Yenlo’s CSR Initiative in Sri Lanka
Education is a powerful tool for change, yet many children in underserved communities lack the resources to reach their full potential. With this in mind, Yenlo took a step towards bridging this gap by using our resources and expertise to contribute to communities in need.
Recently, Ruben van der Zwan and Dini Klaassen, representing Yenlo, along with the Yenlo Sri Lanka team, traveled to Tissamaharama, a small rural village in southern Sri Lanka. They visited Gangeyaya Junior School, a local school that serves 85 children from low-income families. These children face daily challenges due to limited funding, outdated facilities, and a lack of essential educational resources. With heartfelt determination, Yenlo aimed to provide practical support while inspiring the children to dream bigger and work towards a brighter future.
Empowering young minds
Understanding the challenges faced by the school, we focused on creating tangible improvements in the students’ learning environment. A smart board was donated to introduce interactive learning opportunities, helping students and teachers alike embrace new educational tools. In addition, we donated books to help facilitate the school’s existing library, stocking it with books to spark curiosity and a love for learning.
For many children, this initiative also addressed basic yet essential needs. New school shoes, provided to each child, replaced their worn or inadequate footwear, offering comfort and dignity. We also supplied sports equipment, encouraging physical activity and fostering a spirit of teamwork. Witnessing the children’s joy as they explored their new resources reminded us how seemingly small actions can have a profound impact.
A grateful welcome
The school community welcomed us with open arms. Upon arrival, we were greeted with heartfelt speeches, traditional dances, and an opportunity to share a meal with the students and their families. One particularly emotional moment came during the unveiling of the smart board. Teachers demonstrated its use, and the pride and excitement on their faces reaffirmed the significance of our contribution.
Beyond the donations, the visit was an opportunity to connect personally with the students and their teachers. Our CEO, Dini Klaassen, shared a message of hope and encouragement:
“We firmly believe that everyone has the right to dream, but sadly, not everyone has access to the same resources, opportunities, or education to turn those dreams into reality.”
Her words resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of persistence and believing in one’s potential, even in the face of adversity.
The visit also highlighted the disparities in educational resources available to children in different parts of the world. Outdated facilities and limited access to modern tools present daily obstacles for the students and their teachers. However, seeing their resilience and optimism reinforced our commitment to creating meaningful change.
Building bright futures
As a company, we recognize that contributing to education goes beyond material donations. Engaging with the community, listening to their needs, and building lasting relationships are equally important. We are dedicated to maintaining regular contact with the school, providing additional teacher training, and exploring new ways to support the students’ growth and development.
“With this initiative, we humbly hope that we’ve been able to contribute, even in the smallest way, to helping these children move closer to their dreams.”
dini klaassen (CeO at Yenlo)
Gratitude and hope
This project has been a humbling experience for everyone at Yenlo. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed to this initiative and made it a success. It has been our honor to support the children and their community, and we are inspired to do even more in the future.
Our goal is to continue identifying opportunities to uplift those in need. By empowering children with education and the tools to succeed, we hope to foster brighter futures and lasting impact. With each initiative, we aim to embody the values of empathy, collaboration, and meaningful action.
Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, dream, and thrive.
