Since 2009, our journey has been deeply rooted in philanthropic efforts across Sri Lanka. In 2010, we took a significant step by officially registering as a not-for-profit organization named Lumen Home in Sri Lanka.
In May 2009, Sri Lanka emerged from a devastating civil war, leaving behind a landscape that desperately needed support for orphanages, community projects, and, most critically– children’s education. Initially funded by our local enterprise, Mr. Concrete, a concrete blocks manufacturing company based in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, we committed ourselves to these causes.
During our work, we encountered a distressing trend: many underprivileged children were dropping out of primary school. This sparked our investigation into the root causes, revealing a stark educational divide between privileged and underprivileged children. To bridge this gap, we realized the need for equal opportunities, particularly in early childhood education.
Our research showed that providing free early childhood education for underprivileged children is the solution. This encompasses education and the necessary infrastructure: school buildings, qualified teachers, school uniforms, essential supplies, and nutritious food. By ensuring these children have access to the same resources as their peers, we empower them with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their educational journey.
Starting from Grade 1 with a solid foundation, these children can move forward without the burden of educational inequity. Our mission is to bridge the academic gap, providing children with the confidence they need to succeed.
In 2024, we rebranded Lumen Home to Sumi Foundation, a name honouring the memory of the late Sumethirai Nandhakumaran (Sumi). Her dedication to education and unwavering support for children in need continues to inspire our work. Through the Sumi Foundation, we carry forward her legacy of compassion, ensuring that her spirit of generosity lives on.
Our vision goes beyond sustaining our current initiatives. We aim to expand our mission of providing free early childhood education to more children in need. To achieve this, we are seeking global support and funding. As a first step, we have already registered the Sumi Foundation in Canada, and our next goal is to establish our presence in other countries.
