ECSAT Projects
Livelihoods Development in 39 tsunami-affected communities (funded
by UWI).
This project began in November 2009 and will run for two years. Through the project, the capacity will be built of community livelihood committees, through mobilisation, training and grants, so that they can run community based income generation activities to increase the income of their communities. The project is run in close cooperation with the local government services, and also aims to ensure disabled people can access all livelihood activities alongside their non-disabled peers.
Building Inclusive Communities (funded by Deafchild Worldwide)
This two year programme aims to ensure inclusion of deaf children in community and family life through better communications and advocacy. In too many families, deaf children are unable to communicate with parents who have limited or no knowledge of sign language. In addition to parents, sign language will also be promoted among non-deaf children and social service officers so that community inclusion and access to services is improved.
Outreach Project (funded by Kiwanis Colombo City Chapter and Friends of ECSAT UK).
Supporting children with disabilities who are confined to their homes by parents who are afraid, embarrassed or simply do not see the value of letting them into the community. This project is being developed by one community worker who is skilled in providing support and developing effective referral systems. Kiwanis Colombo have kindly agreed to work with ECSAT to develop this type of outreach work in Galle for the forseeable future.
Bona Vista Womens Development Project (funded by Friends of ECSAT UK)
Bona Vista is a residential home for women with intellectual impairments. This project aims to bring them life skills and handicraft skills training every week and to build their contacts with the community outside their institution. Normally they are not allowed outside, even to get a drink from a local shop, and we are working with the staff there to facilitate accompanied trips out of the home - even if its only to buy a drink at first.
Preschool Teacher Training Programme (in partnership with the Swiss Ladies Charity Group)
This project begins in 2010 and involves training of preschool teachers to run inclusive, child-centred activities. With the support of long term volunteer Gina Graham we have developed an effective syllabus based on the last two years of working with local community children. The first six months are funded, and during this time we plan to deliver two trainings.
National Volunteering Programme (in partnership with VSO & CHA)
In 2008 ECSAT attended training organised by VSO in Bangalore, India on how to develop a volunteer policy and effective programme. In 2009, ECSAT focused on developing a local volunteer network in Galle that could contribute to our work and goals, as well as other organisations. In line with our new volunteer policy, they receive pre service training and a manual, and have been placed in organisations all over the Galle area.