 One of the families being helped by livelihood projects |
Children's work - key to the future
ADT is equipping local church members to run children's clubs for displaced and traumatised children and is training them in child protection. This is an area vital to the future of Sri Lanka's young generation as in the north, child abuse and recruitment of child soldiers into rebel forces occurs frequently. Giving youngsters education, activities and helping them set up their own projects boosts their dignity and self-esteem and helps them resist the pressure of being drawn into violence and crime.
Liveliness and livelihood
The encouraging thing about the visit was meeting people who were so committed to making things better for their country. One example was the "folk on the hill" in Trincomalee where the ADT had provided a number of livelihood loans to families. This enables them to get back on their feet after the tsunami where their previous living had been literally washed away. Through local churches, needs are assessed and small loans are made. After the first year, part of the loan is repaid and the rest goes to the family as profit, which they can reinvest. Over 1500 such projects have been implemented across the island..
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