Sri Lanka
Support for Children and Youth with Disabilities
People with intellectual or physical disabilities still face significant stigma in Sri Lanka. As a result, they experience daily discrimination and remain largely excluded from participating in social life. Children and adolescents are particularly affected and suffer from neglect and a lack of opportunities. We are therefore committed to advocating for people with intellectual or physical disabilities in Sri Lanka to enable them to live with dignity and have better prospects for the future.
Background
In Sri Lanka, more than 1.6 million people live with a mental or physical disability. In large parts of this South Asian country, disabilities are still viewed very negatively, and people with disabilities face stigma and discrimination. Children with disabilities are often neglected or even abandoned—which is frequently due to the fact that parents, because of economic hardship and poverty as well as prevailing social barriers, lack the necessary resources to care for and support their children.
People with disabilities in Sri Lanka are often unable to exercise their fundamental freedoms and human rights—children and adolescents, in particular, are hindered in their development as a result. People with disabilities also face various challenges when it comes to participating in social life. Structural barriers in the form of inaccessible infrastructure, institutional mechanisms, and sociocultural beliefs lead to a lack of social participation and interaction. This also includes the fact that access to basic government services such as healthcare, medical treatment, or psychosocial support is severely limited. This impairs opportunities for education, interaction with peers, and a dignified life.
Overall, there is a lack of information, education, and resources for parents or caregivers to make informed decisions regarding children with disabilities and their life prospects. Since experiences with—or the lack of—social and economic inclusion affect a child’s social, emotional, financial, and physical well-being, the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities in their communities is essential for their present and future well-being.
Häufig gefragt
What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?
Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.
How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?
The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.
How does ChildFund Germany work?
Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.
What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?
Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?
We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.
How can I support ChildFund Germany?
There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.