Sponsor a Child in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation off the southeast coast of India. Over time, Sri Lanka has acquired many nicknames that reflect its sublime landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Among them are the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle and the Land of Serendipity.
From untouched beaches, precious gemstones and incredible wildlife to folklore, timeless ruins and deeply religious customs, Sri Lanka holds many little-known wonders. Although Sri Lanka is a middle-income country with a high literacy rate, there are regions that suffer from poverty and life-threatening starvation and malnutrition. Here are some high-level statistics that show what poverty is like in Sri Lanka:
- Poverty Rate: As of 2021, 4.1% of Sri Lankans lived below the poverty line.
- Multidimensional Poverty: Besides measuring poverty based on income, Sri Lanka also considers multidimensional poverty, which considers more aspects like education, health and living standards. According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), around 1.9% of the population experienced multidimensional poverty.
- Regional Disparities: Poverty is not evenly distributed across Sri Lanka. Rural areas, especially in the Northern and Eastern provinces, tend to have higher poverty rates than urban areas. This disparity is influenced by factors such as access to infrastructure , education and employment opportunities.
- Poverty Reduction Efforts: Sri Lanka has implemented poverty reduction programs and policies. These include social welfare programs, initiatives to improve education and health care, infrastructure development projects and measures to promote sustainable economic growth.
By fighting poverty, Sri Lanka can unlock the full potential of its population, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable development. Tackling poverty can contribute to social cohesion, stability and a more inclusive society, which are essential elements for the long-term prosperity of the country.
Will you help break the cycle of poverty by sponsoring a child in Sri Lanka today?
Child Sponsorship Through a Church-based and Holistic Child Development Lens
By being church-driven and child-focused, we have created a comprehensive and effective model for child sponsorship. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also equips children with the tools and resources they need for long-term success and transformation.
- Holistic Child Development: We believe in caring for and developing every part of a child. Beyond addressing their immediate physical needs, our program focuses on nurturing their emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. By providing access to education, health care and safe environments and by the local church introducing them to the love of God, we believe it is crucial that sponsored children receive comprehensive support to thrive and reach their full potential.
- Local Church Partnerships: We work in partnership with local churches in communities around the world. These churches serve as a vital support system, providing safe and nurturing environments for children. Local church staff and volunteers deliver programs and services that cater to the unique needs of each child in their community, enabling sustainable and long-term impact.
- Character Formation: Our approach to poverty alleviation through child sponsorship is rooted in God’s truth and life as embodied in the example of his son. We believe in the transformational power of faith and strive to nurture the spiritual development of sponsored children. Through frontline church partners, children receive spiritual guidance, participate in discipleship programs and learn about God's love and purpose for their lives.
By sponsoring a Sri Lankan child with Compassion International, you become a life-changer, empowering a child to break free from the cycle of poverty, pursue education, receive health care and develop their God-given potential. Through our proven and distinctive model for child sponsorship, you have the incredible opportunity to offer powerful encouragement, love and support as the child journeys through life.
Take action today and become a beacon of hope in a child's life: Sponsor a child in Sri Lanka and help break the cycle of poverty. Together, we can transform lives and build a world where every child thrives. Take the first step now and change a life forever.
How You Help Change a Life When You Sponsor a Child in Sri Lanka Through Compassion International Today
With a monthly sponsorship of just $43, you can provide a Sri Lankan child with the following crucial support:
- Malnutrition monitoring and intervention: Children living in poverty often lack access to nutritious food, which can lead to malnutrition and its associated health issues. Regular monitoring and intervention programs help identify and address malnutrition early on, ensuring that children receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
- Medical care and regular checkups: Children in poverty in Sri Lanka face various health challenges due to inadequate living conditions, limited access to health care and exposure to unsanitary environments. Providing medical care and regular checkups is crucial for addressing immediate health issues, preventing the spread of diseases and promoting overall well-being among these children.
- Individual mentoring and love: Children living in poverty often face social and emotional challenges because of their difficult circumstances and limited support systems. But local church staff members know and love each child, and this supportive community provides them with positive role models, emotional support and guidance, which can help build their self-esteem, resilience and social skills.
- Education assistance and skills training: Access to quality education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty for Sri Lankan children. Providing educational assistance, such as school supplies, tuition support and scholarships, ensures that children have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that can empower them to improve their circumstances in the long term.
- Encouraging words and support from you, their sponsor: Children in poverty often face discouragement and feelings of hopelessness. Encouraging words and support from sponsors can have a significant impact on their self-esteem and motivation. By providing positive affirmation, emotional support and a sense of belonging, sponsors can inspire and empower these children to strive for a better future.
- An introduction to the love of God: Our local church partners faithfully model God’s love and share the gospel as a hope and anchor in the midst of their difficult circumstances.
Together, these focuses address the most critical needs for children living in poverty in Sri Lanka, caring for them physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. By offering these resources and supports, sponsorship empowers them to overcome challenges, break the chains of poverty and develop into their God-given potential.