NPC conducted a training programme on leadership, skill building and information on available state mechanisms for 38 marginalised community members in Galle as part of the European Union
supported intervention, Accountability through Community Engagement and Initiatives for Transition (ACE-IT) implemented by NPC and Right to Life (R2L).
Marginalised groups have been defined as different groups of people within a given culture, context and history at risk of being subjected to discrimination due to the interplay of different personal characteristics or grounds such as sex, gender, age, ethnicity, religion or belief, health status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, education or income, or living in various geographic localities.
As a result of the training programme, NPC has identified specific issues with relation to People With Disabilities (PWDs) and women headed households. There is only one school for children with special needs in Galle. An additional school was necessary and a request was made to the government. Accessibility to public places such as government offices, hospitals and police stations was inadequate and PWDs pointed out that they felt left out because the facilities were not available for them. Government assistance - the social service payments for the marginalised persons - was not distributed in time so often people who needed assistance had not been able to apply and receive the payments. The participants also requested skill development centres for the marginalised people. NPC and partner R2L will work with the 11 Human Rights First Aid Centres (HRAFCs) to document, process and submit applications to the relevant state authorities for them to receive the social service payments.