TEA LEAF TRU ,lll 2025 Impact Report
~82,000 Children & young people educated through our programmes.
Our Impact Since 2010
~80% Tea Leaf alumni progress to employment or further education
~757,000 100% Members of tea Sri Lankan led estate community Assisted by supported by global board of youth alumni experts
Tea Leaf Trust began with a simple belief: that potential already existed inside the tea estates. It did not need to be imported, fixed or rescued. It needed space, language and opportunity.
In 2025, our 16th year of operation, we saw that belief confirmed across five centres, dozens of partnerships and hundreds of classrooms. Young people began to speak differently about their future; not as a distant dream, but as something they could shape themselves. That shift may be quiet, but it is profound.
Our model remains rooted in the communities we serve.
The tea estates have been sites of cheap labour and extraction for generations, yet inside them we have found leadership, creativity and the desire to serve others.
Our youth are not waiting to be rescued. They are already becoming the teachers, mentors and civic leaders their communities need.
Tim Pare and Yasmene Shah
TLT Co-Founders
“THOUGH WE HAVE STRUGGLES AND THOUGH WE HAVE PROBLEMS. IF YOU STUDY, YOU CAN ACHIEVE SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE” Chandrasekaran Thiyagarajah, Education Director
Every year brings its own personal challenges: 2025 was no exception. Amidst these challenges, students stepped into our courses with hope and determination.
Our beneficiaries join us lacking knowledge, a clear vision for their future, and often self-belief. They carry years of preconceived notions shaped by what others have thought or said about them, and over time, those ideas have become what they themselves believe.
Our programmes are designed to be spaces where young people begin to discover themselves, where their self-esteem is recognised and nurtured. In a short time, our staff turn their thoughts into hope, confidence and purpose.
We have carried out many different projects throughout the year. However, the outcome I am most proud of is the mindset change we have seen in young people. This transformation is made possible through our teachers and staff, many of whom were once in the same position as these students.
Today, they are better equipped to understand those struggles and, in turn, support students to become even better versions of themselves.
Yadharshani Selvaraj Chief Executive Officer
Developing, educated, professional and empowered young people enabled to lead social transformation within tea plantation communities.
Our mission is to address the inequalities that exist within the tea estates of Sri Lanka by providing positive opportunities for academic, emotional and social progress of young people so that they can fulfil their potential based on the concepts of dignity and service.
Our Aims
To support young people from Sri Lanka’s tea estate communities to build lives of dignity, opportunity and purpose, we pursue two core aims:
Through education and immersive learning experiences, we equip young people to become employable professionals able to lift their families out of extreme poverty. Through our emotional health curriculum, mentoring and acts of service, we empower ethical, emotionally-resilient leaders of change.
Our work focuses on the following United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Our Approach
Across Sri Lanka’s tea estates, many Malayagam (Upcountry) Tamil youth often believe education is not meant for them. Opportunity is costly and intimidating. We work to change that belief; because when hope returns, learning follows.
The heart of Tea Leaf Trust’s work is our Main Diploma Programme : a free, full-time, one-year course for 18 to 26-yearolds. All our other programmes and community initiatives grow from this programme.
Immersive Education & Leadership Development
Our centres create immersive English-speaking and leadership environments where students develop the professional and personal skills needed to succeed. Lessons include IT, Careers & Enterprise, Speech, Advocacy & Grammar and Success & Ethics: our foundation for emotional resilience.
A Community-Based Model
The Main Diploma strengthens wider communities through connected programmes including the Children’s English Programmes and community service initiatives.
Although we work in communities facing high levels of poverty, self-harm and suicide, everyday we continue to see something hopeful: when young people are given opportunities to demonstrate talent, regain dignity and discover purpose, they begin to believe in a different future for themselves and their communities.
Our Graduates Are ...
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Skilled Proactive Resilient
We educate young people to We nurture resilient and We improve emotional well-being
become confident, skilled collaborative leaders who see and coping skills creating
communicators with strong opportunities and can guide confident young people
English, IT, and professional their communities towards ready to face challenges and
abilities ready for Sri Lanka’s positive change with empathy identify new solutions.
modern workforce. and integrity.
