Empowering Persons with Disabilities in Sri Lanka

1. Introduction

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Save a Life organized a special event for elderly women with special needs, focusing on care, emotional well-being, and mental health support. The event created a safe and welcoming space where participants could engage in meaningful activities, interact with one another, and openly share their feelings and experiences. Through this initiative, we aimed to reduce isolation, promote emotional expression and strengthen the mental well-being of the participants.

2. Key Activities

a) Women’s Day Celebration and Engagement Activities

The event brought together special needs elderly women in a joyful and inclusive environment. Participants took part in interactive sessions, recreational activities and group discussions designed to encourage social connection, confidence and happiness.

b) Mental Health Support and Emotional Sharing

A dedicated session was conducted to encourage participants to share their emotions, personal experiences, and challenges. Through compassionate listening and supportive interactions, the women felt valued, respected, and heard. These conversations helped foster emotional relief, mutual understanding, and a sense of belonging among participants.

3. Challenges Faced

• Some participants were initially hesitant to express their feelings due to personal experiences and social barriers.
• Limited resources restricted the ability to provide ongoing psychosocial support services.
• Transportation and accessibility challenges affected the participation of some elderly women.

4. Impact on the Community

• Improved Emotional Well-being: Participants experienced joy, comfort and emotional support through social interaction and engagement.
• Enhanced Social Connections: The event helped reduce feelings of loneliness and encouraged friendships among participants.
• Increased Confidence and Self-Worth: Elderly women felt appreciated and recognized during the celebration.
• Mental Health Support: Providing a safe space for emotional sharing contributed positively to their mental health and overall well-being.

5. Plans for Next

• Strengthen community-based support networks for special needs elderly persons.
• Conduct awareness programs on healthy ageing, emotional well-being, and self-care.
• Explore partnerships to provide continuous psychosocial and social support services.

Monthly Report: Change the Life of Differently Abled in Sri Lanka – #66490
Project Title: Change the Life of Differently Abled in Sri Lanka
Reporting Month: January 2026

1. Introduction
During the month of January, Save a Life continued its mission to support differently abled individuals by providing a wheelchair donation to a school student from Pommaiveli, Jaffna.
Pommaiveli is a marginalized area where many families face severe economic hardships, limiting access to essential mobility aids for children with disabilities.
This support aimed to improve the child’s mobility, independence, and access to education, ensuring dignity and equal opportunity.

2. Key Activities
a) Wheelchair Donation for a School Student
Recognizing the urgent need for mobility support, Save a Life donated a wheelchair to a differently abled school student from Pommaiveli, Jaffna. The student comes from a very low-income family that was unable to afford such an essential aid.
The wheelchair enables the child to:
Travel safely to school
Participate more actively in learning
Move independently at home and in the community
The family expressed deep gratitude, as this donation significantly reduced their daily challenges and improved the child’s quality of life.

3. Challenges Faced
Limited Resources: Many families in Pommaiveli require similar assistance, but limited funding restricts the number of beneficiaries.
High Cost of Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs and assistive devices are expensive and often unaffordable for low-income households without external support.

4. Impact on the Community
Improved Mobility and Independence: The wheelchair has empowered the student to move freely and confidently.
Access to Education: Enhanced mobility supports regular school attendance and learning participation.
Dignity and Inclusion: The support promotes inclusion and reduces social isolation for differently abled children in poor communities.

5. Plans for Next Month
Identify more differently abled children in need of mobility support in underserved areas.
Mobilize resources to provide additional wheelchairs and assistive devices.
Strengthen partnerships to expand support for children with in Differently Abled the Jaffna District.

6. Thank You
We sincerely thank our donors and supporters for making this life-changing support possible. Your generosity helps us reach vulnerable children in underserved communities and ensures that no child is left behind due to disability or poverty. Together, we are creating pathways to dignity, independence, and hope.