SAMATA SARANA

EDUCATION

At Samata Sarana, we are driven by a profound purpose: to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the most marginalized and vulnerable members of our community. Inspired by the vision of our founder, Rev. Sr. Bernie Silva, and guided by Fr. Joe de Mel, our journey began in 1988. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a person-oriented, socially-based spiritual and charitable organization.

Our mission is clear: to restore dignity, provide hope, and empower individuals. We believe in the inherent worth of every human being, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through comprehensive education, healthcare, nutrition, and compassionate care, we strive to break the cycle of deprivation and offer opportunities for a brighter future.

Our Heart in Mutwal

Located in the inner city of Colombo, Mutwal serves as our central hub, directly connecting four deeply challenged slum communities: De La Salle Sea Beach, Bloemendhal Railway Line, Mosque Lane, and Kimbulawela. Residents in these areas grapple with severe urban poverty, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to basic infrastructure. Samata Sarana stands at the heart of it all as a lifeline, fostering unity, collective progress, and tangible hope.

Childcare & Educational Empowerment

We believe that breaking the cycle of poverty begins with supporting the youth and lifting the childcare burden off struggling, working parents.

Crèche & Children's Day Care: A loving, secure space for infants and children up to age 6. Parents can confidently go to work knowing their children are safe, receiving early education, tender care, and nutritious meals from 7:00 am until they are picked up in the evening.
Preschool & Primary School: We lay a strong educational foundation for toddlers (ages 3 to 6) and primary students up to the 5th Grade. Conducted in both Sinhala and Tamil mediums, our school currently educates 130 children. To ease the economic burden on parents, we annually distribute school uniforms, shoes, books, stationery, and daily meals.
Non-Formal Education: We offer continued tuition for over 60 students beyond the 5th grade, welcoming past graduates, local government school students, and youth who had to drop out due to uncontrollable circumstances.
Leadership & Vocational Training: Our unique Leadership Training Program for Girls equips young women in the slums with the self-esteem and mentorship needed to become community change-makers. Additionally, our vocational training prepares individuals with the practical skills and confidence required to enter the competitive job market.

Elderly Care & Nutrition

We extend our caring spirit across generations, ensuring that the senior members of our community live their sunset years with dignity and comfort.

Elders' Day Care: Open daily from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm, this is a safe haven offering clean facilities, a dining hall, and relaxing lounges that elders do not have access to in the slums. Dedicated stewards assist with activities, and clothing is provided as needed. For those who are weak, blind, or ill, our dedicated ambulance and three-wheeler provide safe transportation to and from the center.
Comprehensive Feeding Program: After discovering significant malnutrition among the elderly, we established a robust feeding initiative. We provide breakfast, lunch, and a vital take-home dinner for our day care guests, ensuring no one goes to sleep hungry. For those entirely homebound, we deliver monthly ration packs.

Community Healthcare Clinic

Financial constraints and a lack of medical education often prevent marginalized individuals from seeking urgent care. To bridge this gap, our medical clinic operates twice a week as a beacon of hope. Staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals—including a general practitioner, an ophthalmologist, and a dentist—we provide essential, regular check-ups and treatments for both children and the elderly, ensuring the holistic well-being of our community.