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In 2025, we educated, coached and empowered . . .
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89
schools
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818 students
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... who served
12,720
children
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43
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t rainee teachers
139,488
community members
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Teaching Confidence Through English The Children’s English Programme (CEP)
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Tea Leaf students
451
teaching
Government schools
89
reached
Children taught 6,337
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The CEP remained one of the most powerful interventions in 2025. It was designed not only to support children in government schools but to rebuild confidence among our Main Diploma students, many of whom arrive at our centres believing they have failed by not entering university.
“By helping members of my own community, I understood the importance of responsibility and service, and I realised that education is not only about personal success but also about uplifting others.” Abilashini, TLC Maskeliya
In Term One, our Main Diploma students received training in how to teach Basic English to children aged 7 to 11.
Every week, in Terms Two and Three, our centres closed at midday, and 500 Main Diploma students and trainee teachers walked to 89 government schools to deliver free English lessons to 6,337 children. Most sessions were held in normal school hours, using local classrooms. Each Main Diploma student delivered at least 40 hours of English teaching. Some walked more than an hour each way to reach their allocated school.
Why CEP exists — The Educational Gap
Across Sri Lanka's tea estate communities, students face significant educational disadvantages. Schools often struggle with limited resources and difficulties recruiting and retaining fully qualified subject specialists. As a result, many young people do not receive the depth of teaching needed to fully access the curriculum and succeed in public examinations. When students fall behind, additional support is often available only through private tuition. Yet with over 85% of TLT students living below the UN Extreme Poverty Line of $3 per day, these opportunities are often out of reach.
What Happens Impact on Families Students fail O and A Levels University and career pathways become limited Repeated academic setbacks Family stress and disappointment increase Educational barriers are mistaken for personal failure Students believe they are stupid or lazy Communities accept failure as normal Potential and talent remain unrealised We created CEP to break this cycle in both directions. CEP helps children access the curriculum they should have been given, and it builds dignity and purpose in the Main Diploma students who teach them.
The Impact of CEP For young people who believed they had failed, being called “Teacher” restored dignity and purpose.
Challenge Faced What CEP Builds Inability to access spoken English Teacher-led delivery in schools Emotional distress in youth Pride, purpose & empathy Poor English exam results Consistent exposure & practice Lack of role models Young teachers from the estates CEP improves academic opportunity but also restores self-worth. It sits at the heart of our leadership model. Emotional health improves; not because their lives became easier, but because their roles became meaningful.
Safe Spaces and Health Learning The Children’s Activity Programme (CAP)
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Children participating in CAP 6,383
Government schools involved 88
Trainee Teachers
38
managing sessions
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Across the tea estates, school holidays rarely mean rest or family time. Parents continue working full days on the estates, and children are often left unsupervised, exposed to negative influences in communities where alcoholism and domestic violence remain widespread. Challenge for Children CAP Response No supervision during holidays Safe, structured spaces Exposure to alcoholism & poor Positive youth role models role models Lack of family leisure time Play, creativity & relationships Localised nutrition & hygiene No health education sessions We designed the CAP to intervene at this critical point: providing structure, safety, fun and learning during school holidays. It gives young children a safe space to be active, creative and cared for, while giving our Main Diploma students real teaching practice and our Trainee Teachers valuable management experience.
A 2024 joint survey conducted by the Ministries of Health and Education in Sri Lanka and the World Health Organisation revealed alarming trends in the physical and mental health of schoolchildren. A major concern in the survey is poor weight management among students: Being underweight is typically a result of malnutrition, whereas overweight and obesity are linked to the regular consumption of unhealthy food, poor dietary habits and lack of physical exercise.
