In Nuwara Eliya in the hill country of Sri Lanka, families are struggling to meet their living expenses.  Due to the economic crisis, the cost of living has skyrocketed yet their meagre incomes have barely changed.  Children are expected to bring stationery and books to school, but in reality, these items are a luxury which many families cannot afford. 

In January, the Mia Fratino Association partnered with Eksath Lanka to provide stationery packs (comprising exercise books, pens, pencils, a drink bottle and geometry kit) to 400 children from low income families. 

The project was a huge success, with children and parents alike expressing gratitude for the support they received.  Local community leaders and families came together to watch the children receive their stationery packs and to be entertained with a number of performances by the children.  The children appreciated the opportunity to perform on stage and families took pride in their childrens’ talents and achievements.

Projects like this are just one of the many ways in which we support women and families in Sri Lanka.  By providing children with the tools they need to succeed, we   can empower them to pursue their education and whilst supporting parents and easing their financial burden.