The European Union (EU)-funded “Collectively We Rise” initiative, applied by World Imaginative and prescient and SAFE Basis in Sri Lanka, is a €2.6 million challenge designed to strengthen civil society and promote human rights, inclusion and accountable governance. Over three years, the challenge will assist 50 civil society organisations (CSOs) by offering focused coaching and sources, whereas additionally participating authorities establishments, policymakers and 250 social activists to boost transparency, accountability and civic participation.
The initiative is predicted to achieve 701,100 folks throughout 9 districts, with a concentrate on underserved and conflict-affected areas. Collaborating organisations will embody women-led, youth-led and people representing individuals with disabilities. As well as, greater than 350 CSO workers will profit from tailor-made capacity-building and technical assist to strengthen their effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
To realize this, the challenge will start by conducting a Capability Growth Wants Evaluation (CDNA) to higher perceive the strengths and gaps of chosen CSOs. Primarily based on these findings, tailor-made Capability Growth Plans can be developed for every organisation, making certain assist is related, focused, and impactful. Moreover, by a capacity-building strategy, CSOs can be strengthened in key areas together with governance and management, monetary administration and compliance, inclusion, safeguarding, and gender fairness, civic engagement and advocacy, digital capability and innovation, in addition to resilience and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation on the European Union in Sri Lanka, famous, “With this EUR 2.6 million programme, the EU is investing in a stronger partnership with civil society for inclusive and sustainable growth. Civil society organisations work alongside public establishments, serving to to achieve communities, mobilise residents, and assist the implementation of actions which can be each nationwide and EU priorities”.
As well as, chosen CSOs will obtain small grants to implement their growth plans and reply to group wants, making certain that studying is translated into motion. The challenge may also create platforms for dialogue and engagement between communities, civil society, and authorities stakeholders, supporting advocacy efforts and influencing coverage change.
Highlighting the significance of addressing structural inequalities, Nirosha Hapuarachchi, Undertaking Supervisor for Collectively We Rise at SAFE Basis, famous, “Youth unemployment (ages 15–29) stands at 34.5% in 2025, in line with the Division of Census and Statistics. This highlights a important hole between the abilities possessed by younger folks and the calls for of the labour market. Equally, ladies and individuals with disabilities proceed to face social, financial, and structural challenges that restrict their capacity to entry their rights and alternatives. In response to those challenges, the ‘Collectively We Rise’ challenge goals to advertise inclusive growth by addressing the wants and rights of youth, ladies, and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to attain sustainable, improved well-being”.
The initiative was launched by a stakeholder engagement platform that introduced collectively representatives from the EU, authorities establishments, civil society organisations, and group leaders, highlighting the significance of partnerships in driving sustainable growth.
Chandrarathna D. Vithanage, Director Normal of the Nationwide Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organisations, emphasised the function of partnerships, stating, “A rustic can solely actually develop when the federal government, enterprise sector, and civil society work collectively. Collectively We Rise is a well timed initiative with clear objectives to strengthen the NGO sector, and I sit up for being a part of this journey, constructing data, fostering belief, and empowering village-level communities to take cost of the challenges they face.”
Underscoring the significance of inclusive, community-driven approaches, Glattes Rosairo, Undertaking Supervisor for Collectively We Rise at World Imaginative and prescient Lanka, remarked, “Collectively We Rise isn’t just a phrase – it’s a dedication to constructing robust, collaborative relationships that empower CSOs. This initiative prioritises listening to communities, amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities, youth, and girls, and strengthening grassroots management to make sure sustainable and significant influence throughout Sri Lanka.”
Grounded in a rights-based, inclusive, and regionally led strategy, the challenge prioritises listening to communities, amplifying marginalised voices, and strengthening grassroots management – making certain sustainable and significant influence throughout Sri Lanka.
