Children and Youth

UNICEF reports that children with learning disabilities in Sri Lanka encounter significant obstacles to education, with alarmingly high dropout rates. This is particularly acute in Mullaitivu, a region devastated by civil war. Characterised by underdevelopment and widespread poverty, the region's most vulnerable residents are children with disabilities.

The situation has worsened dramatically since Sri Lanka's economic crisis, as public schools have been forced to close special needs classes due to insufficient government funding, and teachers with specialised training in special education.

Sri Lanka's thriving tea industry rests on the shoulders of the Malaiyaha community. These descendants of South Indians brought by British colonizers 200 years ago remain a pillar of the economy, yet face immense hardship.

For generations, the Malaiyaha people were denied citizenship and basic rights, leading to entrenched poverty and limited opportunities. This obstruction to social mobility, coupled with economic hardship, have affected the education of Malaiyaha children. A problem that has intensified since the economic crisis. According to UNICEF, families can no longer afford to send their children to school, placing millions of children at risk of exploitation, violence and stress.

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.

Northern Sri Lanka faces a critical youth crisis, with alarming rates of drug addiction and antisocial behaviour among teenagers. According to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, children as young as 14 and 15 are already entangled in this dangerous cycle.

Our inspiring youth centres offer an alternative path to these vulnerable young people. By providing a safe space for learning and growth, we empower them to resist negative influences.

Our programmes, which include karate, dance, and music, foster essential life skills such as discipline, creativity, and teamwork while providing a much-needed diversion from the prevalent drug culture.