WHAT WE DO BEST

Social innovation towards transformative as a concept is rapidly gaining popularity around the world, and civil society organizations have taken on the role of initiators for social innovation within local communities. This is where we, at FISD, stand: we want to turn the ‘concept’ into ‘action’, and the ‘action’ into tangible results in Sri Lanka. Our programs address prevalent and/or emerging social issues that create negative impacts for local communities, with a long-term goal of population-level adaptations and disruption of policy niches, be it social challenges experienced by marginalized groups or society at large.

We understand that achieving this is not a task that can be done by any one person or a single organization. This is why our efforts are veered towards collaborative models that engage and educate in the most feasible way possible.

For FISD facilitating transformative change through social innovation involves harnessing innovative ideas, approaches, and technologies to address harmful social norms and social challenges and create positive impact. It involves identifying and implementing new solutions that can disrupt traditional systems, improve societal well-being, and drive sustainable development. We consider following key aspects and strategies to when facilitating transformative change through social innovation:

  • Understanding social challenges: Gaining a deep understanding of the social challenges we aim to address. This involves conducting thorough research, engaging with communities, and analyzing the root causes and underlying systems contributing to the issue.
  • Collaboration and co-creation: Social innovation often requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, academia, and community members. Foster an environment of co-creation, where different perspectives and expertise can come together to generate innovative solutions.
  • Empowering local communities: To create transformative change, it’s crucial to involve and empower the communities affected by the social challenges. Engage them in the problem-solving process, listen to their needs and aspirations, and ensure their voices are heard throughout the innovation journey.
  • Embracing technology and data: Leverage technological advancements and data-driven insights to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of social innovations.

    Funding and resources: Mobilize funding and resources to support social innovation initiatives. This involve seeking grants, public -private partnerships, corporate social responsibility programs, or crowdfunding campaigns. We believe that sustainable and accountable financial models are important for ensuring the longevity and impact of our initiatives. By encouraging collaborative action among all of our stakeholders, we have realized the roles each of us plays in ensuring our collective social well-being. We have worked to build partnerships across sectors in order to create impactful, sustainable solutions for the social problems created through harmful social norms and related practices.

  • Policy advocacy and systemic change: Social innovation can also involve advocating for policy changes to address structural barriers and create an enabling environment for transformative change. Engage policymakers, present evidence-based solutions, and work towards systemic shifts that support the adoption and scaling of innovative approaches.
  • Measurement and evaluation: Establish clear metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure the impact of social innovation initiatives. Regularly monitor and assess the outcomes and effectiveness of our interventions, and iterate based on the insights gained.

    Knowledge sharing and scaling: Foster knowledge sharing and collaboration within the social innovation ecosystem. Share best practices, lessons learned, and successful models to inspire and enable others to replicate and scale impactful solutions. By conceptualizing and building models that challenge social norms while centering marginalized individuals and communities, we have ensured positive outcomes for the people and communities we work with. This is what we believe in.

Gender and Development

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is defined as any act committed against a person’s will that is based on gender norms and unequal power dynamics. It involves physical, mental, or psychological abuse, as well as sexual violence, as well as denial of resources or access to services. SGBV causes harm to women, girls, men, and boys and is a serious violation of several human rights.

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Alcohol & Drug Prevention

At FISD, we aim at building the capacity of local organizations through the Alcohol, Drugs and Development (ADD) programme. Through the ADD programme, we facilitate the lobbying and advocacy for, and engage in activism to, crystallize the political will of the government for the reduction of harm caused by alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

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Child Rights and Child Development

Children are today’s citizens, but if we want to guarantee that their future is one that is full of opportunity and optimism, we must work actively in the present to defend them and their rights. To grow up healthy, children need the right amount of love, care, education, and protection. Healthy communities result in thriving societies.

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Empowerment Initiatives

Through multitudes of projects, FISD forges diverse pathways toward positive change. Each endeavor represents a unique thread in the fabric of transformation, weaving together hope, opportunity, and progress for individuals and communities.

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Our Location

95/10, Bodhiya Road,
Mirihana, Nugegoda
Sri Lanka

Phone Number

+94 (0) 11 2779665
+94 (0) 11 2779172

Opening Times

8.30am – 4.30pm