ABRAAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Established in 2012, AEFB is a non-profit charitable organization. We sought to address the issue of school dropouts in the areas of Maradana, Mahagoda, and Maligahena.
In 2012, a study revealed a concerning number of school dropouts in the Kalutara district, particularly in Beruwala, due to families’ financial struggles. Recognizing the urgency to change this situation and raise awareness about the importance of education, the “ABRAAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION” was born,
AEFB is supported by the local community in Beruwala, and in its early stages, it began providing scholarships to students. Due to limited funds, AEFB initially extended its scholarship program to four schools in Beruwala: 1) ZamRifai Hajiyar Muslim Maha Vidyalaya – Maligahena Beruwala, 2) Al-Fasiyyathul Nasriyya Muslim Girls’ School – Maradana Beruwala, 3) Al-Fasiyyathul Nasriyya Muslim Boys’ School – Maradana Beruwala, and 4) I.L.M. Samsudeen Viddiyalaya – Mahagoda Beruwala.
EDUCATION IN SRI LANKA:
The right to education is a fundamental human right, laying the foundation to strengthen and develop a country socially and economically. Despite Sri Lanka’s status as a developing country, it dedicates a considerable portion of its budget to education. However, our community appears to undervalue education compared to business and industries, despite the government’s policy of offering free education. Ensuring children’s education is mandatory by law for ages five to sixteen.
POVERTY AND EDUCATION:
Sadly, many children in our community, aged five to sixteen, drop out of school due to various reasons and fail to complete their education. Some parents, facing financial hardships, are compelled to send their children to work in labor-intensive jobs to meet daily expenses and provide sustenance for the family.
As a result, we have observed a decline in school attendance and an increase in school dropouts. These children, mingling with various age groups due to their work, are exposed to harmful habits and lose sight of discipline and traditional values. The potential consequences of this situation concern us greatly.