Every CAP program includes a practical approach to wellbeing: Teaching good hygiene and healthy eating using local foods Simple nutrition lessons that children can share with families Activities designed to reduce anxiety and stress Linking health to dignity: “I can care for myself and others”
“ I really enjoyed teaching the CAP programme. It helps students relax in the middle of their studies and build strong friendships and improve their social skills. I saw children discover new talents and develop their confidence and their teamwork skills. What I enjoyed most was encouraging them to express themselves freely.” Thiyagarajah, TLC Bogawantalawa
Learning to Serve — Service Projects
| ve — Service | Projects |
|---|---|
| Group projects delivered | 6,383 |
| Individual projects completed | 421 |
| Money earned by students | 1,571,068 LKR (~$5000) |
| % of students continuing service after three months |
43% |
| Hours of social dramas performed |
145 |
| Community members reached | 139,488 |
Strategic Purpose of Service Projects Service Projects are a core pillar of Tea Leaf Trust’s leadership model. Every Main Diploma student takes part, building civic awareness and practical compassion through a structured, escalating process across all three terms of the year. Problem Faced by Estate Youth What the Programme Builds Feeling powerless in their communities Social responsibility Emotional distress & hopelessness Purpose and confidence Belief that they must wait for outside help Local agency No practice in project management Leadership & management Lack of public speaking experience Presentation skills
Emotional distress & hopelessness Belief that they must wait for outside help No practice in project management Lack of public speaking experience
The programme challenges the belief — common across the tea estates — that change must be led by politicians, NGOs or employers. Instead, young people learn that they can take responsibility for improving their own communities, even when their lives are difficult.
Three-Term Leadership Pathway
Term One
Group Service Project
Students are coached by their teachers to identify real needs in their communities and take practical action. This builds confidence, strengthens teamwork, and provides the experience of serving others, often for the first time.
Term Two Individual Service Project Students identify needs within their communities and design, fund, and deliver practical solutions. They develop initiative, resilience, and problem-solving skills while witnessing their ability to create meaningful change.
Term Three Social Awareness Dramas Students collaborate to explore pressing social issues and create community performances. They develop communication and empathy, while growing in confidence as advocates who can challenge harmful norms and inspire collective action.
“Before I joined Tea Leaf, I never really thought about serving the community. My life was just about myself. But when I came to Tea Leaf, I began to understand that even a small step can bring a big change in someone’s life.”
“The idea came to me when I went to teach on the Children English programme and I saw something that broke my heart. The children were drinking dirty water. I imagined how many times they must have fallen sick because of it. I thought to myself, “If I can change this, even in a small way, it will make a big impact.” “But to buy a water filter, I needed money. So, I went to the pepper garden and worked there for three days. The work was not easy, but I pushed myself because I had a purpose. My hard work, my sweat, and my determination earned Rs. 6,000 (£15)
With that money, I bought a water filter for the school. The day I gave it to them, the children and teachers were so happy. Their smiles and gratitude filled my heart with joy. This experience taught me that service is not about doing something big; it is about doing something meaningful. A small decision can protect many children’s health and future.” “It showed me that when we give from our heart, the world becomes a little better.”
Manoj, TLC Ragala
Role Model Academy — Teacher Training Diploma
The tea estate communities need educated, passionate teachers who can inspire a love of learning. While we have empowered young people to become change agents, many aspiring teachers lack the A-level results or financial means to pursue government training.
Our Teacher Training Programme bridges this gap. Using the Cambridge University Teacher Knowledge training (TKT) syllabus, trainees gain strong pedagogical knowledge alongside practical teaching experience, supported by coaching from our experienced staff. Building on their values and leadership development, trainees are equipped not only to teach, but to inspire others, becoming role models who create lasting change within their communities.
| Number of Trainees Trained |
43 |
|---|---|
| CEP schools coordinated | 77 |
| Tea Leaf students coached |
400 |
| Band 2 and 3 qualifications in TKT |
43 |
“My proudest moment in 2025 was gaining valuable teaching experience and seeing students grow in their confidence and skills. Watching them improve, especially in English and public speaking, was truly rewarding.
