Child First (UK) Field Visit to Program Locations
Representatives from Child First (UK) undertook a field visit to Mullaitivu District on 23rd and 27th January 2026, together with the Centre For Child Development (CFCD) team, to review ongoing interventions and engage directly with children, educators, and community stakeholders. The visit provided a valuable platform to assess progress, identify gaps, and strengthen the shared commitment to improving the well-being of vulnerable children.
On 23 January 2026, the delegation visited Visuvamadu Centre Preschool, Mallikaiteevu Sittu Preschool, and the Skills Development Centre in Visuvamadu. At Visuvamadu Centre Preschool, the team engaged in meaningful discussions with parents, teachers, and students, gaining insights into the school’s development. The visitors appreciated the well-maintained and child-friendly environment and encouraged further improvements through simple enhancements such as planting flowering trees. As part of their engagement, learning materials were distributed to support early childhood education.
The visit to Mallikaiteevu Sittu Preschool coincided with Pongal celebrations, where children and parents warmly welcomed the delegation. The vibrant interaction reflected strong community participation in preschool activities. The team distributed sweets and educational materials to the children, reinforcing their support for both learning and well-being. During discussions, the school community highlighted key development needs, including the renovation of the children’s play area and the construction of a small additional facility. Child First representatives emphasized the importance of increasing student enrolment while maintaining the quality and attractiveness of the learning environment.
At the Visuvamadu Skills Development Centre, the delegation held a detailed discussion with the Rural Development Society (RDS) on operational progress and community engagement. The visitors noted delays in completing certain activities and encouraged immediate action to ensure timely delivery. They also stressed the importance of strengthening local ownership and improving coordination. Technical guidance was provided to obtain necessary approvals for infrastructure improvements, including electrical installations. Furthermore, the delegation highlighted the need to enhance training quality by aligning with nationally recognized certification pathways, recommending partnerships with institutions such as NAITA or VTA to enable students to obtain NVQ-standard qualifications. The importance of maintaining qualified instructional staff was also emphasized to ensure the centre delivers quality learning outcomes.
On 27 January 2026, the team visited Mavadiamman Preschool, where they once again interacted closely with children and teachers. The delegation appreciated the positive and welcoming school environment and distributed learning materials and sweets to the students. Discussions with the school community focused on strengthening enrolment and addressing minor infrastructure needs, including the construction of a small storage facility to better manage learning resources.
Building on these visits, the Child First (UK) representatives, together with CFCD staff, visited Thunaivi Preschool in Jaffna on 13 February 2026 to observe the Nutrition Support Program implemented with Child First’s financial assistance. The delegation engaged warmly with the principal, teachers, and children, gaining first-hand understanding of how the program supports regular nutrition intake, improves attendance, and enhances children’s overall well-being. The interaction with young learners and educators highlighted the tangible impact of the initiative within a vulnerable community setting.
The field visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Child First (UK) and CFCD, demonstrating a shared commitment to delivering responsive, high-quality interventions that improve the lives of children and their communities. The insights gained during the visit will continue to guide program improvements, ensuring sustained impact and accountability.
This initiative is supported by Child First (UK) in partnership with the CFCD.