Childrens Hope

We are a community based organization in southern Sri Lanka. Started in 2004 by philanthropist/founder/chairwoman Carla Browne. The organization aims much of their attention at the needs of children, especially those with special needs whether those be physical, mental or financial. Our projects include support and management Neth Sawan Sarana school for the deaf & blind, which hosts up to 60 children and youth at any one time, rebuild and management of the childrens ward at Karapitiya Hospital as well as a free local nursery school open to children of all abilities. Our organization has grown to a full time staff of 6 and many, many generous volunteers.

Our focus on children is not exclusive. We work with local families, often the mothers, offering training and support in subjects such as household budget management in addition to offering income generating opportunties through sale of their hand made arts. We assist the youth population (in Sri Lanka youths are about 17-24 years of age) with vocational training, this includes the graduates of the school for deaf & blind.

We are also home to Volunteers Village, an innovative sustainable program that encourages volunteer interaction within the community as well as our specific projects. Volunteers may live in the our village- a converted hotel directly across from the beach- and work in any or all of our programs. We host many gap year students as well as retirees who pay a fee for room & board while working with Children's Hope. Volunteers Village has grown to offer full time employment, as well as homes, to 11 locals including several with special needs. http://www.childrenshope.lk/