The Work of Jaffna Children’s Home
Sri Lanka is a land rich in colour, character, and charm. From its sweeping tea-covered hills to vibrant local markets and peaceful coastal towns, the island offers a stunning blend of tradition and natural beauty. But what truly stands out is the warmth and generosity of its people — a spirit that continues to shine even in the face of adversity.
Yet, Sri Lanka also faces significant challenges. In rural and underserved areas, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities remains limited. Many families struggle to secure consistent services, and children are often the ones who suffer most — some at risk of exploitation, others dropping out of school to support household income. In the years since the war, countless children have been abandoned, orphaned, or abused, sometimes in deeply traumatic ways. There is an urgent need for safe spaces, protection, and long-term support to help them rebuild their lives.
This is where our new partners at Jaffna Children’s Home are making a difference.
Founded in 2003, in the heart of Jaffna, the home has become a place of refuge and transformation for some of the country’s most vulnerable girls. Even during the height of the war, they remained committed to their mission.
Today, the home supports 24 children from a range of deeply challenging backgrounds — including orphans, those abandoned or living in poverty, children from single-parent households, and those who have suffered physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Each child arrives through the official referral system, via courts and probation services.
But what they receive is far more than basic shelter. The team at Jaffna Children’s Home believes every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing environment where they are treated with dignity and love. Their goal is not only to meet immediate needs — nutritious meals, clothing, medical care, education, and school supplies — but also to restore confidence and hope through long-term investment in each life. Children are encouraged to explore extracurricular activities like sports, music, and the arts, helping them rediscover joy and build new skills.
And the impact is clear. Some of the children go on to thrive in remarkable ways. One former resident graduated from medical school in China and is now serving as a doctor in Batticaloa. Others are studying at the University of Jaffna and the Ramanathan Music Academy. Some excel in athletics. Each story is unique, each journey remarkable.
Children like D, who was abandoned during the war. Or J, who lost her father and was left behind when her mother remarried. Others have endured unimaginable abuse. But today, they are no longer statistics. They are part of a family — seen, loved, and deeply cared for.
With the support of CRY, this vital work continues. Together, we’re helping to provide not just shelter, but real futures for children who need it most.
If you would like to be part of this story — through prayer or financial support — we would be so grateful. Every gift, whether one-off or regular, makes a difference. And if you’re able to Gift Aid your donation, it helps us go even further.
Thank you for standing with us, and with the children of Sri Lanka.
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