A Personal Journey Back to Sri Lanka
Doug sat down with Sidhara Udalagama, a member of the communications team at Compassion, to talk about her recent trip to Sri Lanka. Born and raised there, Sidhara has a deep personal connection to the country.
“I go back every year or every other year because I have so much family there,” she shared. “But over the past few years, working with Compassion has made my visits even more meaningful.”
Her latest trip allowed her to witness firsthand the life-changing work Compassion is doing in Sri Lanka. “Seeing the transformational change happening in communities was just incredible,” she said. “I got to sit face to face with women, children, and Compassion staff, hear their stories, and now bring them back to Australia to share.”
Compassion’s Work on the Ground
Compassion operates through local centers that focus on holistic child development. Their programs go beyond financial aid. “Poverty isn’t just about what someone owns,” Sidhara explained. “It affects every part of a person’s life—spiritual, physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.”
Through child sponsorship programs, Compassion provides essentials like nutritious food, education, healthcare, and leadership training. But perhaps the most impactful aspect is mentorship. “Poverty tells a child they are not worth anything,” Sidhara said. “Compassion staff come alongside these children and speak a better word over them, reminding them they have value and a future.”
The Challenges Women Face in Sri Lanka
In honour of International Women’s Day, Doug and Sidhara discussed the unique struggles women face in Sri Lanka. “A lack of education is one of the biggest barriers preventing young girls from building a brighter future,” she explained.
Poverty leads to further obstacles like early marriage, gender discrimination, and period poverty. “One in ten women worldwide face extreme poverty,” she shared. “And period poverty is a massive issue—not just in developing countries, but globally.”
Sidhara recounted a heartbreaking reality: “In rural Sri Lankan communities, pads and tampons are considered a luxury. Women and girls use old, cut-up saris instead. It’s not hygienic and leads to serious health issues.”
Additionally, many homes lack private washing facilities, and schools don’t always have public toilets. “Girls often stay home during their periods, falling behind in school. Eventually, many drop out altogether,” Sidhara said. “It’s a cycle that keeps them from pursuing their dreams.”
How Compassion is Making a Difference
Compassion is tackling these issues head-on with education, resources, and practical solutions. “Our centers teach girls about their changing bodies, breaking social stigmas that have existed for generations,” Sidhara said.
They also provide emergency hygiene supplies. “If a girl doesn’t have what she needs at home, she knows she can always come to the Compassion center,” she explained.
This International Women’s Day, Compassion is focusing on a crucial initiative: building and renovating toilet blocks in rural communities. “This campaign is about giving girls the dignity and support they need to stay in school and gain an education,” Sidhara emphasised.
Encouraging Dreams for a Better Future
One of the most powerful programs Compassion runs is called My Plan for Tomorrow, which encourages children to dream beyond their current circumstances. “For many kids in poverty, no one ever asks them what they want to be when they grow up,” Sidhara said. “This program helps them set goals and create action plans to achieve them.”
Through Compassion’s work, young girls in Sri Lanka are receiving not just practical support but also hope for a future filled with possibilities.
Want to be part of this transformation? Support Compassion’s International Women’s Day campaign and help break the cycle of poverty for young girls in Sri Lanka.