child sponsorship

Sri Lanka

Compassion started working in Sri Lanka in 2009.

	117 local partners

	More than 24,0078 children registered

	Over 1,559 mums and their babies supported

About Sri Lanka

Helo (Hello in Sinhala)

Sri Lanka is known as the 'Pear of the Indian Ocean' due to its natural beauty. Lush forests, pristine beaches and rocky highlands cover Sri Lanka’s landscape. It is one of the world's leading exporters of tea and is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island nation is highly susceptible to the devastation caused by natural disasters like tsunamis. Sri Lanka is slowly emerging from a decades-long civil war that ended in 2009. This scenic country carries the scars of the conflict, and poverty continues pushing its way into every area of children’s lives. Poverty is overwhelmingly concentrated in rural communities in the northern and eastern regions where access to education, healthcare and adequate shelter and nutrition are limited. Yet our local partners are at work, serving their communities by providing resources and holistic support to help children and families thrive.

Watch the latest video update to learn more about Compassion's work in Sri Lanka.

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

Thank you for praying for staff, children and families in Sri Lanka

+ Pray for the work in Sri Lanka.

+ Pray for provision and strength for families in poverty who are worst affected by skyrocketing inflation.

+ Pray for wisdom and discernment for Sri Lankan leaders as they make decisions.

+ Pray for peace and encouragement for the local partners as they continue serving and supporting the children and families in their communities.

+ Pray for provision for the many families struggling to find employment in the current economic crisis.

A snapshot of Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program in Sri Lanka

Compassion’s program is contextualised across countries and communities, as well as age groups.

Children aged 1 to 3 receive home-based care.
Children aged 3 and older visit the Compassion centre for six to eight hours every week.

Compassion Program Activities in Sri Lanka

Compassion assisted children in Sri Lanka typically attend program activities at the local child development centre on Saturdays. Here is an example of what a typical program day looks like for children in Sri Lanka.

8:00am – A time for songs, games and introductions.

10:30am – Break time, when children can play in a safe environment and develop friendships.

11:00am – Social-emotional lessons ranging from conflict resolution to developing healthy self-esteem. Children often come from challenging home environments and are taught social and personal skills.

12:00pm – Lunch and social time. Children enjoy a meal of rice, meat or fish, vegetables and fruit.

1:00pm – Health lessons, in which children learn practical health and hygiene lessons.

2:00pm – Letter writing and career planning. Older children work with local staff to identify their strengths and interests and set goals for their future.

Children can also attend camps, sporting events, field trips and talent shows. Parents of Compassion assisted children meet once a month to learn about a variety of topics.