Our story

Home of Hope is much more than a children's home. Love for the vulnerable children who live there is central. Individual attention for trauma processing, for appropriate education and preparation for an independent future in Sri Lankan society, make Home of Hope a special place. Children feel at home here and can safely be themselves.

The beginning

In 2001, the first children—many not even 11 years old—arrived at Home of Hope, seeking refuge from child soldier existence or because no one cared for them. They have grown into independent, well-educated adults, with futures as teachers, seamstresses, carpenters, drivers, or accountants.

Since 2001, around 500 children have found
a safe and loving home with us.

Home of Hope began in 2001, with just five children living in a converted chicken coop. Today, it has grown into a true village with ten houses and around 100 residents. Visitors to Home of Hope will now find an auditorium, large sports field, agricultural land with greenhouses, a computer center, an online study center, a library, a rehabilitation pool, a special school for children with disabilities, a therapy center, and training facilities. The village has evolved into a vibrant community, offering everything required for the children's growth and well-being.

Girl in school uniform with a backpack on the Home of Hope grounds

Group of Home of Hope children on the slope beside a house

Smiling boy at a piece of play equipment

Home of Hope girls during a violin lesson

Children in white with a carer on Independence Day

Home of Hope is all about giving children a loving home, so they can grow up and stand confidently on their own. Since 2001, nearly 500 children have found a safe and nurturing home here, receiving care, guidance, and a quality education to help them shape brighter futures.

"You can't change the whole world, but you can change the world of a child"

What do we do?

Home of Hope is a children's home in the centre of Sri Lanka, close to the city of Kandy. It started in 2001 as a small home for five children, but has since grown into a true children's village of 12.5 hectares where more than a hundred children of Tamil and Sinhalese descent find a safe home. Initially it was mainly about caring for young child soldiers from the northern and eastern war zones. Now that the war is over, it is children who are found in prostitution, in prisons, or in other situations of neglect.

The village consists of various houses (dorms) where small groups of children live under the care of a house mother. In the dorms a homely family atmosphere is created. Many of the children who find shelter at Home of Hope have faced abuse and violence in their young lives. When they come to Home of Hope, they are fearful and deeply sad. We give them the chance to be children again. Happy and open.

Home of Hope is more than just a typical children’s home. We’re dedicated to providing loving care and a quality education, empowering our children to build bright futures. Our ultimate goal is to help them gain the skills and confidence they need to stand strong and succeed in life.

How is all this funded? The funds for Home of Hope in Sri Lanka are raised by Home of Hope NL: a Dutch ANBI foundation. Donations to Home of Hope NL are very diverse. One-off or regular, small or larger amounts, from individuals or (family) foundations: anything is possible and everything is needed. The annual budget of Home of Hope in Sri Lanka currently amounts to around €200,000 per year.

Daily management

of the children's home in Sri Lanka

Alfy Perera

I run Home of Hope with my wife, Sharmini. Together we pour our hearts into all that we do here. I see myself as a father to the children and a friend to the people in our community. Sharmini and I are committed to giving every child at Home of Hope a strong foundation. We focus on nurturing their spirit, mind, and body, allowing them to grow in every way possible. Many of the children come to us without any real roots. Together we help them learn how to navigate life with confidence.I spend my days talking with the children, offering advice, listening carefully, and seeking guidance when needed. Often, people share ideas for Home of Hope, and I always ask them: Would you want that for your own child? What would you do for your own child? That's the approach we take—we treat these children as if they were our own, always wanting the very best for them.

Sharmini Perera

I see myself as the mother of all the children here. My greatest wish is for them to grow up in a home filled with love, trust, and security. At Home of Hope, every child is safe and cherished. I want them to know they are valuable and have the power to shape their future. The house mothers (matrons) help me with the daily care, but when the children have worries, they come to me.

I handle their clothing, attend school meetings, take them to the hospital, encourage their talents, celebrate birthdays, and share in their joys and sorrows. I’m there to hug, laugh, and cry with them. I love staying in touch with them even after they’ve grown and are living on their own, and feel so proud when they visit and share their achievements.

Our older, independent children are the best role models for the younger ones. They often tell the younger kids to take advantage of every opportunity to develop their talents and skills—and they do! For that, we are truly grateful.

Rebecca Bijker

I am Rebecca Bijker and together with Alfy and Sharmini I form the management of Home of Hope Trust in Sri Lanka. I am the founder of Home of Hope NL.

Over twenty years ago, after completing my studies, I volunteered at a children's home in Sri Lanka. At the time the civil war led to huge displacement, creating an urgent need for shelter, specifically for children and child soldiers. This, in turn, led to the idea of establishing a new home. Sharmini and Alfy were the perfect partners for such a project, and with financial support from my parents, Home of Hope was born. In 2001, the first five children found their very own safe haven. In recent years, almost 500 children have found a home here. Home of Hope is now a project which facilitates the whole community. A lot has changed within the past 20 years, except my unwavering belief, that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving environment.

Board Home of Hope NL

Rebecca Bijker-Raaff

Chairwoman

Machteld Overmars-de Goederen

Secretary

David Bijker

Board member

Carolijn Sleijpen

Board member events

Fleur van Helden

Board member

Bas Lechner

Treasurer

Barend Raaff

Advisor

Louise Hough