Millions of children in Sri Lanka’s rural areas lack the educational opportunities needed to succeed. Teach First Sri Lanka aims to tackle the systemic problems in the country’s education system that contribute to this crisis.

Despite education being crucial for Sri Lanka’s future success, it is allocated only 2% of the GDP, while other middle-income countries allocate an 4% of their GDP on average to education. The education system faces challenges of poverty, hunger, and economic discrimination, exacerbating the problem.

The most disadvantaged children in society lack a fair chance at life. The pandemic has made matters worse by causing children to miss crucial developmental years, and leading to a brain drain as skilled professionals who could be mentors seek employment abroad.