Shanthi Maargam
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Mission Statement
Reducing violence in societies by working with children and adolescents (10-19), using a positive youth development approach
About This Cause
Shanthi Maargam, an NGO established in Sri Lanka, provides free and safe spaces for adolescents and young people from any ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation to strengthen their emotional well-being. Shanthi Maargam, which means 'Pathways to Peace' in Sri Lankas two main languages, was founded in 2016 on the belief that by addressing mental health and emotional well-being from an early age the cycle of gender-based violence can be broken. The name signifies the need to help children and youth heal from traumas they may have experienced or witnessed. Shanthi Maargam provides them with the skills to manage their emotions and find a deeper level of peace, which we believe can break the cycle of violence in families and the perpetration of violence in communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ9nSj7bq3s With a great team of counsellors, community workers, volunteers and interns Shanthi Maargam has been able to offer high quality counselling and art and drama therapy at our “Art of living” youth center located in a slum area in Colombo. We use the center to have conversations around sexual health, relationships, substance abuse, bullying, gender, abuse, life skills, leadership and other key topics that can create stress to adolescents. After the Easter Bombings in Sri Lanka [I], we also discuss ways to cope with violent incidents and encourage appreciation of Sri Lankas multi-cultural fabric. Our work has helped many adolescents overcome feelings of depression, self-harm, wanting to take their own lives and other pressures they experience. We sometimes work with their parents to increase our impact. We also provide counseling through our counseling hotline. With the support of UNICEF Sri Lanka, we have adapted two effective programs, which were developed in Hong Kong [ii] and India [iii] which support the holistic development of adolescents and reduce male violence against women and girls [iv]. Recognition of our work Even though Shanthi Maargam is still 3 years old, we have already received recognition for our work in Sri Lanka for providing creating opportunities for adolescents and youth to access these services; and for creating much needed awareness around mental health. Good Market, Sri Lanka, which is a curated platform that makes it easier to find and connect with social enterprises, responsible businesses, and changemakers who are creating a better world (info.goodmarket.global/about.html) presented Shanthi Maargam the award in "Wellbeing" recently. For more information on Shanthi Maargam please access our Facebook page: facebook.com/ShanthiMaargamSL Link to an article on Shanthi Maargam and its aims: prevention-collaborative.org/resource/holistic-youth-development-as-a-life-course-approach-to-vio... [i] For more details on the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka and their impact: aljazeera.com/topics/events/sri-lanka-bombings.html [ii] Details of the programme to support holistic development of adolescents: PATHS to Adulthood paths.hk/en/ [iii] Details of the programme to address harmful masculine attitudes and behaviours : Parivarthan icrw.org/research-programs/parivartan-coaching-boys-into-men/ [iv] Project link: facebook.com/Paths-To-Change-1612184525576773/