Over the past 20 years, we've worked tirelessly to not just fill the gaps in care for children but to bridge the deep, gaping holes in the system. In our wildest dreams for the next 20 years, we hope that our mission will be complete—that every child in Sri Lanka will experience the love, security, and family care they so desperately need and truly deserve.
Meeting with Rasika Dissanayake Southern Province Commissioner
We had a productive discussion was held with Rasika Dissanayake, the Southern Province Commissioner, emphasising the urgent need to introduce alternative family care in the region. Together, we outlined strategic steps to drive this initiative forward in 2025, with a shared commitment to creating sustainable, family-based solutions for vulnerable children.
Meeting with UNICEF
A positive was held meeting with Teona Ashnivilli, UNICEF's new Chief of Child Protection to follow up previous discussions regarding a partnership between TFT and UNICEF. While no immediate promises were made, Teona indicated that our projects, including the Heartbeat Centre and support for care Leavers could be a good fit for UNICEF's strategy. Teona was inspired by Nimmu’s personal experience and applauded her courage and achievements.
Meeting with LEADS
A follow up meeting was held with Dinesha Chamali from LEADS, a leading and long standing NGO in Sri Lanka. We continued discussions on the way forward for alternative family and foster care in Sri Lanka and the potential of exciting future collaborations.
Appointment of Nimmu Kumari!
TFT Alternative Family and Foster Care Co-ordinator
Thanks to grant funding from the EA Foundation, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Nimmu Kumari, a former care leaver, as TFT’s Alternative Family Care and Project Coordinator. Nimmu is advocating and campaigning nationally towards the currently unknown concept of foster care in Sri Lanka.
Her journey is inspiring and deeply moving. Having grown up within the harsh and often unforgiving orphanage system, she also represents and supports care leavers and has become one of the most passionate advocates for alternative family and foster care to end the harmful institutionalisation of children. Her personal experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by institutionalised children make her a superb asset to our team, and she has already worked with us as a guest speaker at Alternative Family and Foster Care training events to National Childcare Probation Services, judiciary, schools, universities, NGO’s, CSO’s, and local communities.
Celebrating Nimmu Kumari’s Shine50 Award Recognition
Soon after Nimmu’s appointment she attended a prestigious ceremony held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. Nimmu was awarded one of the USAID Shine50 Awards, an accolade that recognises game-changing women in Sri Lanka. Chosen from a pool of 700 nominations, Nimmu’s achievement is truly remarkable, and we are so proud to see her recognised on a national level.
The Shine Awards, presented by Julie Chung, the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, highlight the exceptional contributions of women who are making a significant impact in their communities. This award serves as a powerful reminder of the change that one determined individual can bring about.
Nimmu’s achievement was also featured on national news, bringing further attention to the critical work she is doing with TFT. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nimmu for this well-deserved recognition, and we are honoured to have her as part of our team. Her success is a victory for all those working towards a brighter and loving future for children in Sri Lanka.
Nimmu Joins The Care Leaders Council—A Global Advocacy Initiative
We are also incredibly proud to announce that after our nomination, Nimmu was selected to join The Care Leaders Council—a prestigious global group of care-experienced advocates who champion the rights of children and individuals in care. This council represents a global movement, working tirelessly to advance these rights through research, training, and policy advocacy. Nimmu’s appointment is a personal achievement and a victory for all those committed to securing alternative family-based care for children.
The Care Leaders Council collaborates with institutional donors, civil society organisations, and care networks worldwide, becoming a driving force in the fight for the socio-economic empowerment of care leavers. Their work ensures that care-experienced individuals have the support and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives and become advocates for change.
Her life experiences, coupled with her passion for helping others, will undoubtedly inspire and empower those around her. With her leadership, we are confident that she will be a powerful force in driving system change for children in institutions, not only in Sri Lanka but across the world.