After the cyclone, I took the opportunity to teach young people in my community about their rights and the government support available to them. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in young people’s lives.” (Mr. Naveenprasanth, Trainee Teacher 2025)
Pathways Into Learning: Part-time Education
In 2025, demand for our Main Diploma continued to outstrip available places: in Maskeliya there were three applications for every one space.
Some young people were unsuccessful in application but still deeply motivated to learn. Others could not commit to full-time study because they were caring for siblings, working to support their families, or still trying to improve their school examination grades.
To prevent these young people from falling through the cracks, Tea Leaf Trust ran two flexible access programmes:
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BEP students 342
SSP students 25
Trainee Teachers
14
managing sessions
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Soft Skills Programme (SSP) – interpersonal training and guidance for professional development Basic English Programme (BEP) – affordable English classes focused on spoken confidence
“This course really improved my speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The teachers were very kind and patient. Because of their support, I overcame my fear of speaking English and started to speak with more confidence. Now, I can use English clearly and confidently in my daily life and studies. I am currently preparing for my A level exams, and my dream is to become a lawyer. The BEP course gave me a strong foundation and encouraged me to work hard for my goals. I believe the skills I learned will help me in my future.” Abisha BEP graduate, TLC Maskeliya
Where We Work
Our journey started in Maskeliya in 2009. Over the next decade, Maskeliya became our education hub, and some of our most experienced teachers ventured into other tea estate communities in Nuwara Eliya and Bogawantalawa to pioneer new centres.
Hub Centres Serve 100–200 full-time students Provide a full range of Tea Leaf lessons and support Act as the heart of our education network
Pioneer Centres Introduce Tea Leaf education to new communities Smaller, flexible centres that grow local participation Spread our values and teaching where access is limited
In late 2025, we opened a new Pioneer Centre on Amba Estate, near Bandarawela: the Rani and David Moorcroft Centre, continuing our mission to reach young people across Sri Lanka.
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Kandy
Pussellawa
Ragala
Colombo
Nuwara Eliya
Amba
Maskeliya
Bogawantalawa
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Hub Centre — Bogawantalawa
As I reflect on 2025, my heart is full of pride and gratitude for all that has been achieved at Bogawantalawa since we began in 2023.
This year, we have seen 95 full-time and 51 part-time students graduate, most from the tea estate communities surrounding our school. I am especially encouraged by how our students now speak English clearly and without fear, a transformation that opens doors for their futures. I wish them the very best as they step forward with hope.
Beyond the classroom, our students’ impact has been extraordinary. I’m incredibly proud of how students’ service projects have created meaningful and positive changes for over 26,000 community members while developing students’ social responsibility and empathy. Welcoming our first international volunteers to the centre (all women!) also brought new energy and inspiration for our team
My sincere thanks to the Maha Foundation. Your support has made this life-changing impact possible. Miss Subagaran, Principal.
Hub Centre — Bogawantalawa
Krishanthan joined us as a quiet student who felt nervous around other students. His family is hardworking but has limited income: both parents work as estate labourers, earning 25,000 LKR per month. Watching his father struggle inspired Krishanthan to focus on education to improve his family’s future. At Tea Leaf, “I learned that education is not just about academics, but also about personal growth.” As he participated, he spoke more confidently and overcame old fears.
“Tea Leaf taught me how to communicate clearly, present myself professionally, and express my ideas.” Through involvement in service projects and the Children’s English Program, he also discovered the joy of helping others. Teaching younger students gave him pride, responsibility, and a “full feeling in my heart.”
Today, Krishanthan dreams of joining the Sri Lankan Navy. Despite limited resources and opportunities, he works steadily to improve himself academically and personally. Tea Leaf has shown him that consistent effort, encouragement, and guidance can turn challenges into opportunities, giving him the confidence to aim high.
Hub Centre — Maskeliya As I reflect on our 16th year in Maskeliya, I feel great pride in the strength of our centre and its support for our Tea Leaf colleagues in other communities.
