Since 2017, Global Communities has partnered with the Government of Sri Lanka, private sector actors, key decision makers, community-based organizations, and civil society to advance entrepreneurship and youth employment as well as to address complex underlying challenges to post-conflict reconciliation and transitional justice. In support of communities committed to a shared and inclusive Sri Lankan identity, Global Communities programs help to reduce socio-economic disparities and connect a generation of engaged, socially responsible youth.
By bringing together stakeholders across ethnic, religious and cultural divides, doors open to find unity in diversity and further strengthen cohesion and resilience. At the heart of Global Communities’ work in Sri Lanka is community leadership. From the grassroots up, citizen-driven initiatives are connected with community platforms to create opportunities for growth and positive change.
Building Cohesion and Reconciliation in Communities
Under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) program, Global Communities is working with the Government of Sri Lanka, local partners and civil society to address underlying challenges to reconciliation. The program works by promoting a shared and inclusive Sri Lankan identity, reducing socio-economic disparities, and strengthening cohesion and resilience among multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities. The activities focus on expanding citizen-driven initiatives which support livelihood development, enhancing social identities and community building while also focusing on marginalized groups and communities. The program is also working to strengthen local governments and community-based organizations that provide critical support and increase access to psychosocial services. Additionally, the project aims to increase opportunities for youth and women to exercise leadership in promoting responsible citizenship and reconciliation. SCORE is unique in its approach to promoting a cohesive Sri Lankan identity whereby the process of reconciliation is community driven.
Promoting Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship
USAID, in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, launched YouLead, an initiative to support youth employability, vocational skills development and entrepreneurship. Global Communities is working with the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) and other partners to implement the program and increase the competitiveness of young Sri Lankans in the job market. YouLead programs are aimed at improving technical and vocational education and training, creating a more skilled workforce, and linking youth to more productive careers by undertaking activities that support and strengthen students, teachers, institutions, and entrepreneurs.
“I appreciate USAID SCORE for enabling the participation of these women entrepreneurs... This is our first collaboration with SCORE and it has been a fruitful partnership.”
Anoma Paranthala,
Women’s Development Officer, Kandy District Secretariat
Our Work in Sri Lanka
Positive Youth Development
Equipping Young People for Leadership and Success
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
Lifting Marginalized Voices and Investing in Women as Leaders and Men as Allies
Sustainable Development
Standing with Communities as They Shape Their Own Future
Resources
Briefs & Case Studies
Case Study: Meru Central Coffee Cooperative Union’s (MCCCUs) Business Development Journey with Global Communities in Kenya
The Cooperative Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy & Research (CLEAR) program, implemented by Global Communities from 2018 to 2023 and made possible through the support of USAID’s Cooperative Development Program, undertook a strategic initiative to strengthen Kenya’s cooperative ecosystem. Recognizing the pivotal role of cooperatives in various sectors, CLEAR centred its efforts on delivering targeted technical assistance…
Briefs & Case Studies
Case Study: Limuru Dairy Farmers Cooperative Business Development Partnership with Global Communities in Kenya
Dairy farming plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to both economic growth and the nutritional well-being of the population. According to the Kenya Dairy Board, the dairy sector accounts for approximately 14% of the country’s agricultural GDP, generating over 1 million jobs at the farm level and an additional 500,000 jobs in…
Briefs & Case Studies
Learning Brief: Insights Gained from USAID Cooperative Development Program – CLEAR: Assessing the Impact of Women’s Engagement in Cooperatives
USAID Cooperative Development Program (CDP) – Cooperative, Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy & Research (CLEAR) (2018-2023), implemented by Global Communities, was designed to support and enhance Kenya’s cooperative ecosystem. CLEAR focused on promoting youth and women’s socio-economic empowerment through the cooperative business model by tapping into existing opportunities in the service industry.
Briefs & Case Studies
‘Survival, Resilience and Solidarity’: Our Relief Efforts in Gaza (Arabic Translation)
Now over four months in, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with one in four households facing famine levels of food insecurity and severely limited access to safe water. “Our mornings begin with a silent check – are the kids, is everyone, alright?” said Mohammad, one of 74 staff members from Global…
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