CCCSL (Catholic Care For Children Sri Lanka) has entered a new phase of its care reform journey, welcoming new congregations and institutions into the second phase of this vital initiative. Building on the foundation of the first phase—where six women’s congregations partnered with 17 institutions—this next stage brings renewed energy, wider collaboration, and a deeper commitment to ensuring better care for children.
The inclusion of new institutions, along with the participation of men’s congregations, has enriched the initiative with diverse perspectives and strengthened its impact. What once focused primarily on institutions serving girls has now expanded to include those caring for boys, as well as institutions supporting differently abled children. This broader engagement reflects CCCSL’s vision of inclusive, dignified, and child-centered care.
To begin this new phase, CCCSL conducted institutional visits to build relationships, understand local realities, and share its approach to care reform. A baseline survey was also carried out to gather essential information and guide effective intervention. These interactions helped create a strong foundation for collaboration and a shared understanding of the journey ahead.
A key highlight of this phase was the orientation programme for managers of Child Care Institutions (CCIs). Women and men leaders came together to reflect on their commitment to care reform and to reimagine how care is provided. Through dialogue and shared learning, participants explored the impact of institutionalization and reaffirmed the importance of family as the most nurturing environment for a child. They also co-created a shared vision—“Our Dream Together”—and were introduced to practical tools to support documentation and the reintegration of children into family and community settings.
