Kiran

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Status on Sri Lanka Emergency

Thank you for reaching out and inquiring about the well-being of your sponsored child in Kiran, Sri Lanka. World Vision is closely monitoring the political and economic unrest in the country and is in close communication with national staff on a regular basis. Since the situation is actively evolving, it is not possible to post updates on our website as they may quickly become outdated. However, we may reassess if the situation escalates. As an organization with over 70 years of experience working some of the world’s most complex and dangerous places, World Vision has the expertise to continue to serve the most vulnerable children in Sri Lanka and remain committed to see our work continue.

Currently the situation in Sri Lanka has not disrupted our local community development programs. Rest assured that your sponsored child well-being and indeed all children in Sri Lanka are of our upmost concern.
All Area Programs are functioning currently. We normally do not close any Area Programs unless for a country lockdown. Our local staff are still reporting to work amid many challenges and difficulties (main challenges they face are due to fuel shortage). We continue all our planned activities together with some of the immediate relief activities with some repurposed funding.
A national response plan is in place that’s focused on vulnerable households, school children, lactating mothers and pregnant women has been planned. This includes:
Food assistance, targeted nutrition services, safe drinking water and emergency livelihoods support for the most vulnerable are provided to save their lives.
Livelihood assistance provided to support the resumption of basic productive activities for the maintenance of livelihoods, food and nutrition security.
Protection of children strengthened during the economic crisis.

The community of Kiran has graduated

In 2020, the community transitioned from sponsorship to self-sufficiency and World Vision is no longer on site. Because of the dedication and partnership of Canadians like you, local people and organizations have been equipped to continue leading the community’s development – and that is something to celebrate!

Community
Impact

With the help of your generous and loving support, life in Kiran has transformed. Children and families are much stronger now. The community has met its goals, and its members are working together to tackles new ones. Your support will have a lasting impact for years to come.

The Kiran community is located in eastern Sri Lanka, in a remote region. People here live in simple, temporary houses made of leaves and wood. The weather is generally dry and hot, with rains from October to January during the monsoon season.

Civil war has left infrastructure like roads, bridges, and causeways damaged beyond repair. Agriculture and fishing are the economic mainstays of the area, but an estimated 80% of people live below the poverty line, earning less than 1,500 rupees (CAD $16) a month.

Life is extremely difficult in the community. Civil conflict and natural disasters mean that about one-quarter of families are headed solely by mothers. Children are often sent to work in order to contribute to the family income. Many children and women show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and most families in Kiran eat fewer than three meals a day.

Thanks to the generosity of Canadian sponsors like you, life in Kiran has improved. Your support will have a lasting impact for years to come. Let’s celebrate these accomplishments!

Education

57% of children in grade 5 can now read well
80% of children ages 3 to 5 are now enrolled in early childhood education
4 libraries are facilitating reading improvement of children
18 School Development Societies are engaging with the community to enhance the quality of education
353 children are getting extra help to improve their reading and writing
40 water wells were built in 6 schools benefitting 3,425 students and 165 teachers

Health and Nutrition

The percentage of underweight children decreased from 52% in 2011 to 24% in 2017
269 piped water connections were provided to deliver clean water to children and their families for years to come
The percentage of children who did not achieve the expected height for their age decreased from 33% in 2011 to 22% in 2017
Percentage of households using improved sanitation facilities increased from 49% in 2011 to 93% in 2017
291 toilets were constructed, granting families and children better access to sanitation

Child Protection

1,929 bill boards were installed in 6 schools to inform about the Government hotline on child abuse, resulting in 26 cases being reported and investigated.
89% of children now live a life free of negligence, violence and abuse
More than 1,200 people took the pledge and signed to be a part of the ‘End Violence Against Children’ campaign

*Results for this community updated for 2020

Explore Kiran

current conditions

To protect the privacy of children, this map shows only the general area of the community, not the exact location.

Life cycle of a sponsorship community

Kiran, is in Phase 3

PHASE 1: Building the foundation

With local leaders, we assess the community's needs and resources, plan projects to provide long term solutions. Sponsorship and development opportunities begin.