Empowering youth, fostering equity, and driving sustainable change.

Our Journey

Save a Life was born as the result of Rakulan Kandasamy’s long-term vision to recognize and promote blood donation in society. Driven by his passion for making a difference in the health sector, he focused on raising awareness about blood donation in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. Rakulan initiated awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and youth clubs, encouraging community engagement. This effort led to the establishment of blood donation camps and the creation of a dedicated blood donation website in 2015 to facilitate easier access for those in need.

With a young, energetic team, Rakulan turned his personal passion into an organization’s vision. Inspired by the Paris Agreement in 2015, Save a Life expanded its focus to environmental conservation, recognizing the intrinsic connection between the environment and health. Thus, the organization began its environmental conservation programs.

Milestones and Achievements

• 2019: Save a Life was legally registered as a local NGO, marking a significant milestone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization’s activities gained prominence by distributing essential medications to over 5,000 patients with the help of dedicated SAVE volunteers.
• 2018: Save a Life initiated mangrove restoration efforts and continued organizing blood donation campaigns.
• 2020: The organization launched the Plastic Zero concept in schools, taking a significant step toward environmental sustainability.
• 2021: Save a Life began obtaining local and international project grants focusing on environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation in coastal areas.
• 2022: The organization enhanced social cohesion by strengthening sanitation workers in local authorities in Jaffna.

Current Focus and Initiatives

Save a Life primarily focuses on health and environmental sectors, while also addressing cross-cutting areas such as youth development, gender equality, economic empowerment, and lasting peace. Its diverse efforts aim to create a meaningful impact on the community. Some key initiatives include:

1. Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR): Promoting awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health.
2. Nutritional Well-being: Addressing right-to-food issues and promoting nutritional health.
3. Youth Empowerment in Democracy: Strengthening youth involvement in governance.
4. Women’s Empowerment and Menstrual Dignity: Advocating for menstrual health and dignity through initiatives like the formation of ‘SAVE Blooms Advocates’ to conduct awareness programs in schools and communities.

Environmental Advocacy

Save a Life established the Northern Environmental Forum and Climate Justice Forum to mobilize and advocate for environmental sustainability. It undertakes programs such as wetland restoration, sustainable waste management, plastic pollution reduction, and renewable energy development.

Innovative Efforts

The organization has launched creative initiatives like the ‘Integrated Arts for Social Transformation’ working group, which conducts street drama and puppet shows under the special name ‘Vaagai.’

Collaborations and Support

Save a Life’s work is supported by partners such as UNDP, The Asia Foundation, Diakonia, Search for Common Ground, Right to Life, the French Embassy, the Netherlands Embassy, and USAID. Key stakeholders include the Ministry of Environment, Northern Provincial Council, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Central Environmental Authority, District Secretariat, Wildlife Department, and Forest Department.

Volunteer Network and Future Plans

With a network of over 1,500 dedicated volunteers, Save a Life continues to make meaningful steps towards a healthier and eco-centric community. The organization plans to create a Volunteer Space, offering training and resources to volunteers. Additionally, it intends to establish an Institute of Social Research and Development as a long-term initiative.

A Decade of Impact

As Save a Life celebrates its 10th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to empowering communities, protecting the environment, and promoting social justice. Guided by its vision “Towards a healthy and eco-centric future,” Save a Life looks forward to continuing its journey of making a positive difference in Sri Lanka and beyond.