What is the vision of the Save the Children Fund?

Kanchana Ranasinghe	Jasmine Whitbread

Our vision is to have a world where all children enjoy their complete rights, such as shelter, proper education, accessible health care and protection from violence, abuse and exploitation.

When did you assume office as the CEO of this organization?

Well, three years back, I applied for this. I remember I was even interviewed by some very young people as well. It was after this that I became the CEO.

Do you think you were successful in your work?

Yes, I think so. In previous years, I remember, we've been helping over 3000 children around the world. Last year itself, we raised over £140 million and helped more than 5000 children.

When was this organization first established?

It was first established 90 years ago, on May 19, 1919, by a British lady named Eglantyne Jebb. The main objective had been to reach children suffering from hunger during World War I.

How has it changed over the years?

Well it is still mostly the same. We are focussing mainly on helping children to achieve a happy, healthy and secure childhood. However, we have advanced a lot by adopting many new things and
innovative ways, as the world changed, to help children.

Do you have any idea about the type of contributions made by Save the Children towards Sri Lanka and other countries during emergencies?

The very purpose of this visit to Sri Lanka is to extend the necessary assistance and to encourage our local staff members, numbering over 200, who are directly engaged with emergency relief work for the wellbeing of children displaced in the North. I also remember, during the tsunami we did many things to help the communities and also to protect abandoned children and assist them to begin a better life.

Before this visit, I also went to Gaza, and before that to Ethiopia where we were successful in providing much assistance and support. However, we work not only during emergencies, but also help many children in poor regions. Of the children in orphanages, around eighty-five percent have at least one parent living. We try to provide them with proper care and education and brighten their lives.

Are there any particular nations that you assist mostly?

Well, we usually help in around 50 countries, poor as well as rich. We concentrate on the poorest ten percent of the community, most of the time.

Could you elaborate on the global networks connected with your organization?

We are a member of the 'Save the Children Alliance' which is an international organization with around 20 members.

Where do you mostly receive your donations from?

We receive our donations from two parties. The first are governments. Some nations like the UK, US, Japan, Sweden, Norway and the European Union contribute a lot. The other group are volunteers from the UK public and private organizations.

I heard of a belief among a section of the public that many NGOs and non–profit organizations are
mis-using their funds. How would you comment on the transparency of your organization?

Our organization is very transparent and clear in its accounts. Anyone can see that everything goes directly to the people. Last year, 82% of our income went directly towards helping children.

Has your work changed your life in anyway?

Yes, after joining this, I have been more determined to help the poor children. I think all children ought to enjoy equal rights, and now I even think it is really unfair when my children are so lucky while others are being deprived of even their basic rights.

Finally, I would like to ask if you have any valuable words you'd wish to convey to society?

Well, I think children are the future of the world, and should be recognized. They should be listened to, and be given all their rights. We hope that everybody would contribute in every way to make our vision come true.

Kanchana Ranasinghe, Kid Reporter C-02