C.O.L.O.R. is providing educational scholarships for underprivileged children in Sri Lanka. Only $216 dollars sponsors a child's education for an entire year! These scholarships cover all educational needs including books, tutors, tuition, and other schooling costs.
Must have family income of 10,000 Rupees ($89.00 US) or less per month.
Must show academic achievements.
Must be recommended by teacher, school staff, or community.
Must show progress while in the program.
Parents cannot have any drug or alcohol problems.
Amyasika
Amyasika entered the C.O.L.O.R. Scholarship program in the spring of 2007 at the recommendation of school staff. He is currently in grade 9 and described as an excellent student. He takes extra classes in English and computers when the family can afford it. Amyasika’s lives with his mother in an isolated rural area about one hour from his school, his father works as a truck driver in the north and is rarely home. Amyasika’s has no siblings and is left alone to care for his mother who suffers from a brain tumor which has left her nearly blind. He is mature, caring, and always has a smile to share. The family is very grateful to receive C.O.L.O.R. assistance.
Dilki
Dilki entered the C.O.L.O.R. scholarship program in spring of 2007. She is currently in the 9th grade and is described as a very good student. She is ranked 2nd in her class every term. Her high grades and school achievements have qualified her for a Sri Lankan Government Scholarship, R300= $2.69 per month, to encourage her studies and put her on the path to a free university education; she receives an addition R2,000 = $17. 91 per month from C.O.L.O.R. to cover school fees and additional study costs. Dilki lives with her mother and sister. Dilki’s mother supports her girls by gathering cinnamon sticks which she sells in the markets for R10 per bundle.
Dinesh
Dinesh entered the C.O.L.O.R. scholarship program in the spring of 2007, at the recommendation of school staff. He is currently is in grade 12 and described as a very bright student. Dinesh lives in the poorest of neighborhoods with his parents and 4 siblings in a very small 3 room shanty. Their home was directly hit by the tsunami in 2004, however the family all managed to survive unharmed. His father works as a laborer doing odd jobs to support the family. The money however is not enough to meet their needs and only the 2 oldest boys are able to attend classes at this time. C.O.L.O.R. has taken over school and tutoring costs for Dinesh in hopes that his other siblings will be enabled to attend classes soon.
Harsha
Harsha entered the C.O.L.O.R. scholarship program in the spring of 2007 at the recommendation of school staff. He is currently in the 9th grade and is a very bright student. His English skills are excellent and he studies very hard. Harsha’s has had a very difficult life; his father was killed in an auto accident when he was 2 years old and his family home was completely destroyed during the tsunami. A German NGO relocated him and his mother to a new housing development in an isolated jungle area, far for the seaside community he had grown up in. While the new home is very comfortable, the location has created addition problems. It takes Harsha over 2 hours each way to travel to school by private vehicle at a cost of 1,500 rupees per month. His mother is also unable to access local markets for food, and is unable to find any work locally. They are completely dependent on extended family for financial support and a small patch of garden for their subsistence. Harsha and his mother are extremely grateful to C.O.L.O.R. for the educational support the scholarship offers them.
Kasuni
Kasuni has received a C.O.L.O.R. scholarship for the past 5 years. She is currently in grade 5 and doing very well in her studies. Kasuni attends tutoring in English medium after school which will hopefully qualify her in a few years to receive a government scholarship. Kasuni is a very bright and cheerful child. She lives with her parents and sister in a modest home near the town of Galle.
Keshala
Keshala was the first child awarded a C.O.L.O.R. Scholarship. She has been in the program for the last 5 years and has made great achievements during that time. She is in the 10th grade and ranked 2nd in her class; she represents her school in all Island competitions. In the summer of 2010 she placed 2nd in a county wide spoken English competition. Keshala spent 3 years studying at the British Council but is now focusing her studies on qualifying for entrance to the University system. Her high grades and hard work have also qualified her for a Sri Lankan Government Scholarship, she is one of 16,000 children to qualify for this award nationwide; if she continues this path she will be eligible for a free university education. Keshala wants to be a Scientist when she grow up. Keshala is sponsored by the Longheyer family.
Keshala 2005 - Home Keshala 2008 - United Nations Organization Conference Umagaliyage
Umagaliyage is 10 years old, and he lives in Galle, Sri Lanka. He has good grades, works hard, and was recommended to receive this scholarship by the staff at his school. Umagaliyage is sponsored by the Paul family.
