Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Project

1.     INTRODUCTION

Communities living in the Ampara district have experienced the devastating impacts of the war as well as the Tsunami. Families are experiencing difficulties due to inadequate resources, lack of job opportunities, less capital for investment, social problems and political discrimination. As a result, they are unable to improve their living conditions and remain to be more vulnerable, as they continue to live under the poverty line. Various negative perceptions have discouraged different ethnicities from visiting each other’s shops and businesses. These perceptions exist, due to a 30-year war in Sri Lanka, and the external influences of extremist groups (Since we are not going to work on these areas better to remove this part)

Taking the findings of the EPI research into consideration, SWOAD engaged with the proposed project, we have planned to identify vulnerable families in the project locations Varipatanchanai 01, Varipatanchanai 02 in Eragama (Irakkamam) DS division, and Central Camp 03 in Navathenveli DS division. and initiate activities to build up Social Cohesion through economic development of affected women and youths through the activities designed.

2.     PROGRAM OVERVIEW (BRIEF NARRATIVE OF ACTIVITIES/SUB-ACTIVITIES)

2.1  Project orientation meeting with project staffs

This activity has been carried out with the objective of making clear about the goals, activities for the staff selected to work under the Project Social Cohesion and Reconciliation and about the villages selected. The discussion was presided by the Project Coordinator and conducted at SWOAD organization. Two field staff and Finance Assistants have participated at this discussion. This discussion was conducted focusing on the objective of the project, activities of the beneficiaries, processes of activities as well as milestones to be reached under the project.  Also discussed about the stakeholders of the project and the targets to be reached under the project  

Besides, it was discussed on how to prepare pre-action plan and progress report of the activities under the project and the participants are made clear about it through this discussion.

2.2 Project and PNA Introduction Meeting

Preliminary discussion conducted by the representatives of USAID with the main objective of collecting suitable information and how to carry out PNA in the project village Central Camp-03 Representatives of Civil Societies ,members of general public in Central Camp and government officers are made clear about the activities of the project through this discussion. Representatives of SWOAD also participated at this discussion and the participants are made clear about carrying out PNA and the following tools to be used to carry out the PNA. The decision is made at this discussion with regard to PNA activity  on the 14th in Central Camp village. There were over 25 members of general public took part at this discussion and made clear about the proposed activities

The following tools of PNA, were explained and made clear:

• Village Map.
• Contacts with organizations.
• Seasonal Schedule
• Seasonal Products , income generated and expenditure
• Religious activities.

2.3 Meeting with Civil society members

Representatives of RDS, WRDS, Elder Society Women Society and Youth Clubs in the project villages Varipathanchenai-1 & 2  were invited and this discussion was conducted to make clear about the activities of the project and on how to carry out PNA relating to the project. The participants were made clear about the project to be carried out by SWOAD organization and they have been asked to come forward to make their contributions to provide data and information for carrying out a PNA in this regard.

Accordingly, the representative of civil societies is made clear about the project activities and they have come forward to make their contributions in this regard. Accordingly, the dates 21st and 25th of November are obtained from them in order to carry out the PNA.

2.4 PNA Pre Arrangement

The discussion planning to carry out PNA was conducted at PAM organization  in order to carry out PNA in  the project villages Varipathanchenai-01 and Varipathanchenai-2.selected under this project. The staff of SWOAD and PAM took part at this discussion

The issues such as what kind of information and data, what kind of tools to be used, who are made responsible, how to call members of general public and date and location  in order to conduct PNA were discussed at this discussion.

Accordingly, the Agenda to carry out PNA has been designed and persons responsible for this activity have been nominated through this discussion. It is decided that the following tools are used to collect information and data for this activity.

1. Village Map
2. History of the villages
3. Climate Schedule
4. Schedule for day to day activities
5. Analysis of the organization
6. Analysis of problems

2.5 PNA Demonstration

For the purpose of collecting information and data in the project village Varipathanchenai- 1,2 and Central camp -3, Participatory Need Assessment-PNA has been carried out in coordination with USAID, SWOAD and PAM in the village.  In this activity, the explanation particularly about the project and PNA was given and this activity was carried by dividing the participants into groups. There were nearly over 38 members of general public, representatives of Civil Societies and government officers participated at this program. Information and data was collected, using the following tools through this activity.

