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| Tsunami affected older people rebuild their lives and communities – funded by BLF |
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Even 5 years after the Tsunami, older people are still vulnerable to loss of income from livelihoods destroyed by the devastating effects of the tsunami. The island remains prone to environmental shocks, and there is still insufficient access to potable water, which is essential for older people whose health is more affected than most by poor water, sanitation and hygiene. |
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The Big Lottery Fund (BLF) of the UK has generously provided funding to combat these problems, and contribute to the long term capacity strengthening of Senior Citizens Committees (SCCs) to sustain leadership in tackling future needs and threats. In this programme, HelpAge Sri Lanka, together with HelpAge International, is working with the SCCs in 5 districts in the Eastern and Southern Regions of Sri Lanka: Batticaloa, Ampara, Galle, Matara and Hambantota. |
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The objectives of this programme were developed in response to needs identified during the tsunami intervention and subsequent assessments. |
- Increasing the income of tsunami affected older people
- Older people clearly identify threats & risks, roles & responsibilities in the event of a natural disaster
- Reducing the incidence of water borne diseases among older people
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The programme runs for two years, from October 2008 to September 2010. Activities include: |
- Provide training on business planning, marketing, book keeping, good sanitation & hygiene practices etc.
- Disbursement of livelihood revolving loans to SCCs who will manage them
- Production, revising and updating of Disaster Risk Reduction plans
- Hold a national level Disaster Risk Reduction conference
- Provision of appropriate water supplies for needy families of older people
- Training of 70 Home Care Volunteers from among the SCC members.
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