EDUCATION

ST. VINCENT’S HOME

MAGGONA

Founded in 1881 and diligently managed by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate since 1884, St. Vincent’s Home in Maggona is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most multifaceted Catholic institutions. While the Home serves multiple generations today, its foundational heart remains firmly dedicated to the Oblate charism of protecting, educating, and uplifting destitute children and at-risk youth.

A Unique Haven for the Young

The Ministry for Children and Youth at St. Vincent's goes far beyond traditional care. It is a highly structured, comprehensive rehabilitation and educational hub designed specifically for young people facing severe early life challenges, including those whose secondary education has been interrupted or who have been referred by the justice system.

Susithodaya Child Development Center

Serving as the core child-care institution of St. Vincent’s Home, Susithodaya successfully merges the historic Boys’ Orphanage (est. 1881) and the former juvenile Reformatory School. Today, it provides a safe, structured environment for children who have lost parental love, come from highly problematic family backgrounds, or have been referred by the courts and the Probation Department. Prioritizing both academic education and a spirit of brotherhood, the center equips these young people with the essential life skills and integral formation needed to face the future with courage.

St. Vincent’s Technical School (Est. 1892)

The Technical School is a truly unique pillar of St. Vincent's Home. Tracing its origins to a 202-acre grant from the British Government to establish an industrial school for Catholic juvenile offenders, it has an over 130-year history of transforming lives through trade skills.

Today, it continues this vital tradition by providing specialized, residential vocational training for youth seeking a second chance at an independent future.

  • Specialized Trades: Students receive expert, hands-on training in key industrial departments, including Motor Mechanics, Electrical Mechanics, and Lathe Mechanics.

  • Holistic Development: Recognizing that true independence requires more than just a trade, the school also equips students with English proficiency, gardening, and animal husbandry skills.

By providing a structured home and a clear educational pathway, the Technical School turns vulnerable youth into skilled, confident, and employable citizens.

Mazenod Youth Center & Future Horizons

Established in 2004, the Mazenod Youth Center offers a vibrant, inclusive environment for leadership camps, spiritual retreats, and orientation programs. Proudly serving as the headquarters for the ‘Mazenod Youth Journey’—the dedicated youth group of the Colombo Province—the center focuses on building strong, empathetic personalities among young men and women across Sri Lanka.

Looking to the future, St. Vincent’s is also conducting feasibility studies to launch a Centre for Children with Special Needs, ensuring that no child or youth is ever marginalized from learning and social integration due to physical or mental disabilities.

Contact - ST. VINCENT'S HOME