Shanti Community Animation Movement
Shanti Community Animation Movement was founded in 1977 by Jesuit Fr. Michael Catalano. His work began among shanty dwellers along the canals in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and extended to refugees from the 29-year civil war. The work depends largely on the contributed labor of volunteers and includes educational and building projects, while fostering peace, reconciliation, and human development among the diverse peoples of Sri Lanka.
History
Fr. Catalano began his work among shanty-dwellers along the canal banks in the densely-packed capital of Sri Lanka, and spread to 12 centers. Besides those living along the Wellawatte and Dehiwela canals in Colombo, Shanti serves the resettlement areas in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. It received approval from the Presidential Taskforce in its work for reconciliation in areas affected by the wars. Shanti also participates in an environmental training network.
Programs
Over 39 years SACM has evolved and grown to include the following programs at most of six centers.
*Pre-School. Education and nutrition program for those under 6.
*After-school and skills classes, for children and young people, as well as skill training for women; included are generators, sewing machines, computers, and bicycles, along with training in dancing, singing, and Hewisi Band.
*Awareness programs. For youth, mothers.
*Elderly care. The centers host Saturday programs for the elderly to relax, enjoy music, dance, have lunch, and chat with friends; they are taught activities that provide therapeutic relief in their lives, like making carpets and baskets.
*Poverty reduction program, through programs like he distribution of fishing nets. This includes much of the zones of Kilinochchi & Mallavi-Thunukkai.
History
Fr. Catalano began his work among shanty-dwellers along the canal banks in the densely-packed capital of Sri Lanka, and spread to 12 centers. Besides those living along the Wellawatte and Dehiwela canals in Colombo, Shanti serves the resettlement areas in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. It received approval from the Presidential Taskforce in its work for reconciliation in areas affected by the wars. Shanti also participates in an environmental training network.
Programs
Over 39 years SACM has evolved and grown to include the following programs at most of six centers.
*Pre-School. Education and nutrition program for those under 6.
*After-school and skills classes, for children and young people, as well as skill training for women; included are generators, sewing machines, computers, and bicycles, along with training in dancing, singing, and Hewisi Band.
*Awareness programs. For youth, mothers.
*Elderly care. The centers host Saturday programs for the elderly to relax, enjoy music, dance, have lunch, and chat with friends; they are taught activities that provide therapeutic relief in their lives, like making carpets and baskets.
*Poverty reduction program, through programs like he distribution of fishing nets. This includes much of the zones of Kilinochchi & Mallavi-Thunukkai.
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