This research investigates the impact of Caritas Vanni HUDEC’s Nutrition and Wellbeing Programme on preschool children’s cognitive resilience in post-war Northern Sri Lanka, where conflict, poverty and family instability continue to affect child development. A mixed-methods design was employed to assess 48 preschool children: 24 attending Caritas Vanni HUDEC’s supported preschools in Puthukkudiyiruppu (Mullaitivu district) and 24 from non-supported preschools in Karachchci (Kilinochchci district). Standardized IQ assessments and structured parental questionnaires on household and psychosocial context were used to compare cognitive outcomes between groups. Children in Caritas Vanni HUDEC supported preschools predominantly demonstrated below average IQ levels, while those in non-supported preschools mainly fell within the low IQ range, suggesting a beneficial effect of nutritional support on cognitive functioning. Qualitative insights indicated that family, community and post-war stressors continue to shape children’s wellbeing and educational readiness. Overall, the findings highlight the value of early nutrition-focused interventions in strengthening cognitive resilience among preschool children in post-conflict, low-resource settings, while underscoring the importance of integrating such programmes with broader psychosocial and educational supports. Ultimately, these evidence-based strategies offer a beacon of hope, empowering the next generation to break cycles of adversity and rebuild resilient communities worldwide.

Authors:
Mary Tharshika MV, Bharathidasan University, India
Judy Gomez, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, India

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Mary Tharshika M V, Research Scholar, Department of English, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli- 02.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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