. A total of 14 districts were affected and persons living especially in the Northern, Eastern and North Central provinces endured unimaginable hardships without water to quench their
thirst and bless their fields. Among the areas that were greatly affected was the village of Theravil in Mullaitivu which, due to its interior location, lost out on aid which was distributed by other relief agencies. Realising the great need of these villagers, the ADT supported the community of Theravil through the distribution of relief packs among 153 families on 11th October, 2014. These packs containing red rice, wheat flour, sugar, dhal, tinned fish, milk powder and soap were valued at SLR 3,500.
with many hardships without access to essential needs and facilities as they sought temporary shelter in a school and an old factory. A total of 50 families received relief packs through the ADT which contained several food and non-food items that they needed. The beneficiaries were very thankful for the assistance extended through the distribution of relief items which took place on 17th November, 2014.
Relief Assistance for Landslide Victims
In the wake of this disaster, the ADT provided assistance to those victimised by the torrential rains, floods and earth-slips in the form of dry rations and non-food relief items. Relief packs which were valued between SLR 2,500 and SLR 3,000 were distributed among 9,567 individuals from the affected areas of Batticaloa, Nuwara Eliya, Monaragala, Gampaha, 38I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
The attention of the entire nation and the international community was on the victims of the landslides which took place in the Badulla District in October, causing loss of lives and property and displacing approximately 1000 persons. While the majority of the relief was distributed among those who were affected in the Koslanda and Meeriyabedda, areas equally affected such as the Udaveriya estate received no assistance due to its rural location. The residents of this community were faced
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NATIONAL PROGRAMMES
40I Alliance Development Trust I Annual Report 2014
Sexual and Reproductive Health | Leprosy | Water and Sanitation | Livelihood | Children
Annual Report 2014 I Alliance Development Trust I41
NATIONAL - SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Project Positive – the ADT’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Desk – continued to create awareness on sexual and reproductive health, HIV, AIDS, substance abuse and gender-related issues. Through these programmes the ADT reaches out to the social groups that are most vulnerable to contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as those who fall prey to substance abuse, sexual abuse and those who enter into early marriages. The transit home for Persons Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) continued to function under the guidance and support of the ADT. Several programmes were also conducted for the benefit of HIV infected and affected persons. PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014 • Awareness seminar on HIV, AIDS and SRH for 78 youth and young parents – Jaffna • Awareness seminar on SRH and drug awareness benefitting 32 persons – Colombo • Awareness seminar on SRH and gender issues for 110 parents – Kandy • Awareness seminar on SRH and gender issues for 84 adolescents – Anuradhapura • Awareness seminar on SRH for 28 youth – Colombo • Awareness seminar on SRH and gender issues for 120 teachers – Nawalapitiya • Awareness seminar on SRH and gender issues for 78 adolescents - Nuwara Eliya • Awareness seminar on SRH and gender issues benefitting 75 persons – Kandy • Awareness seminar on SRH for 29 youth – Vavuniya • Awareness seminar on SRH for 84 youth – Anuradhapura • Awareness seminar on HIV, AIDS and SRH benefitting 334 persons - Jaffna, Colombo and Batticaloa
• Awareness Seminar on SRH for 72 students Trincomalee • Nutritional support for 16 PLWHAs – Islandwide • Educational Support for HIV infected and affected 75 children – Islandwide • Distribution of Nutrition Packs among 75 HIV affected families – Island wide
A PLACE TO CALL HOME Anjali* was only 18 years old when she was forced into an early marriage to a stranger. Eleven days after her wedding, Anjali came to know that she had contracted HIV from her husband. At 19 years, Anjali was a widow. She was 23 years old when her own mother robbed Anjali of her jewellery and money before driving her out of the house. In the same year, she first attempted to commit suicide and had to be hospitalised. “I hid the medicines they gave me because I felt that death would be better than life” recalled Anjali who explained that the doctors were puzzled as to why her condition was not improving. It was at the hospital that Anjali came to know of the Alliance Development Trust who looks after abandoned people like herself. Following the direction of the doctors, Anjali visited Safe House. “They listened to my troubles and told me that they would do everything in their power to help me. They asked me to stay at Safe House and arranged for me to receive counselling.” The ADT’s Safe House has been Anjali’s home since 2009. It was at this transit home that she met Nadishan* whom she chose as her partner for life. His story is not too different from Anjali’s. Rejected by his parents and siblings, Nadishan too contemplated on suicide before he came to Safe House. Thereafter, with help from his wife, he managed to mend his lifestyle and take care himself. Anjali and Nadishan have found true happiness in each other. They have now joined hands with the ADT to reach out to others affected by HIV. “It is because of the help received at Safe House that we are alive today” expressed Nadishan. “We believe that with the ADT’s help we will be able to encourage those like ourselves and show them the path to life” Anjali added with a smile.
