Conflict in Sri Lanka Update

The war is over in Sri Lanka, but more than 300,000 people have become displaced to camps in the North. Christian Children's Fund is implementing a humanitarian response for displaced children who fled the conflict and now find themselves in these camps.  CCF has crisis teams in place ready to support children and their families who have suffered the most, or are most at risk. As the crisis continues, we will be there to meet the needs of the thousands who fled their homes.

There is much preparation behind engaging in a humanitarian response. CCF staff in Sri Lanka is busy preparing their program to implement Child Centered Spaces in the Internally Displaced camps as soon as permission to enter the area is granted.  It is hard to wait, especially when you know your programs would be so beneficial, so CCF staff is attempting to make these moments of waiting count--planning program interventions, training staff on approaches and our methodology, and setting up communications, procurement and logistical systems to help.

CCF hopes to be allowed entry in the camps early next week, and will begin establishing CCSs so that children can find a safe place to play for a few hours a day, which will help them regain their health and well-being.