Dr. Christopher M. Stubbs and Mrs. Rajni Stubbs Swaminathan have spent more than four decades working with disabled children and their families in Sri Lanka, building MENCAFEP from a small community effort in Nuwara Eliya into one of the country’s most trusted disability support organisations. This year, their long journey was recognised internationally when they were presented with the healthcare award at the 2025 One World One Family Humanitarian Awards in India. They were the only Sri Lankans invited to the global gathering, which brought together more than 8,000 participants, and the recognition placed a spotlight on the quiet but powerful work they have carried forward since 1988.

Their story began with six children and a simple intention. While assisting unemployed young women in Nuwara Eliya, the couple discovered how many disabled children were being left without support, and how often families were forced to manage alone. There were very few services available at the time, and in many homes children were hidden because of social stigma or fear. The Stubbs decided to create a space that offered care, dignity and community. They hired and trained local women, built trust with parents, and slowly created a model that centred the rights and potential of every child. From those small beginnings, MENCAFEP has now supported more than 17,000 children and families across the country.

Today the organisation works with a wide spectrum of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, hearing and visual impairments, Fragile X syndrome and many others. Families have relocated just to be closer to its services. Over the years the programme has grown into a network of educational units, therapy rooms, sheltered workshops, outreach teams, vocational training centres, family support groups and respite homes. What has remained constant is the belief that every child can grow, learn and participate when given the right support at the right time. MENCAFEP is also known for its governance structure, which includes parents of disabled children, giving families a real voice in the organisation.

Dr. and Mrs. Stubbs returned to Sri Lanka on Friday, Nov. 21, where Serendipity Experiences and the Airport and Aviation Services of Sri Lanka welcomed them upon arrival. Speaking about the honour, Dr. Stubbs said, “It is a great honour for Ranji and I to represent Sri Lanka and MENCAFEP at the One World One Family, world festival of Culture, run by the Sai Baba Foundation and receive from Sadayaguru the One World Humanitarian award for Sri Lanka, not only for Ranji and myself, but for the children, families and staff of MENCAFEP over the past 40 years. Thank you all. And thank you to the Sai Baba Delegation from Sri Lanka for selecting MENCAFEP, a great honour for Sri Lanka and MENCAFEP.”

Mrs. Rajni Stubbs Swaminathan described the moment with deep gratitude. “We are Blessed to get a call from Bagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on his 100 years centurion Birthday. Swami Sathguru Madusudan Sai organized the One World One Family, a Global Humanitarian Mission. I will always have the gratitude towards reaching out to children with disabilities and helping them in being part of our community.”

Their recognition comes at a time when community-based care, inclusion and family empowerment continue to be central challenges in Sri Lanka’s disability landscape. MENCAFEP’s work has shaped conversations, trained government and NGO staff, changed attitudes in rural communities and created opportunities for thousands of young people who may otherwise have lived without support. International partners often describe the project as uniquely consistent, patient and deeply human in its approach.

The award they received honours a lifetime of steady work, but for those who know MENCAFEP, it also reaffirms what the organisation has proven over nearly four decades. Change can begin with a small group of people who decide that every child deserves a chance, and who keep showing up year after year to make that chance real.