This year, 156 full-time and 114 part-time students graduated, with 31 achieving Distinctions. Our students also grew as agents of change, impacting more than 37,000 community members and over 4,000 children. These results reflect the dedication of our staff, whose professionalism and care have helped students build confidence and succeed.
This year, our impact has grown further thanks to new partnerships with Sri Lankan and global partners. Through our collaboration with Hashtag Generation, we have strengthened our IT systems and begun developing an enhanced curriculum for our students. World Volunteer also brought energy and connection for staff and students. I am personally thankful to Move92 for the incredible opportunity to attend an international conference in November. There were so many new experiences that I had never imagined possible. Learning alongside many local leaders strengthened my leadership and vision for the future. I am extremely grateful to all of the donors and in particular, the Cole Family who have joined with us this year. Our successes are your successes. Mr Sivabalan, Principal
Hub Centre — Maskeliya
”Self-confidence is a superpower. Once you start to believe in yourself, magic starts happening” Kirthika comes from a family of six. Her mother works in a tea estate, and three siblings work to send money back to the family Family health issues have put a huge strain on already limited finances. When Kirthika arrived at Tea Leaf Maskeliya, she lacked confidence, but held hope for a brighter future.
Kirthika's hope came from witnessing how her sister had grown and secured employment after studying at Tea Leaf. “I was nervous but my teachers encouraged me to participate in many class activities and projects.” During the Business Fair, Kirthika’s confidence shifted: she led tasks, worked under pressure, and communicated well with team members and customers. This confidence grew and in November, Kirthika won the best presenter award at the Speech Conference. Kirthika’s dream of becoming a doctor is alive, and we wish her the best in her Biology A-level exams.
Hub Centre — Nuwara Eliya
As I reflect on this year, I am deeply encouraged by the transformation I have witnessed in our students. We celebrated 103 full-time and 50 part-time graduates, alongside 19 trainee teachers, two of whom stepped into teaching roles early. Our Speech Conference was a powerful highlight. Students who once struggled to speak English presented thoughtful, well-structured ideas with confidence and purpose. I was especially inspired by their social enterprise projects: practical solutions rooted in real community challenges, such as honey farming initiatives that support both livelihoods and local wellbeing. Their ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and present with conviction reflects the dedication of our staff and the strength of our programme.
Despite challenges, including natural disasters, our team remained committed and reached over 22,000 community members. Our staff and students have built a positive, welcoming
environment, embracing change with courage, supporting one another, and extending warm hospitality to volunteers and visitors. My sincere thanks to Fresh Leaf Charitable Foundation and Tea People UK. Your support is changing lives. Mr Nagendiran, Principal
Hub Centre — Nuwara Eliya Fernando’s parents are both daily wage workers and his two older brothers work in the south of Sri Lanka. Despite everyone’s hard work, the family lives with limited resources. From a young age, Fernando dreamed of becoming a chartered accountant. He worked hard during his A-levels, but without a computer, preparing for exams was extremely difficult. After finishing school, the family's finances kept further study out of reach. When Fernando joined Tea Leaf Centre, our bus fare support enabled him to reduce pressure on his family and continue his studies. “Without that support, I would have been forced to drop out of the course.” Through the Business Fair project, Fernando says he “ learned how real business works: negotiating, managing accounts, keeping bills, and teamwork.” He discovered how to be professional, speak confidently in front of others, and introduce and market a product to customers. Today, Fernando’s dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant is alive. With the confidence and experience he has gained at TLC, he believes he can turn that dream into reality.
Pioneer Centre — Pussellawa The year 2025 has been one of perseverance and deep personal growth for our centre in Pussellawa. Stepping into the role of Principal after serving as a Teacher Trainer in Bogawantalawa was both a significant challenge and a valuable learning journey for me.
I am incredibly proud of how our staff and students united through every difficulty, demonstrating resilience and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, our 46 students and 4 trainee teachers provided service to 25,000 people in our community. Kindness that was personal, impactful and where it was needed most.