REACHING OUT TO TOUCH PERSONS WITH LEPROSY
LEPROSY
For many years Persons Affected by Leprosy (PABL) have been ostracised by societies which abandon Leprosy patients for the fear of contracting the disease. In certain communities, those who are detected with the disease are often looked down on as untouchables. However the advancements in medicine encourage us to accept the PABL and not cast them out of our social circles. As the number of Sri Lankans detected with Leprosy is on the rise, there is now a great need to raise awareness on Leprosy and prevent the spread of Leprosy, as well as, accept and reach out to those living with Leprosy.
In 2014, the ADT relaunched its Leprosy Desk in response to the resurgence of Leprosy related cases reported in Sri Lanka. Even though Leprosy is an infection which is completely curable and for which there is free treatment available in the country, the lack of awareness and stigma against Leprosy still prevent patients from detecting and treating the infection before it spreads and causes deformation. The ADT launched the Touch Leprosy Project in a bid to battle against the spread of Leprosy and the stigma affecting persons living with Leprosy. The project also aims at providing the patients with necessary aftercare and psychological support which is essential to successfully reintegrate them into society.
Leo Sebastian who is a community leader in Nuwara Eliya recently attended the Touch National Leprosy Conference which was conducted at the MAS Fabric Park in Thulhiriya from 08th to 10th September, 2014. He was among the 120 community leaders who participated at this conference organised by the Alliance Development Trust. The conference equipped the participants from all around Sri Lanka to create awareness on the symptoms of the disease, fight against the stigma and provide for the necessary aftercare for Leprosy patients. Dr. Nilanthi Fernando, the Director of the Anti-Leprosy Campaign of Sri Lanka, who graced the conference as the Chief Guest, joined the other Guests of Honour to discuss the medical facts and findings, the stigma, the legal and the social aspects of the disease. Leo found this conference quite educative. He learnt the importance of creating awareness of the facts about Leprosy such as that it is completely curable, early medication can prevent deformities, the disease spreads as respiratory droplets and that patients who take the necessary treatment can lead a normal life. “This conference also helped me realise my responsibility and obligation to return home with this message for my community. We are very grateful to the ADT for this wonderful programme” expressed Leo. All participants who represent the 25 districts of Sri Lanka returned to their homes empowered to spread awareness on Leprosy and also with the training necessary to train others to do so.
A national conference was organised in collaboration with the Anti-Leprosy Campaign of Sri Lanka for community leaders from all parts of the country where they were equipped to create awareness with regard to the prevalence of Leprosy, the symptoms and the treatment available as well as fight against the stigma. All training programmes were conducted on a Training of Trainers basis where those equipped will not merely spread awareness but also equip others to do so. PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014 • Touch National Leprosy Conference benefitting 120 persons • Training of Trainers workshop benefitting 27 persons
*Names have been changed to protect the beneficiaries’ identity.
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NATIONAL - LEPROSY
SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
NATIONAL - WATER AND SANITATION
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
A POSITIVE IMPACT ON HER LIVELIHOOD
LIVELIHOOD
Access to potable water and adequate sanitation facilities are necessities of every human being. However, several communities still live without access to water and sanitation. Communities in war affected areas face numerous hardships because the ethnic war polluted their wells and destroyed their other sources of water and sanitation. Due to their poverty, these villagers are unable to construct wells and toilets through their own effort. With the aim of improving the water and sanitation facilities of such communities the Alliance Development Trust reached out to them in their time of need. The ADT also continued to conduct campaigns to create awareness on proper hygiene practices and on the need for water conservation.
The people who call Vavuniya home live at a risk of developing kidney-related illnesses as most of them do not have access to safe drinking water. While a minority of this group try their best to escape this fate, most of them simply submit to it due to their ignorance of how to avert this situation. However the solution to this problem is as simple as drinking boiled water. In a bid to spread this vital message, the Alliance Development Trust marked World Water Day on 29th March, 2014 by raising awareness on the importance of clean water on the streets of Vavuniya town.
