Graduating the Poorest: A Holistic Approach to Lasting Change in Vavunatheevu, Batticaloa
Vavunatheevu, a division in the Batticaloa District, is one of the poorest areas in Sri Lanka. Here, families face overlapping challenges: the lingering impacts of conflict, recurring climate shocks, and systemic barriers that keep them at the bottom of the economic pyramid. For families in Vavunatheevu, poverty isn’t just about a lack of income—it’s about survival without access to opportunities, resources, or support.
The Graduating the Poor program is designed to address these challenges comprehensively, helping the most vulnerable families rise out of poverty and build a sustainable future.
How the Program Works in Vavunatheevu
- Identifying the Most Vulnerable Families
We start by identifying families who are unable to meet even their basic needs, such as food, shelter, or access to education. In Vavunatheevu, this includes widowed mothers, families affected by years of conflict, and those living in extreme poverty. These families are prioritized for intervention to ensure the program reaches those who need it most. - Creating a Customised Pathway to Recovery
Every family works with us to create a Family Development Plan tailored to their unique challenges and goals. This plan empowers families to take ownership of their futures while receiving the support and resources needed to succeed. - Providing Holistic Support for Transformation
The program provides comprehensive support to address the interconnected barriers families face:
- Livelihood Training and Resources: Teaching families to start and manage sustainable income-generating activities, from farming to small businesses, and providing them with the tools and materials to succeed.
- Food Security and Nutrition: Ensuring families have enough to eat so they can focus on rebuilding their lives.
- Education for Children: Supporting children to access consistent schooling, giving them the opportunity for a brighter future.
- Community Networks: Connecting families with neighbours, local organizations, and government services to build a safety net for support.
- Building Resilience for Long-Term Stability
Beyond immediate needs, the program focuses on equipping families with skills in financial literacy, problem-solving, and leadership. These capabilities help families navigate challenges and create lasting stability in their lives.
Why Vavunatheevu Needs This Program
Vavunatheevu is a division deeply impacted by conflict and recurring climate shocks, such as floods and droughts. Families here face significant systemic barriers, including:
- Post-Conflict Recovery: Many families, like Kumari’s, have lost loved ones and livelihoods to decades of conflict.
- Climate Vulnerability: Frequent weather challenges make it difficult for families to rely on traditional income sources like farming.
- Social Isolation: Poverty and lack of infrastructure exacerbate isolation, leaving families disconnected from opportunities and support.
The Graduating the Poor program tackles these issues by providing the tools, resources, and connections families need to overcome barriers and thrive.
What Your Support Will Achieve
Your contribution will:
- Provide food security and stability for families struggling to meet basic needs.
- Equip mothers with the skills, tools, and resources to create sustainable livelihoods.
- Ensure children in Vavunatheevu have access to education and opportunities for the future.
- Build resilient communities that can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges.
Help Transform Lives in Vavunatheevu
For families in Batticaloa’s poorest division, rising out of poverty requires holistic, targeted support. Your donation can make this transformation possible by addressing every aspect of their struggles and giving them the tools to succeed.
Donate today to help families in Vavunatheevu build brighter, more secure futures. Together, we can ensure that even the most vulnerable have the hope, resources, and support they need to rise.