Come-Share education programme

288individual beneficiaries were supported in their secondary or post-secondary education and training

187benefited from student support groups in areas like English literacy, IT training and other general school or vocational tuition.

In 2001, prior to establishing Change A Life, Computershare committed to support a small project that provides funding and materials to assist in the education of underprivileged children primarily based in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. 15 years later, we’re still supporting this project through Change A Life. The project, which has been almost entirely funded by Computershare and Change A Life, has an enviable record of integrity with close to 100% of funds going directly to beneficiaries.

Come-Share provides educational funding for children from year ten (O level) onwards. In Sri Lanka, education up until year ten is free and many children from poor backgrounds can complete up until year ten unassisted. After this point many children are forced into manual labour, even if their school results are very good.

The project has a strong focus on sustainability, and Come-Share is in the process of establishing a Voluntary Contributions Scheme for past beneficiaries. Many beneficiaries have expressed a desire to contribute towards the educational support of others in the same way that they have been helped, and the foundation hopes this will be an easy way for them to donate.

It costs just AU$6.27/£2.54/ US$4.81 per month to provide one student with further education opportunities and just AU$100/£40/US$77 a month to pay for a degree such as hotel management or computer studies.

"I am glad to inform you that I have completed my degree (MSc. in Finance at Asia e University). I take this opportunity to thank Come-Share which played a major part in my career development goals. Your financial support was a pillar in the successful completion of my degree. I will never forget Come-Share in my lifetime, since it became part of my life’s achievement."

Loyce is now employed as an Assistant Manager, Finance at an NGO

"Thank you for your generous financial support towards my Pre-Sea Training Course for Deck Ratings. By awarding me a scholarship I am able to concentrate on what is important for my career. Your financial generosity has enabled me to be one step closer to my goals. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goals as you have helped me.”

"I am a 4th year student at the Uva Welessa University. Now I am at the ending stage of my University studies. I like to thank you for your extreme help from beginning to end of my studies."

"I wish to thank you Come-Share for financing me and enabling me to complete my studies. I am now working as a Bank Assurance Executive. For the past two and a half years I have achieved great success and won 3 awards. During a short period of time I’ve been successful in securing a good job."

“Immediately after the course, I got a job in Jaffna. Under normal circumstances I would have never dreamt of working in Jaffna, but the program has given me the confidence to take up the job. Now I have also got admission to the Eastern University”

Suganya

“After the course World Vision took me on as a Field Assistant. I find it very easy to work now as I am able to communicate even with adults”

Manoj

Come-Share also provides financial support to children of prisoners who have been sentenced to life in prison. More than 250 children supported by the programme are studying from grade six to the end of University. “Some might think what can 1,000 rupees ($7.05 USD) do today. But only the person who has the wound knows the pain. Even 10 rupees ($0.07 USD) is a huge thing for a child who hasn’t the money to buy a pencil, an exercise book or even a slice of bread for lunch.”

Loyce is now employed as an Assistant Manager, Finance at an NGO

English for Vanni

Suganya

Manoj

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