Education not poverty
A hot meal and extra tuition can change a life.
In the rural Tamil hill regions and on the east coast in the Batticaloa District, many children grow up in extreme poverty. Their parents work as day labourers or on tea and rubber plantations – often under the harshest conditions. Many are forced to leave their families and seek work abroad. The children are left behind with their grandparents, who are only able to provide limited support.
For many of these children, their time at school comes to an end just a few years in. Without an education, they are usually left with no other option than to take on the same low-paid jobs as their parents. The cycle of poverty continues.
Our solution
Lankahelp combines targeted tutoring with a healthy, hot lunch.
After regular lessons, children who are struggling with their studies receive extra support. To ensure they can concentrate on their learning in the afternoon as well, they are given a balanced meal every day, rich in protein and vitamins, as well as fresh fruit six times a week.
For many children, this is the only proper meal of the day – and an important reason to attend school regularly.
Our impact
Today, the benefits already reach:
- over 800 children
- 26 schools
- daily tutoring
- a healthy lunch every day
Many children catch up on their learning deficits, stay in school and reconnect with mainstream lessons. This gives them the chance to shape their own future.
Your support makes a difference
With your donation, Lankahelp funds:
- healthy lunches
- tutoring
- teachers
- teaching materials
Through education and a healthy meal, you are not only giving children hope – but also the chance to break the cycle of poverty permanently.
Visit in 2026
During our visit in 2026, we were able to visit all 26 project schools in person. We were particularly impressed by the progress made by the teachers: thanks to the English and IT lessons funded by Lankahelp, which have been taking place at weekends since November 2025, many teachers are now already able to communicate confidently with us in English. The progress made in such a short period of time is astonishing and demonstrates just how effective investments in teachers’ professional development are. After all, well-trained teachers create the foundation for a better future for the children.
Teachers’ Seminar in June 2026
In June 2026, Lankahelp organised a joint professional development seminar for all tutors and nursery teachers. Experienced and specially trained instructors taught modern teaching methods and practical approaches to bring the attendees up to date with the latest developments in education.
The seminar was a resounding success. As well as providing valuable professional insights, it also gave the teachers the opportunity to share experiences and learn from each other. Despite the intensive programme, there was no lack of fun – the shared enthusiasm and motivation were apparent throughout the seminar.