By Yalini Saranya Sivasubramaniyam | Center Manager
Safe Spaces, Bright Futures
Introduction and Objective
Shanthi Maargam (meaning “PathwaystoPeace” in Sinhala and Tamil) is a registered not-for-profit organization established in 2016 to build a safer, more compassionate Sri Lanka. We work with children, adolescents, and youth aged 06 –29 from urban poor communitiesin Sri Lanka. helping them heal from trauma and developemotionalresiliencethroughcounselling,artanddramatherapy, life skill training, and mindfulness.
We empower young people to break cycles of violence and become agents of peace in their families andcommunities. Our programs welcome all ethnicities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. This period project focused on improving children’s well-being, education, and psychosocial resilience while strengthening family and community support systems.
At the heart of Shanthi Maargam’s work is a simple but powerful commitment: to remain present, consistent, and responsive to children and families who are often overlooked. Through the Weekly Children’s Meals Programme, the organization not only addressed immediate nutritional needs but also strengthened community ownership by mobilizing local fundraising and building new donor relationships, moving toward a more sustainable model of support. Community visits deepened trust and enabled early identification of risks, with families increasingly turning to Shanthi Maargam for guidance and reassurance during times of crisis. Children benefited from holistic development initiatives, including life-skills education, Positive Youth Development sessions, SRHR awareness programmes, language support classes, and karate training, all of which fostered confidence, discipline, emotional regulation, and a sense of purpose. Parent meetings evolved into safe, participatory spaces where families actively contributed to programme direction and community response efforts. Celebrations and child-led activities preserved dignity and hope even during hardship. Overall, Shanthi Maargam’s approach demonstrates how sustained presence, community partnership, and adaptive support can create meaningful, lasting change in complex urban communities.
Shanthi Maargam’s free karate classes have enabled children from financially constrained families to access structured training and personal development opportunities. For the two boys who joined, the programme provided a safe space to pursue their interests while building confidence, discipline, and emotional control. By removing financial barriers, the initiative has supported both the children’s growth and their families’ sense of inclusion and opportunity.
Parent meetings have grown into trusted, participatory spaces where parents confidently share experiences and actively contribute to programme planning and implementation. Their increased ownership is reflected in taking responsibility for organizing meetings, securing permissions, and supporting wider community initiatives, including assisting with relief efforts during times of crisis. These sessions foster open, two-way communication, allowing parents to voice concerns, identify needs, and collaborate on future activities. Parents have also expressed the importance of well-being-focused gatherings that offer moments of relaxation and joy amidst demanding daily responsibilities. Overall, the meetings have strengthened trust, leadership, and shared responsibility, transforming parents from passive recipients into engaged community partners and reinforcing the sustainability of Shanthi Maargam’s work.
Impact Stories
"A 16-year-old boy with hearing and speech impairments joined Shanthi Maargam while preparing for his Ordinary Level examinations, having struggled with communication barriers and limited individualized attention in school. With consistent support from a dedicated group of interns, particularly in English language learning and guided practice of past papers, he gradually showed academic improvement and increased confidence. Engagement with his mother also helped ensure he was supported according to his individual learning pace. Just as importantly, the inclusive and welcoming environment at the centre fostered a strong sense of belonging, as peers naturally accepted and encouraged him. Over time, he became more confident in expressing himself, increased his use of English in daily conversations, and actively participated in group learning and creative activities. Shanthi Maargam evolved into a safe and empowering space that strengthened both his academic progress and personal confidence." - Staff from Shanthi Maargam
"Within a short period, the two children progressed at a much faster pace compared to others in the class. As a result, they were selected by the karate master to perform in a group demonstration with his experienced older students during the Children’s Day celebration. In December, they also had the opportunity to participate in the orange belt selection examination, where both successfully passed and are now proud orange belt holders." - Karati Master
Kid from the community
"I am 10 years old. My father is in prison, and my mother works as a cleaning staff at an organization. I have two sisters who are also studying. After school every day, I come to Shanthi Maargam to do my homework and play. I also participate in activities at the centre. I enjoy singing, and sometimes I sing with my friends at Shanthi Maargam. During the last Children’s Day and Christmas events, I sang songs and took part in a drama song. In my school, I have fewer opportunities to sing or do cultural activities. I also join Sinhala and English classes and have lunch with my friends every Wednesday at Shanthi Maargam. My sisters sometimes come too, either to attend classes or spend time here. Around 4:30 pm, I call my mother after her work, and she comes to pick me up. Most days, this is my routine. Shanthi Maargam is my safe place. I feel it is like my second home, and my mother also trusts Shanthi Maargam."
Mother from the Obeysekarapura community
"At school, my son often felt isolated. The teachers were not very attentive to his needs, and his classmates rarely included him in activities or conversations. This made it difficult for him to connect with both teachers and students in the classroom. Since attending Shanthi Maargam, I have seen my son grow more confident and independent. The staff and interns have supported him patiently, helping him improve his English and communicate better through lip-reading. He looks forward to coming to Shanthi Maargam, has made new friends, and feels part of the community. I am truly grateful for the inclusive and caring environment, where he feels accepted, motivated, and attached to the team."
Internship Programme
The internship programme has significantly strengthened Shanthi Maargam’s capacity to deliver consistent and responsive services. Interns have enhanced both centre-based and community outreach efforts, particularly in supporting children’s learning and psychosocial well-being. Their leadership in organizing key events and assisting during emergency response efforts demonstrated reliability, initiative, and commitment during critical moments. By contributing operational support and engaging directly with families, interns have expanded the organization’s reach and impact while also developing their own skills, responsibility, and social awareness.
Challenges
Shanthi Maargam faced challenges related to community acceptance, sustainable fundraising, and limited administrative capacity. Ongoing neighborhood concerns about noise required adjustments to space usage and activity planning to maintain positive community relationships. Securing consistent funding for essential programmes highlighted the need to diversify fundraising strategies and strengthen digital outreach. Additionally, limited financial management capacity created delays in administrative processes, leading the team to adopt more structured documentation systems and improved internal coordination. These experiences strengthened organizational learning and operational resilience.
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By Yalini Saranya | Center Manager
By Yalini Saranya | Center Manager
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