Author: Admin

A joint initiative between the MJF Foundation and Cricket Live New Zealand, the Cricket Live Foundation has uplifted the lives of over 1000 boys and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in Sri Lanka. Inspired by young Kiwi Alex Reese and supported by Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando and Patron Richard Hadlee, the Cricket Live Foundation continues to empower youth through holistic development and social integration. Young cricketers also receive support from international delegates and cricket clubs, enriching their experiences and exposing them to new people and places. In 2019, CLF players met New Zealand cricket coach Kyle Mills, witnessed a Black Caps training session, and got their bats signed by their heroes. An essential programme that teaches teamwork and vital life skills, such as time management, punctuality, respect, and self-discipline.

Renowned as Sri Lanka’s only ‘WorldChefs’ certified culinary training facility, the ‘Empower Culinary & Hospitality School’ stays true to its name by empowering and inspiring underprivileged youth through education and skills development. Providing a nurturing space, the culinary boot camp at Empower trains passionate students on the basics of cooking along with theoretical & practical knowledge and ample opportunities for personality & skills development. Not only do graduates leave WorldChefs certified but also with multiple options of job placements with both local and global leading hospitality providers, giving them an opportunity unparalleled in the Sri Lankan culinary landscape.

Curated to empower and challenge stereotypes, the Women’s Development Program (WDP) provides marginalized women and young girls with skill development and entrepreneurship training to break through the cycles of debt, disability and poverty. From training in sewing, cooking and gardening to supporting women with business skill development and providing grants through the ‘Small Entrepreneurs Programme’, the WDP by the MJF Foundation offers a nurturing space for women to thrive, support and inspire one another. Informal discussion groups moderated by qualified professionals provide a safe platform for women to speak up and share their concerns on several issues, including gender-based violence, home management, finances and personal hygiene. The Swashakthi Bakery and Tea Room was set up to be run entirely by the women of our WDP, selling affordable and wholesome food to the everyday consumer. The Women’s Development Programme is one of many examples of the MJF Foundation’s dedication towards integrating disadvantaged people into society by providing them with equal and fair opportunities and skills to develop and grow.

From adopting two elephant calves named ‘Baby Dilmah’ and ‘Ted’, named after former New Zealand All Blacks rugby coach, Dilmah has been committed to elephant conservation since 2011. Alongside adopting these orphaned calves and giving them a home ‘til they are once again able to go into the wild, Dilmah Conservation has funded the renovation of the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) at the Udawalawe National Park and has been actively involved in the protection of disabled elephants who are unable to survive in the wild. Dilmah continues to support the ETH by aiding with daily operations such as feedings and other requirements, along with establishing a dedicated information centre to raise awareness about these majestic creatures and provide an educational experience to visitors to the park. Further efforts include collaborating with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Centre for Conservation and Research in radio collaring two elephants to study the movement patterns and understand the behaviour of these magnificent animals. Our continued support of the ETH continues to be a testament to Dilmah Founder Merrill J. Fernando’s promise to serve humanity with kindness to People & Nature.