Join Carlie's Crossing to Empower Sri Lanka’s Children
At The T.E.A. Project, we believe that every child deserves a chance to dream, learn, and thrive, regardless of their background. As a UK charity and INGO in Sri Lanka, we are committed to transforming the lives of disadvantaged children in tea plantation communities. Your support through Carlie's Crossing will directly impact these young lives, helping us continue our crucial work.
What We Do
The T.E.A. Project operates from "The Cloud"—our visionary Children’s Empowerment Centre in Kithulmulla, Galaha, located in rural Sri Lanka. Here, we offer a range of free services that are essential for the development and well-being of children and their communities:
- Pre-Schooling: Early education that lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
- Empowerment Training: Programmes designed to foster ambition, practical skills, and self-confidence in young people.
- After-School Support: Helping children continue their education and stay on the path to success.
- Daily Food Programme: Ensuring children receive the nutrition they need to grow and learn.
- Saturday Service Programme: Offering training and support to adult community members and unemployed youth.
Since our establishment in 2014, we have reached thousands of children and professionals across Sri Lanka, delivering front-line empowerment training and essential services. We collaborate with grassroots NGOs, education providers, orphanages, and government schools to reach as many children as possible.
Why We Support the Tea Plantation Community
The tea you enjoy often comes from the lush hills of Sri Lanka, but behind every cup is a story of hardship and resilience. The tea plantation communities in Sri Lanka are among the most marginalised and underprivileged groups in the country. Originally brought from South India by British colonialists to work on the tea estates, these communities were never fairly compensated for their labor, and their descendants continue to face the harsh legacy of that exploitation.
These families live in two-room houses, lacking basic amenities, in cold and harsh climates. The average daily wage is a mere £2.50, scarcely enough to support a family of 5-7 people. Malnutrition is rampant, and access to technology and education is extremely limited. The community struggles with widespread issues such as domestic violence, alcoholism, and child abuse, all of which perpetuate a cycle of poverty and despair.
Despite these hardships, the people of the tea plantations remain resilient and hardworking. Their hands pick the leaves that produce some of the finest teas in the world, yet their lives remain far removed from the prosperity that their labour supports.
Why Your Support Matters
Your participation in Carlie's Crossing-whether through donations, sharing our cause, or joining the race-means the world to us. The funds raised enable us to sustain and expand our services, ensuring we continue to uplift children from the poorest communities, regardless of their cultural or religious background. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for these children and their communities.
To learn more about our work and the impact we're making, watch our video and click the link below.
Donate, Share, Join Us!
Your support helps us honour not just Carlie, but everyone we’ve lost. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a lasting impact in their memory. Together, we can champion two incredible causes and fight the silence and stigma surrounding mental health.
This race was a celebration of life, friendship, and the enduring bond we share with those we love, even after they are gone. Whether you donate, share our mission, or support mental health in your community, you’re making a difference.