Finding lasting solutions to the challenges children face is a critical global concern. True change happens when communities create safe, strong, and nurturing environments where children and youth can thrive — and realize their extraordinary potential. In realizing the vision of Catholic Care for Children International (CCCI) — where every child grows up in a family or family-like environment — community-driven solutions are key to supporting families and enabling them to care for their children.
This vision was powerfully illustrated during a visit to the community-based child protection program led by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Sinnapaduwa, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. On June 8, 2025, members of CCCI from Africa and the Philippines had the opportunity to witness this inspiring grassroots initiative firsthand.
Guided by the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child,” the Good Shepherd Sisters launched the project in 2016. The program aims to build a protective environment for children by empowering the local community to take collective responsibility for their safety and well-being. It follows a rights-based, bottom-up approach rooted in empowerment and active participation — particularly of women and children.
A standout feature of the initiative is its strong community organizing framework: 76 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), brought together into 7 Cluster-Level Associations (CLAs), and united under a single Federation. These structures go far beyond economic support — they are platforms for social, political, and spiritual empowerment that help build stronger families and protect vulnerable children.
During the exposure visit, participants engaged with one Cluster-Level Association and two Self-Help Groups running small-scale enterprises such as coconut oil production, tea packaging, and batik making. The warm welcome and candid sharing from the women involved provided valuable insight, learning, and inspiration.
Children belong in families, but many families face challenges that hinder their ability to provide adequate care.
This visit reaffirmed a vital lesson: empowering families and communities must be at the heart of our solutions. The Good Shepherd Sisters model this effectively by using various approaches — particularly through Self-Help Groups — to strengthen both families and communities.
As participants reflected on their experience, it became clear that care reform rooted in community participation is not only possible but powerful. These shared experiences in Sri Lanka will continue to inspire and inform global efforts toward a future where every child is safe, loved, and nurtured within a family.
