We work in areas where the housing and other facilities are basic. Finding work is a daily struggle and many people earn less than £1 a day. These communities face multiple challenges, and our community workers support them to develop solutions, restoring hope and building ladders out of poverty.
In one particular area called Athidiya, on the outskirts of the capital Colombo, many houses are temporary - constructed with hardboard and polythene. There is no running water and sanitation is poor. We support community workers, who build strong relationships here and develop services to meet their needs. We also support the local school which has very few resources to provide additional support for pupils and staff.
The Asha team have been working from a small rented house in the community, running activities and programmes from a living room, with up to 60 children crammed in on Saturdays. They have been looking for a more suitable centre for many months, and have found a solution.
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