WB assistance to uplift marginalised groups in society

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

GRANTS: The World Bank Colombo disbursed grant allocations to seven selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) launching the Small Grants Program 2007 yesterday.

The Small Grants Program 2007 is aimed in promoting civic engagement, social inclusion and empowerment of marginalized groups in society to maximise the development outcomes.

Under this year’s theme “Empowering the Disabled” seven organizations were awarded grants up to USD 5,000 each to increase the participation of disabled in public, civic and community life. “The small grants program will make a big impact. It will change the public attitude to reduce stigma and support independent living by increasing life skills.

Poverty reduction a main concern of the World Bank. Disability is an obstacle in reducing poverty. The poor is vulnerable to disabilities as they lack access to nutrition, safe facilities,” World Bank Country Director, Naoko Ishii said.

She pointed out that 1.6 per cent of the Sri Lankan population live with disabilities.

“There are lots of barriers. They have no access to education, employment and public service. Disability is an important issue and World Bank has included it in policies. We want to understand more about disability. We will raise awareness and help the Government with their projects. Several projects will be implemented targeting disabled people,” she explained.

Ceylon School for the Deaf, `Navajeevana’, Social Economic and Environmental Developers (SEED), Community Concern Society (CCS), Association of Disabled Ex-service Personnel, Sunera Foundation and Social Development and Research Organisation were the selected organizations under the small grants program.