EU-UNICEF effort to help vulnerable communities in North and East
Vulnerable communities in the North and East of Sri Lanka were to benefit from a new school and health centre, funded by the European Union through UNICEF.
The new health centre was to play a key role in tackling malnutrition among children aged five and below as well as high levels of anaemia prevalent among women. Up to 900 students were to receive an education at the newly opened school.
EU Ambassador/ Head of Delegation, Bernard Savage said: “Education and health are two of the key sectors the EU constantly looks to improve. We have no doubt these new facilities will benefit the most vulnerable communities in the Trincomalee District and aide them in realizing their hopes for a better education and a healthy life.”
UNICEF Sri Lanka Representa- tive, Reza Hossaini, said: “This generous donation by the EU will go a long way to improving the opportunities children from vulnerable communities have to receive a proper education and also to tackle disparities in healthcare for women and children which is vitally important as Sri Lanka seeks to build a sustainable peace and economic growth.”
An EU grant of over LKR 39 million (EUR 261,000) was committed for the construction of 30 classrooms, a science laboratory, teachers’ quarters and decent water and sanitation for the pupils of the T/M Elangaithuraimugathuwaram Hindu College, in Eechilampatthu, near Trincomalee. Meanwhile, LKR five million (EUR 33,260) was also donated to the Gramodaya Health Centre, in Pallikuirruppu, Mutur. This health centre would provide local communities with family planning, antenatal and immunization services as well as help monitor the growth of infants, supplementary food and other treatments for children suffering from acute malnourishment.these investments in the community are part of a wider EU-UNICEF partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, which aims to reduce social disparities by addressing the educational and health needs of the more vulnerable communities in the country.