Our CEO and our Director, Stephen and Sarah Morse, together with their families, recently spent the school holidays in Sri Lanka supporting the transformative work of Child Action Lanka (CAL). Led by the inspiring duo Deb Edirisinghe and Dilshan Edirisinghe, CAL continues to deliver life-changing programs to children and families across the country. What unfolded during this trip was an enriching, hands-on experience that highlighted the power of community-driven impact.
A Team Effort Across Generations
Alongside Stephen and Sarah’s families, an Australian group of five families — 10 adults and 13 children — came together with a shared commitment to serve, learn, and build meaningful connections. Throughout the trip, the group contributed to a wide range of activities, including:
- Conducting medical checks for children and families
- Delivering dental hygiene awareness sessions
- Running a dynamic children’s program filled with games, crafts, songs, and sports
- Facilitating financial literacy and life-coaching workshops for mothers
- Providing leadership workshops for the CAL operational team and board
Seeing parents and children work side by side added a heartfelt dimension to the experience, strengthening bonds and modelling service across generations.
Moments That Stay With You
Beyond the formal activities, the families shared unforgettable moments — enjoying beautiful Sri Lankan meals, soaking in vibrant sunsets, and navigating bustling streets in colourful tuk-tuks. These experiences highlighted the warmth, culture, and generosity that define Sri Lanka.
A notable highlight was participating in the Hatch Works pitch day in Colombo, where local entrepreneurs showcased technological innovations designed for global impact. This glimpse into Sri Lanka’s growing start-up ecosystem was both energising and inspiring.
Why Grassroots Partnerships Matter
Partnering with a grassroots organisation like CAL demonstrated the value of prevention-focused initiatives — investing in quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and vocational training. These pillars are essential to upholding human rights and enabling long-term community development.
