Access to Education Fund

At Serendip, we understand the challenges faced by students who have lost a parent or their family’s primary income earner. Our ongoing project provides critical financial assistance to ensure that the education of such students, who also live in poverty, doesn’t suffer.

To identify the most deserving students, we implement a rigorous selection process. This includes collaboration with school principals, home visits, and recommendations from local government officials. We go beyond financial need by assessing each student's commitment to learning through attendance records and interest in extracurricular activities. This comprehensive evaluation guarantees that our support effectively helps them stay in school, reach their full potential, and achieve their academic goals.

This project directly addresses the high dropout rates among vulnerable children. By removing financial barriers, we empower them to complete their education. Currently, we support 125 students in schools across the north of Sri Lanka and 25 university students.However, the demand for the Access to Education Fund is high. With your help, we can transform the lives of even more students, enabling them to build a brighter future.

If you are interested in supporting the Access to Education Fund, visit our Get Involved page to find out how you can donate.

Our Impact

Financial Assistance

We provide critical financial assistance to over 2000 students who have lost a parent or their family’s primary income earner.

Education Opportunities

By removing financial barriers, we empower academically gifted children and university students to complete their education.

The Most Deserving

We implement a rigorous selection process to identify the most deserving students.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education

Many of our awardees come from disadvantaged backgrounds and would have been unable to pursue higher education despite their exceptional academic abilities.

Gender Equality

In Sri Lanka, boys from impoverished homes are more likely to drop out of school than girls due to economic pressures on their families. We are committed to providing these boys with the opportunity to complete their education.

Reduced Inequalities

Without our fund, these talented children from impoverished homes would be unable to finish their studies. We level the playing field, ensuring that gifted students have the support they need to reach their full potential.

Testimonials

As a third-year student at the University of Moratuwa, I’m set to complete my degree in 2026. With an elder sister also in university and a younger brother just starting, our family’s financial burden is heavy. The support from Serendip Children’s Home has been a lifeline, helping me cover essential costs like food and rent. Sometimes, I even need to share this aid with my brother to cover his expenses. This assistance has made a real difference, and I sincerely hope it continues to help us through our studies.

- Electric Engineering, University of Moratuwa

Thanks to the financial aid from Serendip Children’s Home, I’ve been able to continue my education at Mathara Aninkanda Tamil Vidyalayam. My parents are daily wage workers, and without this help, it would be very hard to buy the things I need for school. The support has been a blessing for me and other students like me. I want to thank Serendip Children’s Home and our teachers for giving us this chance to learn and grow. I hope this support will continue, especially as we think about going to university in the future.

- Secondary School Student

I come from Puthumathalan, a small, rural village in Mullaitivu. Losing my father two years ago was incredibly hard, and it left me with very little to support my education. The monthly aid from Serendip Children’s Home has been crucial, especially for meeting my food needs. I’m deeply grateful to the kind people behind this support, and I humbly request that this assistance continues until I finish my degree. It’s truly making a difference in my life. One day, I hope to pay it forward and support other students in need, just as I’ve been supported.

- Drama and Theatre Arts, Eastern University

As a tea plantation worker, life is a constant struggle, and a good education for our children often feels out of reach. The monthly support from Serendip Children’s Home has been a lifeline, allowing my child to study without the burden of unmet needs. I’m deeply thankful to Serendip and the school staff for this vital help. This support isn’t just making a difference—it’s giving our children a chance at a better future.