1. Village Map
2. History of the villages
3. Climate Schedule
4. Schedule for day to day activities
5. Organizational Analysis
6. Analysis of problems

Moreover, members of general public in the village, the representatives of Civil Societies and government officers are made clear about the project activities and they have come forward to make their contributions in future.

2.6 Providing Self-employment support for 30 women headed and vulnerable Families

• Selection of suitable 30 women headed and vulnerable families

This activity is undertaken with the main objective of generating income for vulnerable and women headed families and facilitating social cohesion and reconciliation among them.

Accordingly, beneficiaries have been selected in the project villages by the Field officers through house to house visit with the support of Grama Seveka officers and representatives of CBOs.

Accordingly, 20 beneficiaries of Muslim community have been selected 10 beneficiaries as per in Irakkamam and Varipathanchenai 1&2.  Similarly, 10 women beneficiaries of Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala communities, have been selected from Central Camp-03 of the Divisional Secretariat area of Navithanveli. The Grama Seveka officer, Economic Development officer and the Divisional Secretary certified that the beneficiaries who have been selected according to selection criteria are suitable to undertake the activities.

• Providing Self Employment tools Equipment’s for 30 Beneficiaries:

This activity is planned for the purpose of distributing employment equipment and livelihood assistance for 30 beneficiaries selected in the Varipathanchenai-1,2 and Central camp -3 of the project locations. 

Accordingly, this program was conducted being presided by the Divisional secretary, Assistant Director of Planning of the Divisional Secretariat of irakkamam and  Navithanveli for distributing employment equipment and livelihood assistance for 30 beneficiaries selected from the project villages. 24 participants took part at this program including Mr. Lasantha Wijayasinghe, the representative of USAID SCORE Global communities, the Grama Seveka officer, Development officer, Religious Priest, representatives of Civil Societies, trainees trained on reconciliation, beneficiaries and the staff of SWOAD organization. .

Several views were put forwarded at this program, such as how do we build up unity and reconciliation at individual, family and community levels, how the beneficiaries make use of the employment tools and equipment in proper manner in order to generate sustainable income  and how do the government officials particularly, the Economic Development officers Grama Seveka Officers  and other sector-wise staff to provide direction and guidance for the beneficiaries to carry out their employment activities in effective manner with the periodic  monitoring by such officials.

Moreover, the goal and objectives of the USAID SCORE project relating to activities, were explained and the employment tools and equipment have been distributed for the beneficiaries by the Guests who were present at this event.

• Providing technical training on selected trade

This training is conducted for 39 beneficiaries selected to engage in self-employment activities in the Grama Seveka divisions of the project location and for the purpose of generating sufficient income in sustainable manner by the beneficiaries with technical skills relating to the employment provided by you at the training.

Accordingly, 3 days training was conducted at Central camp -3, Varipathanchenai 1, and Varipathanchenai -2 to be engaged in cattle breeding, Goat rearing and other business activities. There were 39 beneficiaries participated at this training. It was conducted by Veterinary Development officers and Business development officer who serves in Navithanvely, Irakkamam and Alayadivembu divisional secretariat.

Moreover, the 39 beneficiaries acquired sufficient skills and experience  in Poultry keeping, Goat rearing, cattle breeding and Small business such as Sewing, Small Shop, Grinding Rice Flour, Grinding Chili powder through this training and contact between them and the Veterinary Development officers is developed to go ahead to carry on building reconciliation through discussion in future.

• Providing training on finance literacy and Follow-up:

This training was conducted for 39 beneficiaries selected in GN Divisions of the project location for engaging in self-employment activities with the main objective of developing skills relating to proper financial management of  the income earned

This training was one day duration and conducted by Mr. Kokularaj. All the beneficiaries took part at this training.

The beneficiaries gained skills on how to deal with expenditure, account keeping procedures, make savings and how to reduce expenses. Contacts and coordination among the beneficiaries are facilitated and their periodic discussion would help for building reconciliation among them.

2.4.Forming and Sensitizing on   Social Cohesion and Reconciliation to village level Be – Friends groups:

• Selection of Suitable be-frienders from the project villages

15 Befrienders have been selected in the project villages with the objective of creating awareness on social cohesion and reconciliation among the members of general public through befrienders.

