Lasting impact through our building trips

After the success of our international building journeys, the COVID-19 pandemic offered new perspectives. While we’ve decided to discontinue these physical journeys from a sustainability point of view, the lasting impact is still tangible. Even from a distance, we continue to work toward a better day of tomorrow. Below is an update on the progress and impact of our projects in Sri Lanka and Morocco.

Sri Lanka:

Nikaweratiya named best branch of Arthavida!

Nikaweratiya, where many of our building journey participants worked on the Community College, has been named the top-performing branch of Arthavida. The success of our Community College played a key role in achieving this recognition. Since 2022, the vocational training and upskilling programs offered there have had remarkable results. Many participants were able to start their own small businesses based on the skills they gained. The Community College in "Nika" is thriving - last year, it welcomed more than 15,000 participants across preschool, training, and library visits. And in 2023, those numbers continue to grow.

New building in Tanamalwila! 

Although we no longer organize building trips to Sri Lanka, our mission remains unchanged: to create a better day of tomorrow for underserved communities. After the success of our previous colleges in Nikaweratiya and Wellawaya, we’ve joined forces with the Sampath Foundation to establish a third Community College in one of the poorest areas of the country: Tanamalwila.

The program has already started in a temporary rented location, and we’ve now received approval for the construction of a new facility. We hope to begin building soon. The first two training programs - Beauty Culture and Sewing Training - attracted over 300 participants. A great success!

Morocco:

New donation to SOS Children’s Villages El Jadida

Together with SOS Children’s Villages, we explored options for supporting a new location: El Jadida, about 40 kilometers south of Casablanca. This is an area where Vebego still has much to offer. In consultation with our new local contact, Mrs. Borgaa, we’ve chosen to support a project that focuses on improving safety for the children living in the village.

If the full project budget is not used, Vebego will also contribute to the construction of a new sports field within the village - a space that encourages children to play, move, and grow. Two impactful initiatives that will help create a safer and more active environment for the children.