As we step into 2025, CJF Sri Lanka is proud to announce the launch of the Future Innovators Program—a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and entrepreneurial development to empower Sri Lankans, particularly youth and women, to drive economic resilience and innovation. This program is a response to the pressing economic challenges facing our nation and the glaring need for technological and entrepreneurial capacity building in underserved communities.
The Need for STEM and Entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka faces numerous challenges that highlight the urgency of investing in STEM and entrepreneurship:
1. Economic Instability: The nation’s GDP growth remains slow, with many rural areas struggling to recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic and ongoing debt crises. Technological innovation and entrepreneurship are proven engines of economic growth and job creation.
2. Education Inequity: Access to quality STEM education is limited in rural areas, leaving many young people without the skills needed for 21st-century jobs.
3. Gender Disparities: Women, who make up nearly 52% of the population, are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, limiting their economic and leadership potential.
4. Global Market Demands: The demand for tech-savvy professionals and innovative entrepreneurs continues to rise globally, and Sri Lanka must prepare its workforce to compete.
Success Stories That Inspire
We have already witnessed the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship through pilot projects:
• Kamal Perera: A young man from Polonnaruwa who participated in CJF’s coding workshop in 2023. Kamal developed a mobile app to connect farmers with urban markets, increasing their income by 40%. Today, he mentors other youth to explore similar innovations.
• Thushari Silva: A single mother from Hambantota who joined our entrepreneurial training program. With the microloan she received from CJF, she launched a small-scale eco-friendly packaging business. Her venture now employs five women from her community and supplies products to local businesses.
• Ayesha Weerasinghe: A 16-year-old girl from Jaffna who received a scholarship from CJF to pursue robotics. Ayesha recently represented Sri Lanka in an international robotics competition and is now inspiring other young girls to pursue STEM fields.
These stories underscore the potential within Sri Lanka to harness the power of STEM and entrepreneurship for sustainable development.
The Future Innovators Program: Plan for 2025
The Future Innovators Program is a targeted effort to expand these successes across the nation. Here is our implementation plan:
1. Program Objectives
• Provide access to high-quality STEM education in underserved regions.
• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Empower women and youth to contribute to local and global economies.
• Build sustainable economic resilience through technology and small business development.
2. Key Components
A. STEM Education Expansion
1. STEM Labs in Schools:
• Partner with local schools to establish 25 STEM labs equipped with computers, internet access, robotics kits, and educational software.
• Focus areas: Jaffna, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, and Nuwara Eliya.
2. Teacher Training:
• Train 200 teachers in modern STEM teaching techniques, with a focus on coding, robotics, and environmental science.
3. Student Scholarships:
• Award scholarships to 500 students (50% reserved for girls) to pursue higher education in STEM fields.
4. National STEM Competitions:
• Organize hackathons and innovation challenges to promote creative problem-solving.
B. Entrepreneurial Development
1. Small Business Incubators:
• Set up five regional hubs to provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
2. Microloans and Grants:
• Disburse $1 million in microloans to 1,000 entrepreneurs, with a focus on sustainable and tech-driven businesses.
3. Workshops and Training:
• Conduct monthly training sessions on business planning, digital marketing, and financial management.
3. Implementation Timeline
Q1 2025:
• Identify target schools and communities.
• Begin STEM lab installations.
• Launch teacher training programs.
Q2 2025:
• Distribute student scholarships.
• Open the first two small business incubators.
Q3 2025:
• Host the first national STEM competition.
• Begin disbursing microloans and grants.
Q4 2025:
• Evaluate program outcomes and gather feedback.
• Plan for scaling the initiative in 2026.
4. Partnerships and Funding
To achieve these ambitious goals, CJF Sri Lanka will collaborate with:
• Government Agencies: Partner with the Ministry of Education to integrate STEM curricula.
• Corporate Sponsors: Work with tech companies like Dialog and Virtusa for funding and technical support.
• International NGOs: Seek grants from organizations like the World Bank and UNICEF.
5. Evaluation and Accountability
• Metrics:
• Number of students trained in STEM.
• New businesses launched and their success rates.
• Income growth among program participants.
• Gender equity improvements in STEM participation.
• Feedback Mechanisms:
• Regular surveys of participants.
• Independent evaluations by third-party organizations.
Why This Matters
Sri Lanka is at a critical juncture, and programs like the Future Innovators Program can catalyze economic and social transformation. By equipping our citizens with the skills and tools they need to innovate and succeed, we are investing in a brighter, more resilient future.
We invite all stakeholders—local communities, corporate leaders, and global supporters—to join us in this mission. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Sri Lanka’s people.
Signed,
Dr. Aruna Perera
President, CJF Sri Lanka
