Islamic Relief – Sri Lanka through its i-CARES project initiative aimed at directly benefiting 10,000 students. The project’s primary goal is to pilot a Catch-up Education mechanism as a vital recovery measure, addressing educational disparities exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. By providing essential support and resources, i-CARES aims to inspire students to pursue education while establishing a conducive learning environment. This includes improving Water and Sanitation facilities, enhancing library, sports, and laboratory amenities in schools, and mitigating the learning gaps caused by prolonged school closures.

The project takes into account critical social, economic, and protection concerns within the targeted regions. Over the past few decades, these areas have experienced a series of profound challenges, including the devastating impact of the tsunami, recurring droughts, floods, and most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic since March 2021. These adversities have placed immense burdens on the local population, particularly vulnerable communities already struggling to access basic necessities. The project aims to provide essential relief and empower these communities, which rely heavily on subsidies due to limited income opportunities.

As part of the project, 5,000 students would receive dry food packs, addressing immediate nutritional needs. Additionally, 300 bicycles are distributed to students who face long commutes to schools, facilitating easier access to education and reducing barriers to learning.

In addition, a noteworthy event under this initiative was the handover ceremony of renovated facilities at Andiyapuliyankulam Maha Vidyalaya, Sri Nagarajah Vidyalaya, and Agrabodhi Maha Vidyalaya. The event, held in collaboration with government educational stakeholders, elicited profound gratitude from the entire school community. Heartfelt thanks were extended to Islamic Relief and its donors for their invaluable support and commitment to transforming education and community resilience.