Empowering Communities to Build Resilience and Reduce the Risk

Our Objective: To ensure community-led planning and ownership to reduce disaster risks.

We work with vulnerable communities in Manthai West, Mannar District to reduce the devastating impacts of floods and cyclones through a three-year community-based disaster risk reduction initiative (2025–2028). By forming and strengthening Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs), improving local early warning systems, and enhancing water management infrastructure, we aim to empower communities to respond swiftly and effectively to climate-induced hazards. With a special focus on children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and fishing and farming families, the project prioritizes inclusive, data-driven planning to protect lives, livelihoods, and local infrastructure—laying the groundwork for safer, more resilient futures.

We are also implementing a Disaster Risk Reduction project in at least four villages. We work closely with communities to build capacity, provide training, and develop proposals to address urgent needs. Through this initiative we aim to address the root cause of natural disasters by educating communities on early-warning systems and disaster management and long-term solutions and structural development.We have successfully implemented Digital English and O/L Booster programs equipping 65 teachers, principals, and educational officers with essential trainings. Smart boards and digital resources were also introduced in five schools directly benefitting 555 students and enhancing their learning experience. Workshops on non-violent approaches, marine and coastal resource sustainability, and leadership skills were also conducted in order to equip communities with essential knowledge and skills for sustainable growth.