C R L International

Friends KINDERHILFE INTERNATIONAL e.V.

This German organization helps underprivileged Sri Lankan children and their families to have access to education. C R L International conducted human resource development workshop retreats on child rights for the full-time and part-time staff of Friends KINDERHILFE INTERNATIONAL e.V.

The full-time staff of Friends included Project Managers, Accounts Executives, Legal Consultant, Project Coordinators and Pre-school teachers, Managers and Matrons and Assistant Managers and Assistant Matrons of Children’s Homes assisted by Friends and their support staff. The group also consisted of primary and secondary school teachers who assist children in their educational activities after school hours and on weekends.

 INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS (IHR)

IHR promotes human rights by providing access to justice, education and training, and humanitarian assThe Institute of Human Rights (IHR) has been closely working with the Department of Probation and Child Care at the central government and Western provincial government levels for a considerable time, with the main purpose of introducing more effective strategies in interacting with children and enhancing the already existing knowledge of the Probation Officers and Child Rights Promotion Officers who are the key government officials responsible for protection, welfare and rights of children. IHR, undertaking this worthy social responsibility aimed at fulfilling the needs of the most deserving sector of the Sri Lankan population, children below the age of 18 years of age, requested C R L International to undertake the training of Probation Officers and Child Rights Promotion Officers in the Western Province and thereby enhance the human resource capacity as well as the institutional capacity required for promoting and protecting the rights of children.

On behalf of the Institute of Human Rights C R L conducted Human Resource Development Workshop Retreats on Child Rights for Probation Officers and Child Rights Promotion Officers representing 47 Divisional Secretariats (Agalawatte, Attanagalla, Avissawella, Baduraliya, Bambalapitiya, Bandaragama, Beruwala, Bulatsinhala, Colombo, Dematagoda, Divulapitiya, Dodangoda, Dompe, Gampaha, Hanwella, Homagama, Horana, Ingiriya, Ja-Ela, Kaduwela, Kalutara, Katana, Kelaniya, Kesbewa, Kirindiwela, Madurawala, Mahara, Maharagama, Mirigama, Makola, Matugama, Milleniya, Miniwangoda, Moratuwa, Mount Lavinia, Negombo, Padukka, Panadura, Pugoda, Ratmalana, Panadura, Pugoda, Ratmalana, Sea Street, Sri Jayewardenepura, Wattala and Walallawita) in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. 

Participants’ Responses about the Workshop

 “I have been a CRPO for nine years.  I have participated in many workshops.   Human qualities which are very essential in performing our duties were ignored  at those workshops. The comprehensive course content of this workshop and the manner it was conducted encouraging spontaneous action by the  participants helped us to absorb the information well.”

“This workshop introduced new ways of looking at the work we do for children. When working with children we have to take the lead. The exercise looking at ourselves-helped in this work. When we go for workshops, we fall asleep. During this workshop that did not happen.” 

“Invigoration gained is immense…”
 
  “A modern workshop deviating from the conventional style….”

  “A completely new viewpoint to help and care for children…”

  “Every second has been meaningful and an addition to our own life.”
 
  “Useful in correcting mistakes I had made working with children.”

“Learnt a new approach to practically use my knowledge to work with children.”

“Without realizing it I learned the need for flexibility and correctness in decision making to work more productively with children.”

“Experiencing of viewing my own childhood more sensitively has sensitized me  to the needs of children I work with.”
 
  “Learned much about reducing work-related stress.”

  “Sequence of themes and activities from the beginning to the end is much appreciated.”
 

“The best awareness programme of our official life which addressed our hearts and empowered us to cope with problems both official and personal.”