Faheema* still remembers the day she and her husband tested positive for HIV. Over the years she saw her husband’s health deteriorate and she soon realised that she would have to take on the role of the breadwinner. She was concerned for the sake of her two sons and daughter; she wanted to provide them with the nutrition they needed to lead healthy lives and educate them as best as she could. Faheema was also trying her best to restore her husband to health and in order to find the means to support all these needs, she tried her hand at operating a small grocery store. However, Faheema did not have the required skills and knowledge to run a business on her own. Not long after, Faheema realised that this business was a loss and that she had even lost the money invested in it. Faheema was in a very desperate state when the Alliance Development Trust invited her and 16 others to attend a training programme on Start Your Business which was conducted in November 2014. Faheema knew that this was not an opportunity to be missed and she attended the training with much enthusiasm. Her interest was rewarded when the officers of the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) identified Faheema among nine other Persons Living with HIV as recipients of a livelihood loan. Faheema was able to reopen her grocery store with the financial support she received and to identify a suitable location to operate her business successfully. Faheema now earns a monthly income of SLR 7,500 which pays for her household needs. Recently, Faheema lost her husband and she is now a single mother. ”I am grateful for the training and the assistance I received” she said, explaining how she can now afford to send her children to school. ”I am even able to save some of the money I earn” she beamed.
In 2014, the Livelihood Desk focused on alleviating poverty from female-headed households whilst also reaching out to homes of marginalised groups. In order to ensure that female breadwinners did not leave their homes and their young children in search of employment, the Alliance Development Trust provided financial support that helped them engage in a livelihood from home. The beneficiaries of the loans and grants also received training and advice on how to identify a profitable livelihood and how to plan their business ventures strategically. The microfinance loans that were distributed have easy pay-back schemes with very low interest rates that, once repaid, will be distributed among other persons in need of financial support.
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014 • Street dramas to mark World Water Day benefitting approximately 1000 persons – Vavuniya • A walk and a campaign to mark World Water Day benefitting approximately 400 persons – Colombo • Construction of 04 toilets benefitting 20 persons – Colombo • Construction of 05 toilets – Puthukkudiyiruppu (Mullaitivu) • Construction of tube well benefitting 500 persons – Puthukkudiyiruppu (Mullaitivu) • Construction of 05 tube wells benefitting 150 persons – Kilinochchi
It were children from the ADT initiated Change Makers Clubs who took this message to the people of Vavuniya through street dramas enacted under the guidance of an elder. Their words of advice resounded over loudspeakers attracting the attention of hundreds of vendors, shoppers and commuters. “Drinking water from our wells affect our kidneys and livers” rang the message. “We should boil the water before drinking it.” The general public were also advised on the importance of protecting lakes, rivers and other sources of water and were informed on good sanitary practices. The dramas were enacted in four different places in and around Vavuniya Town; namely the marketplace, the bus depot, the Kurumankadu junction and the Poonthottam junction. Nearly 1000 persons witnessed this event with hundreds of persons stopping to hear more of the message. “I understand the importance of drinking boiled water because I am nursing my sick son back to health” said one bystander. “It is important that this message reaches every home. We can protect our next generation by teaching them to drink clean water.”
PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014 • Distribution of a microfinance loan – Jaffna • Distribution of 10 livelihood grants among widows – Mullaitivu • Entrepreneurship training for 17 Persons Living with HIV - Islandwide • Distribution of microfinance loans among 09 Persons Living with HIV – Islandwide
*Name has been changed to protect the beneficiary’s identity.
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NATIONAL - LIVELIHOOD
WATER AND SANITATION
NATIONAL - CHILDREN
CHILDREN
BOOSTING HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION PACKS
The Alliance Development Trust believes that it is important to create a better tomorrow for all children and the best interest of children are at the heart of most of its activities.
For the younger children of the Iruddumadu Tamil Vidyalayam in Mullaitivu, the war was a struggle for survival in the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). Even though they survived hunger and unhygienic circumstances in IDP camps, these children still bear the scars of malnutrition. As they continue to live amidst absolute poverty and dire need, their physical development is low and the children lack the strength needed to concentrate on their studies and take part in extra-curricular activities. Ms. Balakumari Vishvanathan, the Principal of the school, has observed several occasions on which the children have fallen ill because they come to school on an empty stomach. A total of 107 students received nutritional packs from the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) at a programme held on 10th October, 2014. The occasion was held under the auspices of the Divisional Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, officials representing local government institutions, officers from the Department of Education, school staff and the people of Iruddumadu. Further, 43 expectant mothers from low income families received nutrition packs. Sujitha who is at the beginning of her pregnancy, was very grateful for the pack she received. “I was so worried because I couldn’t afford the milk and food the doctor prescribed” she disclosed. “I am very grateful to the ADT and I’m happy to receive these nutritious items.” Ms. Vishvanathan too appreciated the ADT’s gesture towards the children. “The children are happy that they received these food items” she stated, explaining how the children would eat nutritious meals during their interval. “They have enjoyed nutritious meals for 20 consecutive days. The children are very happy and much more active now.”