Filming TFT’s 20 Years of Transformative Impact
The filming project, has given TFT a unique opportunity to reflect on its work over the past 20 years. Through the lens of the camera, the true scale of the organisation’s impact is becoming clear. TFT has helped thousands of children and families who would otherwise have been left struggling in the face of poverty and institutional care. This film not only documents the individual stories of the children and families TFT has supported but also serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness across the country. It highlights the pressing need for care reform in Sri Lanka, particularly the shift from institutional care to fostering and other family-based alternatives.
The film is also bringing much-deserved attention to TFT’s Alternative Family Care Programme and its Project Coordinator, Nimmu Kumari. Following her appearance on Lahiru Mudalige’s show, Nimmu has gained significant media attention, with national newspapers and television stations reaching out for interviews. She has also been invited to speak on the popular SHE TV programme. Nimmu’s advocacy for care leavers is inspiring, as she shares the collective stories of fear, abandonment, and lost childhoods. We reckon her efforts so far have now reached millions!
A Day of Inspiration and Milestones
TFT’s most celebrated and award-winning figures – Deshamanya Percy Gunarathna, International Women of Courage Award winner Marini De Livera, and USAID Shine 50 Award recipient Nimmu Kumari – came together with the renowned Sri Lankan television presenter, Lahiru Mudalige. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss our cause and finalise the filming itinerary.
Lahiru Mudalige, a TV media personality and household name in Sri Lanka, was unaware of the plight of institutionalised children and was so moved, he also offered to make a 20 minute film free of charge which will be screened at the Galle Literary Festival 6 - 9 February 2025, following a meeting with Saskia Walker one of the organisers.
Untold Stories of Care Leavers:
The emotional intensity in the room grew as our care leavers, young people who had once been placed in institutional care due to unimaginable circumstances—shared their stories with Lahiru Mudalige in a profoundly moving interview. Their experiences spoke volumes, each one carrying the weight of lost childhoods and painful memories. As they recounted these moments, the room fell into a tearful silence. Despite our offer to stop, each of them wanted their voices to be heard. To protect them, however, and shield them from any possible repercussions, we will only release a portion of the footage.
The experiences of these young care leavers and their network form a powerful voice, advocating passionately for systemic change and raising awareness about fostering as a compassionate, viable alternative to orphanages. United by a deep bond of love and respect for one another, they’ve all shared a common dream—the longing for life and love within a family.
Our special thanks
The EA Foundation, Fiona O’Driscoll, Peter Cundill Foundation, The Tula Trust, Xenia Stafford, Sharlyn Stafford, Krystyna Gadd, Della McManus, Marcia Summers, Nic Careem, Julie Sinclair
Special thanks go to Sarah Corvi for hosting a lovely Afternoon Tea! The event, held in Sarah’s garden in Esher for Marcia Summer’s raffle, was the perfect backdrop. Thanks to Belinda Collins for buying raffle tickets, winning the prize, and inviting supporters Debbie Hughes and Catherine Everest and Lynn Stanier to share this beautiful afternoon.
Other news:
HOUSE OF LORDS
Lynn was invited to an event "Female Entrepreneurship: Moving Forward" hosted by Small Business Britain at the House of Lords. One of the speakers was Anneliese Dodds, the UK Minister for Women and Equality, who delivered an inspiring speech. She offered to arrange a personal meeting to discuss TFT’s important work in Sri Lanka. We hope this could open doors to raise awareness and advocate for support for female empowerment and child welfare in Sri Lanka, a well loved but underfunded commonwealth country.
Outside the Houses of Parliament Lynn joined the Mothers Manifesto, a powerful global movement committed to ending child hunger and tackling food insecurity. Because we believe that access to nutritious food is not a privilege—it’s a fundamental right that every child deserves.
We know, that many families who cannot provide food feel they have to make the heartbreaking decision to abandon their children in orphanages.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and let’s continue to make a meaningful and positive impact together to create a fairer and more equal world, filled with love.
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