Makandura Village Projects (MVP) first began its work in 1986, by responding to the national need for rehabilitation of youngsters who were displaced due to the then ongoing conflict and/or who were generally impoverished by lack of government funds to address their basic rights to food, shelter, education and training.

MVP initially set up a basic refuge for destitute children, Dikkelle Children's Centre, so that they are able to reclaim their childhood and rebuild their self-esteem. Children are referred to Dikkelle by social workers, the courts, displaced person camp authorities and other government organisations. Sports and the arts are both used as vehicles to make remedial education and reintegration into the national education system fun. Children with access to education have more opportunities in life and are able to contribute more to their communities.

Dikkelle is a transitional centre that traces families and works with community to reintegrate children back into society as soon as possible. Children usually stay from a few months to three years; although, children who have been orphaned by the war often stay on for much of their adolescence. The Makandura community is interested and involved in the project and the children are very respected in the community. Dikkelle is on a coconut plantation and grows much of its own food. Dikkelle owns rice fields locally, has an excellent irrigation system and has recently enabled Dikkelle to move towards being completely self-sufficient in rice production.