During the period in review, the ADT conducted several programmes for the benefit of children from underprivileged and marginalised sectors of society. All programmes conducted by the ADT’s Children’s Sector on a national level were in a bid to encourage and provide for the needs of children with special needs, HIV infected and affected children and children from rural and war affected areas. PROJECTS CONDUCTED IN 2014 • World Children’s Day celebrations benefitting 1047 persons – Vavuniya • Programme to mark the International Week of the Deaf benefitting 900 persons – Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu • Programme to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities benefitting 125 persons – Galle • Distribution of nutrition packs among 150 persons - Puthukkudiyiruppu (Mullaitivu)
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT During the period under review, the Business Development Unit of the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) continued to conduct its project with the following objectives; • • •
Vimalarani showcases her products
Vimalarani: Sole Breadwinner,
Generating additional income for the ADT’s regional offices Empowering and providing employment opportunities for local communities Utilising part of the profits earned by this unit for social work (i.e. self-employment for widows)
The Business Development Unit relies on the donations and bequests of generous sponsors. Most of the projects conducted were centred on empowering widows and other vulnerable communities. There are more than 40,000 female-headed families in the North of the country who are struggling to find gainful employment and have endless concerns over food security, family security and the security of their children. Being gainfully self-employed also means that they can manage the well being of their families more diligently while working from home.
The beneficiaries of these projects have been equipped through the provision of the capital needed to begin self-employment ventures in a bid to help them reach improved living standards. The Business Development Unit also invested in business ventures of several other disadvantaged persons through the provision of loans. During the year in review the Business Development Unit provided seven beneficiaries with soft loan facilities for the purposes of starting and continuing self-employment ventures in tailoring, confectionary and red rice flour manufacturing, manufacturing of palmyrah based handicrafts, joss sticks, camphor, tooth powder and the production of cassava chips and fried snacks. The loans are provided via a special revolving loan scheme that ensures more than one beneficiary benefits through the same capital, once the initial loan is repaid.
Single Parent, One Objective Vimalarani is a single parent now resettled after the war in Mawayalatai, Jaffna. She is the sole breadwinner for her family which includes her daughter, mother, father and her sister. Her main burden was to ensure that her daughter received a proper education. With no proper skills to embark on a livelihood, Vimalarani joined the Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development which trained her in different aspects of business; marketing, profit and loss, packaging, etc. Vimalarani and the other trainees also had the opportunity to visit a few other enterprises. They visited the Cashew Corporation and saw how the cashew nuts were packed and also a pottery business done as a cottage enterprise. When selecting a livelihood Vimalarani opted to do something she already knew; she chose to make murukku and ‘savoury bites’. The Business Development Unit gave Vimalarani a loan of SLR 10,000 to start her business venture. Initially, Vimalarani joined two other women and commenced this business venture. After sometime, her associates were forced to discontinue due
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to family commitments. However, Vimalarani continued with the help of her mother and sister. She now supplies packets of cassava chips, murukku and kadala mixture to six shops. “I stay up till late night to packet the products and label them so that I can distribute them to the shops in the morning” said Vimalarani, explaining to us her commitment to this livelihood which helps her provide for her family’s needs. Today, Vimalarani has registered her business with the local Pradeshiya Sabhawa and has employed two other women from her neighbourhood to meet the demands of her little business. “Before this I was finding it very difficult as I have to do the majority of the work by myself” she explained. “Now I am able to do more work and provide for my child’s educational needs with the income I generate.” On sharing her plans for the future she said “at present I seal the packets with a candle. My plan is to purchase a sealer machine very soon. I also want to purchase more equipment so that I can expand this business. For now, my aim is to ensure that my daughter passes her Ordinary Level exams. So I focus on doing all I can to help her” she added.
