The organisation was awarded the 'Best NGO/INGO' in fostering women's empowerment, and the Bronze Award for 'Brand Awareness' in the NGO Category, at the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards 2021 presented by (WIM) and the SLIM Digital Awards 2021, respectively.
Commenting on the recognition, Divakar Ratnadurai, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka stated:
“It is an honour for us to begin the year with the announcement of two outstanding awards.
As an organisation, we have big hopes for the future of vulnerable families, women, children, and youth.
Through several of our innovative social programmes, SOS Children's Villages Sri Lanka has been at the forefront of empowering vulnerable women and girls.
Among these programs are family-like care, family strengthening, and vocational training.
It is an honour to be acknowledged for our efforts, and we pledge to continue to offer our services to society.”
Vocational training programs of SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka offer free vocational education to young adults, both male and female, in order for them to establish in a profession.
Numerous young adults have taken advantage of the courses offered for their professional growth in the four SOS Vocational Training Centres in Sri Lanka.
“We believe that creating awareness amongst the community is of utmost importance in creating change.
Therefore, our organisation does the best within its scope to conduct awareness through various media platforms.
The primary purpose of our awareness initiatives is to search for donors and philanthropists who would be interested in helping SOS Children’s Villages to continue its social work in Sri Lanka,” added Divakar Ratnadurai.
SOS Children's Villages Sri Lanka provides for nearly 900 children and youth across the country in its six children's villages and youth homes.
Currently, the family strengthening programme helps 1,660 women and young girls in areas such as education, career development, and nutrition.
The programme also offers a number of facilities to help vulnerable families become strong and independent in society.
Currently, 47 communities in Sri Lanka benefit from this program, which is offered in nine various locations around the country.
Tailoring, animal husbandry, coir rope making, incense stick making, mushroom gardening, and other self-employment skills are taught as part of the programme.