Galle

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

Galle, a city in the southwest of Sri Lanka, is the capital of the Southern Province. It has around 90,000 inhabitants, making it one of the ten biggest cities in Sri Lanka. The city was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, killing thousands of people. Undernutrition and poverty are two problems Galle still struggles with every single day. However, slowly but surely, the city is finding its balance again, amidst more recent economic crises and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Since 1990, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Galle.

13%
Of children in Galle are too short for their age

Children do not get enough food

During the civil war between 1983 and 2009, food supplies were scarce or simply non-existent. Although the situation has improved, many parents in Galle struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children. In the district of Galle, 13% of children experience stunting (low height for age), which is a result of undernutrition, while 17% of children experience wasting (low weight for height), which occurs when a child has not had enough food of adequate quality.

10%
Of people in Galle live in poverty

Children are most affected by poverty

Sri Lanka has been dealing with poverty for decades. Almost 45% of the total population lives on less than 5 USD a day. Specifically in the district of Galle, 10% of the population lives in poverty. One of the causes of this poverty is the 2004 Tsunami, which had its biggest impact in the Galle area. Not only did it destroy infrastructure and contaminate thousands of water supply wells with sea water, it also left numerous children without any relatives who could care for them. Sadly, poverty affects children the most, leaving them undernourished and taking away education opportunities.

Your support makes a difference for children in Galle

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.
140
Families
Can stay together
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children 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 Galle

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 training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to 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.