In these challenging times, the people of Sri Lanka are facing their most severe economic crisis since gaining independence.
The impact on the population, especially the vulnerable, is devastating. Here's why your donation to Sri Lankan charities, specifically "Their Future Today," can make a profound difference:
The humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka is dire, and your donations can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are suffering the most. By contributing to Sri Lankan charities, you can help alleviate poverty, hunger, and suffering, and provide hope for a better future for the children and families of this beautiful island nation. Your generosity can help rebuild lives and communities, making a lasting impact during these challenging times.
Donate to Transform Lives in Sri Lanka with Their Future Today
1. Escalating Poverty Rates:
A recent World Bank report reveals that urban poverty in Sri Lanka has tripled in the past year, skyrocketing from 5% to a staggering 15%. This rapid increase in urban poverty has left many, including historically-neglected communities like the Malaiyaha Tamils in the hill country, living in dire conditions.
2. Harrowing Economic Crisis:
Sri Lanka's economic crash forced the government to default on its $50 billion foreign debt in April 2022. This crisis has led to severe shortages of essentials, including food, fuel, and medicines, further exacerbating the hardships faced by its citizens.
3. Soaring Inflation:
Headline inflation in Sri Lanka reached a staggering 69.8% in September 2022, with food inflation spiking to a shocking 94.9%. This inflation has made it increasingly difficult for people to afford basic necessities, leading to reports of hunger and malnutrition, especially among children.
4. Food Insecurity:
Nearly a third of Sri Lanka's 22 million population is food insecure since the crisis hit, according to assessments by the World Food Programme and the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. Millions are struggling to access enough food to feed themselves and their families.
7. Multiple Crises:
Sri Lanka has faced a series of crises in recent years, including the Easter bomb blasts of 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have left a lasting impact on the country's economy and the well-being of its people.
5. Rapid Increase in Poverty:
Over the past decade, the number of poor people in Sri Lanka has risen dramatically, from 689,900 to a staggering 3,042,300. This alarming increase in poverty is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where the number of poor people has surged from 548,400 to 2,500,600.
6. Insufficient Poverty Line:
The official poverty line in Sri Lanka is set at Rs 4,166.00 (equivalent to around £40.00) per month, which is clearly insufficient to meet basic needs. Even the revised poverty line of Rs 6,966.00 (£67 per month) is a meager amount to survive on, pushing many households into extreme poverty, living on as little as £1 a day.
8. Focused Charitable Work:
"Their Future Today" is actively working in the southern provinces of Sri Lanka, where the density of poor people is the highest. They are committed to providing essential support and implementing social protection programs to improve the living standards of lower-income groups.
Our envisioned initiatives
KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER
We are working with National Childcare services to identify children in the institution with potential family relationships, then seek out the parent or relative to assess their needs. Where safe and possible, we assist with re-adoption through the courts, establish the children in local schools, and provide housing and support until the reunited family can reach self-sufficiency and independence through income generation training.
ACCESS TO EDUCATION
We ensure that children from both the institutions we work with and the local community have access to education by providing them with the often unaffordable books, bags, pens, and pencils. We believe education is the key to giving all children a positive future and less chance of being forced into the heart-breaking decision of abandoning their own children. These children are often the first generation in their families to attend school.
PROVIDING TRAINING
TO WOMEN AND GIRLS
Many of whom are survivors of rape, sexual violence, and abuse and have been rejected by their families. These girls aged between 10 to 18 years are released from institutional care at 18 years old, with little or no education, self-worth nor means to earn an income. Our training provides possible income-generating skills and helps tackle issues of low self-worth, confidence, and self-stigmatisation.
TRANSFORMING INSTITUTIONS
While advocating to end institutionalisation, and promoting family care alternatives, it is essential to give children in orphanages the care and love they need and dignity they deserve for healthy brain development, which will ensure more successful reintegration into families, ability to concentrate academically and form future long-term relationships.