Monaragala

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka).

The city of Monaragala, with around 10 000 inhabitants, is located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. Geographically, it is the second largest district, but also the second least populated region of Sri Lanka. 57% of the workforce of this district is involved in agriculture in the many rural areas around the city of Monaragala. This is where they produce tea, rubber and coconuts, amongst other goods. The severe poverty in the district is partly due to the great focus on agriculture. .

Since 2000, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Monaragala

25%
Of children in Monaragala are underweight

Children do not get enough food

During the civil war between 1983 and 2009, food supplies were scare or simply non-existent. The situation has improved but many parents in Monaragala struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children. In the district of Monaragala, 16% of children experience stunting (low height for age), which is a result of undernutrition, while 25% of children experience wasting (low weight for height), which occurs when a child has not had enough food of adequate quality.

21%
Of people in Monaragala are living in poverty

Children are affected by poverty

Sri Lanka has been dealing with poverty for decades. Almost 45% of the total population lives on less than $5 a day. Monaragala has one of the highest rates of severe poverty in Sri Lanka. A worrying 21% of the population of this district is living in poverty. The low population density, combined with 57% of them working in agriculture makes them more vulnerable to agricultural price fluctuations, while also having fewer alternative sources of income. Poverty affects children the most, leaving them undernourished and taking away education opportunities.

Your support makes a difference for children in Monaragala

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
900
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
220
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
50
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children learning together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka).

How your support helps in Monaragala

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.