Contributions by the Canadian Red Cross
SRI LANKA
In Sri Lanka, the Canadian Red Cross has also been building homes – 470 have been completed, and an additional 453 are currently underway. Our work in this country has also focused on the physical and mental health needs of those affected by the tsunami, and on helping them regain and diversify their livelihoods.
Health and wellness
In 2005 and 2006, a Canadian surgical team supported the Kilinochchi Hospital in northern Sri Lanka. That hospital was also provided with much-needed medical equipment.
Another $6 million was spent to rehabilitate and expand Polonnaruwa General Hospital, Vavuniya General Hospital, Bentota General Hospital and Madampagama Rural Hospital. This included the construction of diagnostic and outpatient facilities, and the installation of vital medical equipment such as oxygen storage tanks.
As well, we have implemented community health and wellness programs and conducted more than 19,000 home visits. To encourage good health and nutrition, 150 First Aid training sessions have been held, and 1,270 home gardens received seeds to help them grow nutritious foods.As well, 450 wells have been dug, providing 700 families with access to clean water.
Canadian delegates with expertise in psychosocial support have trained their Sri Lankan counterparts to help survivors better cope with trauma, grief and loss. It is hoped that this work will build greater resiliency and capacity among Sri Lankans to manage crisis situations in the future.
Child protection
In the wake of so much despair, instability and turmoil, community workers expressed concerns that all forms of child abuse were increasing.
Building on its leadership in abuse prevention education in Canada through its RespectED programs, the Canadian Red Cross worked closely with agencies in Sri Lanka to develop a culturally-appropriate program called Be Safe!
The program helps children, youth and adults understand and prevent abuse and seek help if needed. Following the training of community workers and educators, the program launched in 2008 with the support of the Sri Lankan Red Cross Society and the country’s Ministry of Education.
Diversified livelihoods
The tsunami’s terrible legacy goes beyond its impact on individual well-being. As fishing boats and businesses were swept out to sea, and many wage-earners lost, survivors were left struggling to support themselves.
The Canadian Red Cross funded expansion of the Sri Lanka Project for Rehabilitation through Education and Training. This is a vocational training program of the World University Service of Canada that strives to improve the standard of living for poor, under-employed and unemployed women and youth affected by disaster and conflict. Youth and women gain practical, marketable skills in a variety of trades; 2,500 students have graduated with 2,000 currently being trained.
This project received $10 million from the Canadian government’s CIDA matching fund.
Continuing challenges
In Sri Lanka, escalating conflict continues to affect activities in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Canadian Red Cross and other members of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement have adjusted programs to respond to the changing situation.
