Caritas Sri Lanka hosted an engaging and impactful Communication Workshop as part of the “Improving Rural Livelihoods, Enhancing Food Security, and Building Climate Resilience” project funded by Caritas Norway and implemented by the Caritas Sri Lanka network. This event brought together key communication and program leaders to enhance skills, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to amplify the voices of the communities we serve. The workshop took place on April 1st at Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC in Colombo.
The workshop was led by Mr. Frode Nordahl, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Caritas Norway. With his global expertise in communication and storytelling, Mr. Nordahl added immense value to the sessions. Participants included the National Director, Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera; Mrs. Nilani Tissera, National Program Coordinator of the Caritas Norway-funded Food Security Program; Regional Coordinators from Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC, Mr. K. Hershanth, Ms. Amali Shamani, and Ms. Deepthi Jayakody; Ms. Oshadi Senuri, Communication Coordinator, CSL; Mr. Terrance Codipily, IT/Media Coordinator, CSL; along with National Center staff and communication focal points from diocesan centers (DCs) and Diocesan Coordinators.
Mr. Nordahl’s sessions focused on the core goals of communication, strategies for effective communication, and the role communication plays in organizational growth. He covered key areas such as corporate communication, public relations, editorial communication, marketing communication, and fundraising communication. Special emphasis was placed on the power of storytelling—a crucial tool for engaging supporters and donors globally. The interactive format of the workshop included group discussions, practical activities, and real-time feedback from Mr. Nordahl, providing participants with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of impactful communication techniques.
Following the workshop, from April 2nd to 4th, Mr. Nordahl, along with the Food Security Team and the Communication Team of the National Center, visited diocesan centers in Ratnapura, Kandy, and Colombo. These field visits aimed to capture life stories from beneficiaries through video clips, photographs, and personal interviews. These stories will be instrumental in future fundraising efforts, connecting global supporters with the real-life impact of Caritas’s work on the ground.
The Communication Workshop and subsequent field visits marked a significant milestone in Caritas Sri Lanka’s mission to enhance visibility, transparency, and engagement. By strengthening our communication efforts and placing beneficiaries at the heart of our storytelling, we are one step closer to building resilient communities and securing lasting change.
