last update 2007.10.5
Smiles — educational foster program for Sri Lankan children
One of the most beautiful scenes in Sri Lanka is watching children walk to school. Children wear white uniforms which contrast vividly against the green coconut trees and paddy field background.
Even very isolated rural villages have schools. Sri Lanka has free education and Sri Lankans are proud that they have the highest literacy rate of any South Asian country.
Nevertheless, schools require children to have shoes, bags, and stationery. This may seem to total a small amount, but not every child can prepare these items because of poverty.
Every child has a dream to go to school. Yet, there is much poverty in rural areas. With just a little support in the beginning, all children can take the first steps along their educational path. The Smiles project supports poor families and helps them provide basic educational necessities for their children. In addition, part of the support goes toward setting up a savings account in the child's name for future educational needs. Your small contribution can give a smile that will go around the family, school, village and change lives.
Surangani Voluntary Services (SVS) “Smiles” educational foster program reaches children who are waiting for your smiles.
Smiles Children
Sisters from Kirindiwela, Prathana is in grade 3. Her teacher says she is very bright. Lakjani is in first grade and is very precocious. Their 32-year-old mother is raising these two girls by herself by working on a pineapple plantation. She hopes that her daughters can get a good education, so she writes a monthly letter to the donor through the SVS office to give an update on the children's progress.
Progress Report
The Smiles project started with donations from individuals in Sri Lanka who wanted to help their own people. It has expanded to include donations from foreigners living in Sri Lanka and now includes donors from outside of the country as well.
Get Involved
If you're interested in supporting this programme, we ask for a one-year commitment of US$15 / AUS$18 per month. Please contact the SVS office for further information.