Sithumina

This Sri Lankan organisation provides multi-ethnic and multi-religious forums for communities to develop a sense of unity with their neighbours. The aim is to protect society from factors which may serve to increase ethnic tensions.

Overview

The organisation aims for the promotion of peace and development in the family, community, and the country. Sithumina believe that peace should start in the family, and from there spread to the community. The community in Kahatagasdigiliya is multi-ethnic, with Tamils and Muslims living for gnerations in the midst of the Sinhalese villages in the area. With the ethnic conflict being fought in areas close by, and with the media projecting militaristic and extremist ideologies, this communal harmony is severely threatened. Sithumina works to create a barrier against these harmful messages from outside, through permitting the young children in the area to learn in a truly multi-ethnic and pluralistic space. As such, growing up together, they learn to view each other with love and friendship rather than being conditioned to see those different from themselves as enemies.

Furthermore, through the community associations that are formed, with the organisation's work as a centre, the community harmony is preserved. The success of the organisation's work is evident in the unity prevailing over the community amidst the friction between the government and the LTTE.

Through its work, Sithumina has learnt that the success of any initiative depends on the commitment of the people involved. Financial assets facilitate the work but these are not a necessity for doing meaningful and effective work in the community.

What Services Are Provided?

• Training pre-school teachers in providing peace-related education to the children, and mobilising parents in the community around the pre-school activities, thereby promoting communal harmony;
• inviting senior citizens (who may be alone in their homes) to attend pre-school programmes, giving them added purpose and an opportunity to contribute to the children.

Geographical Area of Operation

Kahatagasdigiliya

Funding Resources

Membership fees and contributions from trainees and volunteer services.

What Further Information Would You Like?

• Information on people who can facilitate technical support such as electricity and a computer for the organisation;
• information on new methods of teaching pre-school children, teaching materials and toys.

What New Contacts Would You Like To Make?

• Pre-school teachers who have received advanced training on peace-building and attitude development through teaching;
• Organisations and people interested in providing material for pre-school teaching such as books, toys, etc.

Associated Organisations

Samadeepa, INSOD, Community level children’s, parents', and mothers' clubs.