Received SLR 20,000
Received SLR 10,000
Percentages of livelihood funding to various manufacturing industries
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MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS Relaunch of Website Publications Social Media Presence News
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SPECIAL INITIATIVES Knowledge Sharing Outsourced Training Career Development
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SPECIAL INITIATIVES CAREER DEVELOPMENT TRAINING At the ADT the staff appraisals lead to the Department to identify staff career enhancement needs. Training is provided to bridge the gap between their current knowledge status and their desired level of knowledge attainment through 01 - 02 day training programmes or longer term programmes that can last up to 02 years.
BUILDING
a. Workshops
A SUSTAINABLE
In the year 2014, 20 staff members attended workshops on Writing and Presentation Skills and Business English, IT Development, Graphic Design, Office Management and Labour Laws and Project Management.
ORGANISATION
T
b. Long-Term Career Development
he Human Resource Department (HR) of the Alliance Development Trust lays emphasis on creating an environment that is safe and comfortable as well The staff of the ADT take part in an experiential learning programme
as stimulating to work in. The ADT is aware of the importance of motivation towards sustaining the development of the organisation. The 82 strong staff members comprise of a cross section of all walks of life and the HR Department aims at building company cohesion through its training and motivational programmes.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING The ADT facilitates a platform for knowledge sharing of information, skills and expertise for its staff. This forum permits the coming together of an otherwise busy and departmentalised staff group and also enables staff to feel appreciated within the organisation for their talents and skills.
In the year 2014, the Department
included a mix of knowledge sharing and outsourced workshops to keep the company
morale high.
The Department also created career development opportunities, providing the chance for many members of its staff to fulfil their development aspirations.
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In the year 2014, the Department actively facilitated a knowledge sharing platform where four staff members volunteered to share their knowledge in areas of their specialisation on the topics of Managing Expenses Vs. Income, Increasing Efficiency through information Technology, Visual Storytelling and Creativity and Out of the Box Thinking. The sessions were conducted on the last Friday of the month between 3-5 p.m. The presentations were received enthusiastically. The presenters used multi-media of video clips, practical exercises and powerpoint
The Department also supported staff members in achieving their long-term career development aspirations by sponsoring staff members in their respective fields. These courses lasted from 03 months to 02 years. This support is also offered to those who wish to sit for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Twenty staff members were supported in the fields of an English Course in Writing and Verbal Communications, a course in Labour Laws, on Logistics and Procurement, an English course from the British Council and a diploma in Accountancy from the Aquinas College.
presentations to communicate the topics effectively. An evaluation form was distributed to each participant to express their feedback. “This training taught us the importance of being creative in our day to day dealings and in maximising resources; also tips were given to improve our creative thinking in both office and personal life” said a participant about the training on Creativity and Out of the Box Thinking.
OUTSOURCED TRAINING An outsourced training programme was held in the ADT auditorium. This programme was an experiential learning programme conducted by Robin Paul and his team of experts from Breakthrough Training India. It was an afternoon filled with fun, laughter and much friendly competition as the staff was divided into groups and given various practical exercises to complete within a set time period. The staff enjoyed the sessions and found it a welcome opportunity to get together.
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APPRECIATIONS We are grateful to our partners, donors and friends who have sacrificially given of their resources and time generously. Without their support all our efforts recorded in this report would not have been possible.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Godfrey Yogarajah SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Godfrey Yogarajah Mahesh De Mel Roshini Wickremesinhe
We thank the Government authorities and other stakeholders who have cooperated with us and given their fullest support to carry out our programmes. We are indebted to our staff that have tirelessly, with great dedication, passion and commitment created immeasurable impact on the communities we serve.
SENIOR MANAGERS Paul Navamani Rajeeva D. Godagedara S. T. Thoumiyan Raghu Balachandran
We also thank the board of directors and appreciate the time and guidance given to us.
REGIONAL TEAM LEADERS
Icons used in the cover page CC Michele Pinna, Ealancheliyan S, Travis Unis, Loic Alejandro, Bruno Gatjens Gonzalez. Pavel N and Dan Hetteix 96 / Alliance National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri 2014 Lanka/ Annual Report 2014 from 60I the Noun Project. Development Trust I Annual Report
Manager – North/ Team Leader Vavuniya Team Leader – Jaffna Project Officer – Mannar Manager – Batticaloa/ Trincomalee Coordinator – Anuradhapura Coordinator – Gampola Coordinator – South
Abraham Ragulan Sivalingam Thirukkumaran Julius Coonge Ebenezer Dharshan Brian De Silva Thilak Ariyawansa Gurusingha Arachchige Manel
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