A Tale of Triumph: A Mother's Resilience in Mullaithivu
Shanthi, once a child soldier, rises above daunting obstacles, to reunite with her daughters and carve out a better life for their family
Latha is returning from school with her sister Neetha, trudging through the muddy road with heavy bags on their shoulders but with smiles on their faces. Latha’s family resides in the small town of Mullaithivu in northern Sri Lanka. “I went through countless sleepless nights and wet pillows missing my mother,” Latha says as she holds her sister tightly. Latha and her sister are now back in their mother’s care and her story is one of triumph. At its core is her mother, Shanthi who endured multiple challenges including the scars left behind by the conflict.
As the older daughter, Latha vividly recalls the trials that shaped their lives. “My mother, a former child soldier who sustained an injury on her leg, faced unimaginable challenges when my father left us in 2020. We were left in a vulnerable position. Desperate for help, my mother turned to the authorities, only to be met with indifference. The police suggested that she bring my abusive father to the station herself – a daunting task given the circumstances,” Latha says.
Without financial support, Shanthi had courageously embraced the role of the family’s breadwinner, as a cleaner. But the demands of her job made it impossible for her to adequately care for Latha and her sister. Shanthi reluctantly placed her two daughters in an institution where she hoped they would receive the care, education, and nourishment she struggled to provide.
“We struggled a lot without our mother,” Latha says. “I did too,” Shanthi responds. “I made that decision because I was helpless” she adds.
Six months after the two girls were placed under the care of the probation services of the Northern province, an officer had visited Shanthi and informed her the children were not faring well in the children's home and were emotionally distraught due to being away from the mother.
Upon realizing her presence was vital to ensure the wellbeing of her children, Shanthi agrees to bring Latha and her sister back home.
“We are always thankful to the Probation Department and UNICEF for bringing us together,” Latha says, adding the support did not stop at reunifying the family. Shanthi had been provided with a means to earn an income while caring for her children. A sewing machine was provided, enabling her to work from home. Undeterred by her disability, Shanthi had also begun a peanut cultivation in their garden as an extra means of income.
The probation service continued supporting Shanthi’s new livelihood venture by financing an irrigation system for her peanut farm, helping the crops to flourish.
“With her newfound independence, my mother became a successful farmer and a dedicated mother who could finally care for us. The determination to change our lives became the driving force behind my mother's inspiring journey. We experience daily challenges in accessing education. But my mother tirelessly seeks solutions to ensure we receive the education we deserve despite the constraints we face. She always encourages me to make the right decisions and to face the world without fear. She is a superstar,” Latha says beaming with happiness, full of admiration for her superwoman mother
This heartwarming success story shines a light on the positive power of the combination of a mother's incredible strength and resilience along with meaningful support from the probation services.
Gender-related issues compound the difficulties in Sri Lanka’s alternative care programmes. More girls seek institutionalization than boys in Sri Lanka. The challenges girls and their parents encounter during the reintegration process, are often exacerbated by societal norms. Shanthi’s unwavering determination and the support she received from UNICEF played a pivotal role in challenging these gender-related issues, ultimately contributing to the successful reunification of her family.
Shanthi's inspiring journey is just one example of the transformative impact that UNICEF’s support, in collaboration with the probation service, has had in Sri Lanka. Through dedicated efforts, UNICEF supports similar initiatives across all the nine provinces of Sri Lanka. The provincial-level alternative care plan was launched in July 2023 with the objective of a 25 per cent reduction of children living in residential care by the end of 2025. UNICEF provided targeted technical and financial support to implement the plans in all nine provinces.
As of January 2024, a total of 1,371 children (652 boys and 719 girls) had been prevented from institutionalization, and 286 children (131 boys and 155 girls) reunited with their families. Additionally, 512 of the most vulnerable families received family-strengthening support including economic support and follow-up by a social worker. These endeavours aim to empower parents like Shanthi, with livelihood support and sustainable solutions for families affected by conflict and adversity. The commitment to reunification, livelihood development, and overall well-being of children and their families exemplifies UNICEF's dedication to building resilient communities, one success story at a time. Shanthi's tale is a local triumph and a testament to the broader impact of UNICEF's vital work in Sri Lanka
