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WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT

This  was started in 1994.

It is an effort of a group of women with disabilities who realized that they should come forward to achieve targets in own development.

Individual women became more isolated and frustrated without receiving due reorganization.  In our culture, there are considerable discriminations for women and being a woman with disability is even worse.  Men are becoming powerful in our society and no priority is given for women participation in social activities.  The group is improving its strength, to enforce every level of decision making to equally consider the women. The group is more considerate on rehabilitation, micro credit and counseling rural women and integration with the society.  

Micro-finance Lending Program for Women

For the selected women for micro credit loans will be given training in business management, marketing and financial planning. Insurance and saving are also brought into consideration. The priority would be given to groups rather than individuals. In order to improve sharing of responsibilities, all individuals and groups are encouraged to establish close links between each other.

[Animal Husbandry – Poultry, Animal Husbandry – Milk Cows, Mushroom Cultivation Fruit and Vegetable Cultivation, Vegetable Seed Production, Fruit and Vegetable Peddling (Mobile Stalls), Mobile Stalls (Fish) Flower Cultivation, Export Oriented Plant Nursery , Production of Sweets, Handwork Products (Using Provincial Resources), Grouped Bakeries, Production of Yogurt (Groups), Welding Workshop (Groups), Packing Spices and Tea Leaves, Sewing Clothes (Groups), Barber Shops, Production of Envelopes, Brick Making (Groups), Recondition of Bicycles, Cement Brick Making].

Loans will average 10,000.00SLRs (approximately US$100.00) and we expect more resources to increase the number of beneficiaries.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

In the early 1990’s the government donated 40 acres of land in Ridimaliyadda to help the poor people, many of whom are disabled. It is a remote, hot area in Sri Lanka located in the north-eastern foothills. This has created a population concentration of 11.1% of disabled people in the area as opposed to the national average of 7.4%. The nearest large towns are three hours away by bus and the range of quality food products, health facilities, infrastructure for disabled people and vocational training is limited. Locals both able and disabled, struggle to earn a satisfactory income, with most of their earnings coming from farming. 

Our aim is to train selected disabled people with the necessary skills to implement and maintain a high income, through  environmentally friendly source of produce that promotes biodiversity and self-reliance.

The project is targeting to complete the initial stages of training, the building of a village with infrastructure and the set up of an onsite nursery.  

COMPUTER CLASS

In 1999, the program was set up to give disadvantaged adults the necessary skills for gaining employment as well as to boost their confidence and encourage them to take an active role in determining their futures. The combined computer and English course is designed to run for one year at which time graduates will begin employment with local provincial councils until they find permanent employments.

Housing Scheme for Rural Disabled

The Ministry of Social Services in collaboration with the National Lottery Board have set up a housing program to assist the poor with SEED Money ($.500/=) to build an own house. Some may not have land and money to complete the house, although they qualify to receive the grant.   In this effort, the role of CCoDP is to fill this gap to make the project a success. The CCoDP also provides a stable link between the ministry and isolated, disabled, rural people.

For more details please click here.

Formation of Provincial Level Forum

Disabled People's Organizations from around Sri Lanka are currently in the process of forming a forum in which to discuss the situation of disabled people in the country, share resources and plan future activities. The group will be comprised of:

• Central Council of Disabled Persons - Bandarawela

• UVA Shakthi Foundation - Passara

• Center for Social Development & Rehabilitation - Hali-ela

• Seth Savana, Mentally Retarded Home - Thanamalwila

• Hope Center - Bandarawela

Objectives of the forum are:

• To explore possibilities of working together at provincial level for the common development of disabled people in Uva Province;

• To explore possibilities to improve positive community awareness continuously through common efforts aimed at the mass media at Uva Province level;

• To formulate a plan of action to integrate the disabled effectively at Uva Province level;

• To establish a monetary fund to train NGOs at provincial level on how to implement programs according to the plan of action, issue funds and monitor projects;

• To establish a resource centre for improving NGO capabilities.

The Newly Planned model of 2 in 1 Wheel Chair which can be used as a tricycle for outdoor use and as a wheelchair for indoor use.

A Team of Observers on a CBR Visit

Employment Opportunities for Women                at the Sewing Section.

Employment Opportunities for Disabled

Assistance for Cultivation - Self Employment for Women

The proposed site for the Environmental Program at Ridiamaliyadda as it was being cleared in the early 1990's

Award to Mr. Marasinghe, the Chairperson