Encouraging Play in Post-Conflict Sri Lanka
The war is over in Sri Lanka, but more than 300,000
people are displaced and living in camps in the North. ChildFund Sri
Lanka has started to implement a humanitarian response for displaced
children who now find themselves in these transitional camps.
In five
Child Centered Spaces (CCSs) run by ChildFund, activity leaders
are helping students continue with their formal education. They are providing
blackboards and bags in which to carry their books. Older students who will take
their exams in August have been provided with books to help them prepare. Water
also is being provided.
In another camp, the ChildFund project coordinator
successfully negotiated the installation of a park for children under age 10.
Previously, camp planning had not taken into consideration the need for children
to have safe places to play.
With the help of ChildFund staff and
volunteers, our CCSs and activities improve the living conditions in which these
displaced people currently find themselves, which helps these children regain
their health and well-being.