Accordingly, 45 Befrienders have been selected as per 15 from Varipathanchenai-01&2, and Central Camp-03 with the support and coordination of the representatives of CBOs and discussion was conducted with the selected befrienders. At this discussion, the objective of selecting befrienders. After the discussion the activities to be undertaken by them, were shared.

• Conducted training on Social Cohesion and Reconciliation for Be-frienders

In order to bring about social cohesion and reconciliation among Tamil and Muslim communities of the project villages, this training is planned for befrienders who have been selected and thereby awareness on social cohesion and reconciliation could be created among members of general public through befrienders.

Accordingly, 45 befrienders have been selected from Varipathanchenai-1, varipathanchenai -2, Central camp -3 and 3days training relating social cohesion and reconciliation was conducted  for them.. This training was conducted by Mr. M.S.Jaleel as the Resource Person and all 45 Befrienders participated at this training.

Besides, the participants of this training understood the concept of social cohesion and reconciliation through this training and pointed out that they are prepared to make all possible contribution for bringing about the social cohesion and reconciliation among the people at village level.

2.5. Selection of Key leaders for Sensitization training on Social cohesion and Reconciliation

• Selection of Suitable key Leaders:

This activity is undertaken to select religious leaders, representatives of Civil societies and youths who contribute for the development of the Varipathanchenai 1&2 and Central Camp villages and provide training for them  on peace building and reconciliation, thereby facilitate peace and reconciliation among the families at community levels.

Accordingly, 210 persons from 3 GN divisions as per 70 persons from each  GN division have been selected with the support of representatives of Civil Societies and relevant government officers for the purpose.

Through this activity, 210 village leaders have been selected and they would make their contribution towards building peace and reconciliation in these villages in future.

2.6. Providing support for carrier Guidant training and Livelihood support (Tool and Equipment for youths

• Selection of Carrier guidance  and coaching for youths

This activity is planned to carry out with the objective of identifying unemployed youths in Varipathanchenai 1&2 and Central Camp-3 and providing Career Guidance so that a conducive environment is facilitated in these project villages to build up peace and reconciliation in future among the families and at village level.

Accordingly, 60 youths as per 20 youths from the aforesaid 3 GN divisions have been selected on selection criteria with the support of Civil Societies and relevant government officers. Through this activity, 60 suitable youths would be selected and peace and reconciliation is facilitated among them and it will be sustained with their contribution to prevail in these villages in future.

• Distributed Livelihood support items for selected Youths:

This activity is planned for the purpose of distributing employment equipment and livelihood assistance for 30 youth beneficiaries selected in the Irakkamam and Navithanvely project locations.  

 Accordingly, this program was conducted being presided by the Divisional secretary of the Divisional Secretariat of irakkamam and Navithanvely  for distributing employment equipment and livelihood assistance for 30 youth beneficiaries selected from the project villages. 45 participants took part at this program including Assistant director of planning of the divisional secretariat Grama Seveka officer, Development officer, Girama Niladhari Representatives of Civil Societies, and the staff of SWOAD organization.

 Several views were put forwarded at this program, such as how do we build up unity and reconciliation at individual, family and community levels, how the beneficiaries make use of the employment tools and equipment in proper manner in order to generate sustainable income  and how do the government officials particularly, the Economic Development officers Grama Seveka Officers  and other sector-wise staff to provide direction and guidance for the beneficiaries to carry out their employment activities in effective manner with the periodic  monitoring by such officials. 

 Moreover, the goal and objectives of the USAID SCORE project relating to activities, were explained and the employment tools and equipment have been distributed for the beneficiaries by the Guests who were present at this event.

2.7. Covid19 Emergency supports Face Mask assistance for Government officers and community people in Ampara District

The 2020 coronavirus   pandemic in Sri Lanka is an ongoing viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV-2). As of 21 March 2020, 76 confirmed cases have been reported in the country on 3 March 2020, the first reported case involving a Sri Lankan origin outside Sri Lanka was reported in Italy. As of 18 March 2020, the Sri Lanka Army as a preventive measure to tackle the coronavirus pandemic has built 16 quarantine centers in the country.

The people in 176 countries of the world, have been reported affected due to corona virus and thousands of people reported died as a result. As at 21^st March according to WHO report 234, 073 people affected 9840 deaths in 176 countries.

Accordingly, the infection of this disease is increased day to day in Sri Lanka and the people are in a detrimental situation socially and economically affected.

