Stories from Nuwara Eliya Area Development Program
World Vision Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya Area Development Program (ADP) has been carrying out MenCare programming since January 2015, working with men and their families in the Sri Lankan plantation community to promote gender equality and family wellbeing. In September, the Nuwara Eliya ADP shared the story of a father who participated in the program.
Sathiskumar’s Story
Sathiskumar, who is 29 years old, has a nine-month-old son with his wife Sathyavani. Through MenCare programming in the Nuwara Eliya ADP, Sathiskumar learned the importance of sharing the care work and saving for his child’s future.
“I used to spend ₨ 600 [US$ 4.60] at a time to consume alcohol when I had money in hand,” Sathiskumar said. “After participating in the fatherhood sessions, I realized that it was bad for my family life. Now, I have reduced my alcohol consumption and will stop completely very soon. I was able to increase savings for my child from ₨ 200 to ₨ 400 per month.”
“We used to quarrel when we disagreed on certain matters,” Sathiskumar continued. “Now we don’t, and we talk if there is any issue. I take care of my child when my wife engages in other work at home. We both work in the tea plantation as laborers. I used to expect my wife to come home from the field and prepare lunch for me. But now I prepare lunch without waiting for her to come and cook.”
