Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis has deeply affected vulnerable communities, particularly fishing families in Madara. With approximately 583,000 people employed in the fishing industry and an additional 2.7 million in supporting roles, many coastal households rely on fishing for their livelihood. However, the crisis has intensified daily struggles, impacting food, healthcare, and education access. The situation worsened after the May 2021 X-Press Pearl disaster, where a Singapore-registered container ship carrying toxic chemicals caught fire near Colombo, causing widespread marine pollution and halting fishing activities in affected areas. This environmental catastrophe, along with inflation, fuel shortages, and declining market demand, has led to reduced income, making it difficult for families to afford school supplies and other essential needs.

Education Challenges in Modara Amid Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis

The satellite view of Modara © Google

The fishing community of Modara, Sri Lanka, is facing immense challenges due to the ongoing economic crisis, which is severely affecting their ability to provide education for their children. Traditionally reliant on fishing as their primary source of income, families in this small yet resilient community are grappling with financial strain that has compromised their access to basic educational resources.

During the school supplies distribution event at Modara fishing village 2021 © Renaissance Sri Lanka

Impact of Economic Crisis on Education

Education has long been seen as a vital tool for a better future in the Modara community, with parents keen to see their children succeed academically. However, with the economic downturn, affording essential school supplies such as books, uniforms, and stationery has become increasingly difficult. Traditionally, the school year in Sri Lanka starts in January, but the delayed start to the 2025 academic year—scheduled for January 30th—offers a brief reprieve. Despite this, it also emphasizes the urgency of obtaining resources in a short time frame, making it an additional stressor for families.

During the school supplies distribution event at Modara fishing village 2021 © Renaissance Sri Lanka

 Financial Burdens and Emotional Strain

For many Modara families, the challenge of affording school supplies is not just financial—it’s deeply emotional. Parents are forced to make painful decisions between purchasing educational essentials and meeting immediate needs such as food, utilities, and healthcare. With limited financial flexibility, many have fallen into cycles of debt, further straining their already fragile situation. The economic strain, combined with the aftermath of the X-Press Pearl disaster, has led to severe financial difficulties, making it harder for families to meet even their basic needs.

During the school supplies distribution event at Modara fishing village 2021 © Renaissance Sri Lanka

Broader Economic Impacts on Livelihoods

The Modara fishing community’s economic struggles extend beyond education-related expenses. The broader economic crisis in Sri Lanka, which includes inflation, currency depreciation, and disrupted supply chains, has led to soaring costs for essentials like fuel and fishing equipment. As the community’s main livelihood source, fishing, faces increased operational costs and reduced market demand, the income of these families has drastically decreased. This leaves little to no room for additional expenses, including the financial demands of educating their children.

Uncertainty and Anxiety for the Future

Amid the financial hardships, there is also a deep sense of uncertainty about the future of the Modara community’s livelihood. The instability in the economy, exacerbated by the effects of the X-Press Pearl disaster, has left parents anxious about their ability to sustain their families and provide a better future for their children. Inadequate access to education and educational resources only adds to this anxiety, as parents fear that their children’s prospects may be severely limited without proper schooling.

The struggles faced by the Modara fishing community highlight the far-reaching effects of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. For these vulnerable families, the inability to afford basic educational supplies is a poignant reminder of how economic instability has disrupted daily life. Despite their resilience and commitment to their children’s education, the Modara community urgently needs support to overcome these financial challenges and secure a better future for their children.

Goals and Objectives

Goal 

  • To provide essential educational support to the children of the Modara fishing community by ensuring access to school supplies, thereby alleviating the financial burden on families affected by Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis. 

Objectives 

  • To ensure that children in the Modara fishing community have access to essential school supplies, including books and stationery, for the 2025 academic year. 
  • To reduce the financial strain on families by providing necessary educational resources, allowing them to focus on meeting their daily living needs. 
  • To promote educational continuity and support the long-term academic development of children within the community, despite the economic hardships faced by their families. 

Target Group  

  • The primary beneficiaries of the project are the 136 children of the fishing families residing in the Modara community.  
  • These children, ranging from primary (65) to secondary school levels (71), are the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of the economic crisis due to their families limited financial capacity to afford educational necessities. 

Implementation Plan: Key Steps and Milestones

Key Indicators

Budget 

The total estimated cost for this project is LKR 392,545.00. A detailed breakdown of the budget is provided below  

  • Estimated Expenses for Secondary school children (between 11 and 16 years old)  

  • Estimated Expenses for Primary school children (between 6 to 10 years old)

Other Costs

The project of “Supporting Education in Modara 2025: Addressing Economic Challenges for a Brighter Future “” initiative marks a pivotal step toward empowering the community through education. By providing essential school supplies to students, the program alleviates financial burdens on families and ensures that children have the resources they need to succeed academically. This effort not only fosters a culture of learning but also creates a foundation for long-term economic and social progress in Modara. 

Education remains a key driver of transformation, and addressing the economic challenges faced by the community is integral to creating equitable opportunities for the next generation. By continuing to invest in educational support, we can inspire hope, nurture talent, and build a brighter, more sustainable future for Modara and its residents. 

References  

Relief web (2023) Understanding Multidimensional Vulnerabilities: Impact on People of Sri Lanka Retrieved November 26, 2024, from https://reliefweb.int/report/sri-lanka/understanding-multidimensional-vulnerabilities-impact-people-sri-lanka  

The World bank group (2024). Retrieved November 26, 2024, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/srilanka/overview  

The World bank group (2023). World Bank Group Adopts Country Partnership Framework for Sri Lanka to Help Reset the Economy, Protect the Poor. Retrieved November 26, 2024, from  https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/06/27/world-bank-group-adopts-country-partnership-framework-for-sri-lanka-to-help-reset-the-economy-protect-the-poor