Taking it into consideration, it is planned to select the Divisional Secretariats where the people live in density and providing face mask to prevent spreading corona disease and make preparations for all possible eventualities of COVID-19 at divisional level.

Accordingly, the SWOAD organization has conducted discussions with the District Secretariat, Government Agent and the Director of the Health Services and families capable of carrying out Sewing activities are identified with their guidance and direction in the villages for the purpose of preparing Face-masks for them. The meeting was held being presided by the Government Agent and supplied Face-Masks for 5000 families as an initiative to protection health against the epidemic of corona virus in villages of Ampara district with coordination of Divisional Secretaries. These Face-masks have been provided for the officers who work with people at Divisional Secretaries.

2.8.Providing self-employment support for 27 women individuals

• Selection of suitable 27 women individual

This activity is undertaken with the main objective of generating income for vulnerable families affected due to Covid-19 in the project villages

Accordingly, beneficiaries have been selected in the project villages by the Field officers through house to house visit with the support of Grama Seveka officers and representatives of CBOs and Economic development officers.

Accordingly, 27 beneficiaries selected in Irakkamam and Varipathanchenai 1&2.  The Grama Seveka officer, Economic Development officer and the Divisional Secretary certified that the beneficiaries who have been selected according to selection criteria are suitable to undertake the activities.

• Providing Self Employment tools Equipment’s for 27 Beneficiaries:

This activity is planned for the purpose of distributing employment equipment and livelihood assistance for 27 beneficiaries selected in the Varipathanchenai-1,2 and Central camp -3 of the project locations. 

Accordingly, this program was conducted being presided by the Divisional secretary, Assistant Director of Planning of the Divisional Secretariat of irakkamam and  Navithanveli for distributing employment equipment and livelihood assistance for 27 beneficiaries selected from the project villages. 24 participants took part at this program including Mr. Lasantha Wijayasinghe, the representative of USAID SCORE Global communities, the Grama Seveka officer, Development officer, Religious Priest, representatives of Civil Societies, trainees trained on reconciliation, beneficiaries and the staff of SWOAD organization. .

Several views were put forwarded at this program, such as how do we build up unity and reconciliation at individual, family and community levels, how the beneficiaries make use of the employment tools and equipment in proper manner in order to generate sustainable income  and how do the government officials particularly, the Economic Development officers Grama Seveka Officers  and other sector-wise staff to provide direction and guidance for the beneficiaries to carry out their employment activities in effective manner with the periodic  monitoring by such officials.

Moreover, the goal and objectives of the USAID SCORE project relating to activities were explained and the employment tools and equipment have been distributed for the beneficiaries by the Guests who were present at this event.

2.      ACHIEVEMENTS/ INPUTS & OUTCOMES

• The government officers, who are working in the DS divisions where the SCORE project being implemented, providing their full participation and support to the project implementation.
• 30 vulnerable women have received the knowledge and skill for their self-employment activities and applied those skills and developed into those income generating activities and hence increased their income.
• 30 vulnerable women have received financial management skills and carrying out better financial management on the income they are receiving.
• 57 Vulnerable women families received self-employment support and Guidant’s
• Three befrienders groups were formed in the villages where the project being implemented and provided them with the trainings on unity and reconciliation, hence increased them capacity.
• The trained befrienders have provided the village level awareness rising on unity and reconciliation to 343 people.
• 30 youths have received the enterprise development skills and engaged in their jobs and increased income through the application of the skill they have learned.
• 30 youths received self-employment support and Guidant’s.
• Personality and leadership is developed among youths and women headed families for reconciliation.
• The stakeholders and members of Be-friend groups, work together in coordination and facilitate a conducive environment for the both communities to live in peace and reconciliation.
• A conducive environment is in place for the male and female youths of the Project villages and of the neibourhood to move with each other in peace and cohesion.
• 5000 Face-masks have been distributed for the government officers helping them to protect health , carrying out effectives services for the members of general public and performing and fulfilling emergency needs from avoiding the epidemic of corona virus through these activities

3.    LEARNINGS/CHALLENGES

• The planned activities have not completed within the period we planned and caused delay due to Covid 19 pandemic.
• Those who have received support to start and develop their self-employment have faced difficulties in marketing their produce due to the impact by Covid 19 pandemic.