English lessons
With tourism such a big part of Sri Lanka's economy, we believe it is important for the children and young adults to develop English speaking skills to assist with future education and job prospects. We fund a weekly class which also includes all textbooks. After class, we treat them all to dinner.
Swimming classes
Even though Sri Lanka is surrounded by warm blue seas and many inland water bodies, too few children and adults learn to swim and are afraid of the water. To increase confidence and help them overcome this fear we organise swimming lessons with a qualified instructor.
Computer classes
Over the years, thanks to our kind donors, we have gifted many second-hand laptops, tablets and phones to children and families who could only dream of owning such items. To ensure these items are put to good use, we organise computer classes with a view to enable participants to stay competitive in the job market.
Building projects
Some of our beneficiaries live in extremely poor-quality housing that lacks basic facilities. Our building projects are carefully planned and costed to ensure the best outcome possible. Some of the projects we have funded are: a toilet block at the home of two sisters who live with their mother and grandmother; access to running water for another girl and her family.
Safe House
We provide refuge for young women who are too old to be in the State's care, but too young to build a prosperous life on their own. This includes food, clothing, and most importantly education. They are coached by a local coordinator we employ to transition them into independence.
Karuna Care Kits
Every month we give each of the children a 'Karuna Care Kit'. This is a reusable bag containing sanitary items, soaps, toothbrushes and tooth paste, deodorants and laundry soap. The bags and all items are sourced in Galle, thereby supporting the local community. Each kit costs about $20 and is a great donation item for anyone wishing to help.
Newsletters
Our newsletters for the last few years are available here for more information on the projects we have completed and are currently working on.
Other publications
Our annual reports provide an overview on our history, mission, governance and finances, and summarise our achievements in the past year.
Our safeguarding policy provides our committee members and any other people working in Sri Lanka on behalf of Sri Lanka Karuna Inc. with a high-level oversight and accountability around our safeguarding efforts for the children we care for and work with.