Women’s Livelihood Programme

Serendip is dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals and families, particularly single mothers, women-headed households, and people with disabilities. Many of those we serve have faced adversity, including war, accidents, or congenital conditions. We also support extremely low-income families. Our livelihood support programme aims to provide sustainable income-generating opportunities that foster self-reliance and improve overall well-being.

Our programme is carried out in the northern province of Sri Lanka, which was devastated by the civil war, and the estate region (central province) which is home of one of Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable and marginalised groups, the Malaiyaha community. The Malaiyaha community are the descendants of the Indians brought to Sri Lanka during British colonisation to work in the tea plantations.

Programme Objectives

Provide sustainable income sources for vulnerable individuals and families.
Empower single mothers and women-led families through entrepreneurship.
Contribute to the education and healthcare needs of beneficiary families.
Foster independence among people with disabilities.

Beneficiary Selection and Support

We identify potential beneficiaries through referrals from the Social Service Department and direct applications. Our team conducts home visits to assess economic circumstances and determine suitable livelihood options based on individual capabilities and feasibility.

If you are interested in supporting the Right to Learn Programme , visit our Get Involved page to find out how you can donate.

Our Impact

Economic Empowerment

By providing sustainable income-generating opportunities, Serendip directly improves the financial stability of beneficiary families. This in turn reduces poverty, and stimulates community development

Social Impact

By focusing on single mothers and women-headed households, Serendip is contributing to gender equality and women's economic empowerment. As a result we improve their quality of life and reduce dependency.

Community Development

Successful entrepreneurs can become role models and inspire others in the community. This leads to community resilience as economic empowerment can help communities better withstand future crises.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty

We hope to combat poverty among the most vulnerable and marginalised by helping them establish a home-based business.

Good health & Wellbeing

By helping families establish a home-based business they will be able to earn an income and purchase basic necessities such as food and medicine.

Gender Equality

Our beneficiaries include war-widows, women heads of households, women with disabilities, and women with no formal education currently living in poverty.

Reduced Inequalities

The beneficiaries are the most vulnerable in society, such as war-widows, and the disabled, who are from impoverished homes.

Testimonials

I’m living in poverty with my two kids, and I’m disabled. Serendip Children’s Home has given me 30 chickens and a cage to help improve our situation. With this support, I’m confident I can cover my kids’ school costs and manage our household expenses without slipping further into poverty. I’m so grateful for this help. It’s such a relief to know that soon, I’ll even be able to sell eggs to earn some extra money.

- Abhirami

For five years, we had no electricity. It was very hard—snakes and insects would come inside. My daughter couldn’t study at night, and we couldn’t run the water pump for our farming. We had no money for kerosene. Now, Serendip Children’s Home helped us get electricity. Thanks to them, we can now start a home garden and grow vegetables and other crops. We are so happy and grateful. I will work hard to improve our life.