Piliyandala

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka).

Piliyandala is a suburb of the capital city of Colombo. This greater metropolitan capital area has a population of 5.6 million. Colombo is the vibrant heart of Sri Lanka, where the main economic activities take place. The area of Colombo is prone to natural disasters, with the tsunami hitting in 2004, which killed approximatively 30 000 Sri lankans, and multiple floods leaving paths of destruction over the past years. Slowly, but surely, the city is finding its balance again, amidst more recent economic crises and the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Since 1981, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Piliyandala

16%
Of children in Piliyandala are too short for their age

Children do not get enough food

During the civil war between 1983 and 2009, food supplies were scare or simply non-existent. Many families still have to bear the consequences. In spite of the government’s efforts to improve the situation, parents in Piliyandala struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children. In the district of Colombo, where Piliyandala is located, 16% of children experience stunting (low height for age), which is a result of undernutrition. On the other hand, 12% of children experience wasting (low weight for height), which occurs when a child has not had food of adequate quality and quantity.

24%
Of young people are unemployed

Youth does not get work opportunities

The distribution of employment in Sri Lanka is divided as follows: 47% of the population works in the service sector, 28% works in the industrial sector, and 25% works in agriculture. However, 5% of Sri Lankans are unemployed, and for young people (15 to 24 years old) this is even higher at 24%. Youth unemployment is a major problem on the island, and the percentage is even higher for women and the higher educated. No proper remedies have been taken by the Sri Lankan government.

Your support makes a difference for children in Piliyandala

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
740
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
110
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
60
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children playing together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka).

How your support helps in Piliyandala

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.