When Cyclone Ditwah struck in November, our community faced fear and significant isolation. Yet even in these moments, our team showed remarkable courage, safely supporting students and working tirelessly to relocate our entire centre. Together, staff and students moved to a new building in Tawalantenne, closer to tea estate communities, reducing travel barriers and opening access to those who need us most. My heartfelt thanks go to Mr Ram at the Gnanam Foundation and the Educational Opportunities Foundation. Your support has strengthened our resolve and made this journey possible. Miss Rajendram, Principal
Pioneer Centre — Pussellawa
“My name is Kogulan , I am from Batticaloa. With the support of a local NGO, I joined Tea Leaf with the hope of improving my English-speaking skills and building a better future.
When I first arrived, I felt quite alone. The language barrier was significant; the unfamiliar climate and being away from my family added to the emotional strain.
But with the support of my teachers and new friends, I began to thrive. The school taught me valuable life skills, and I was particularly inspired by the principles of service.
As a newcomer, I noticed that there were no clear name boards indicating the location of Pussellawa, and the police station, located on a hill along a main road, lacked proper signage and lighting, making it difficult for people to navigate the area. I decided to enhance visibility to serve both residents and visitors. I earned the required finances by working at a Milk Centre from 5 to 11 PM, delivering milk to people's homes. Completing this service project brought me a sense of pure happiness and pride I had never felt before. The Pussellawa police appreciated my efforts and treated me with warmth and gratitude, making me feel like an important member of the community. This experience taught me that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.”
Pioneer Centre — Ragala The relocation of our Udapussellawa centre to Ragala in January marked a defining moment. It has allowed us to better serve tea estate communities, and I am deeply proud of how quickly we have earned strong community support.
This year, we supported 51 full-time students and 84 part-time students (95% from the tea estates). Our small but mighty centre led impactful programmes across 12 schools, reaching 877 children through the Children’s English Project, often in the most isolated of areas.
We also pioneered a new, less scripted Speech Conference, where over 400 people witnessed students speak with courage and authenticity. Learning extended from theory to practice to make a lasting change and lead social transformation. We taught our students to identify and focus their service projects focused on Sustainable Development Goals and gender equity. The impact was incredible and we witnessed so many creative ideas which enabled our students to touch the lives of over 26,000 people.
My sincere thanks to Move92, CACM, and the Gnanam Foundation for your continued support in bringing education to those who need it the most. Ms Ajmal, Principal
Pioneer Centre — Ragala Krishanthini’s family have been looked down on by the local community because of their poverty. Yet she had a dream of becoming a role model in her community. This dream led her to the Tea Leaf Centre in Ragala.
When Krishanthini joined, she was the quietest person in the class who struggled with basic English words. But during the business fair, we saw a huge improvement in her communication skills, as we watched her interact with customers. Her growth continued, leading her to present at the Speech Conference. She stood before many community members and confidently spoke in English about her team’s social enterprise concept.
She brought many of her relatives to the Business Fair because she has built a good reputation for herself. Now, Krishanthini’s parents proudly introduce her as an English teacher at a CEP government school. Kirishanthini feels empowered and recognised by her community. “This wouldn’t have happened if Tea Leaf hadn’t given me the chance to showcase my skills.”
Pioneer Centre The Rani and David Moorcroft Centre This time last year, the Rani and David Moorcroft Community Centre did not exist. Yet today, it stands as a new beginning for an entire community built around opportunity and hope.
We opened in September with a small pioneering team, and began engaging 31 young people through a soft-skills programme and providing evening English classes for a further 30 Amba estate staff, helping to strengthen communication skills for future employment and customer-facing roles.
Our work has already expanded into meaningful community service. Students and staff have led clean-up projects at schools and clinics supporting over 1,200 people, and organised a health camp providing essential care to dozens more. These experiences are shaping confident, responsible young leaders.
Our sincere thanks go to Nilcarbon for bringing this vision to life, and to Amba Estate for providing land and championing education for their community. Ms Pettan, Principal
2024 Graduate Outcomes
From Education to Opportunity
This time last year, our 2024 graduates were stepping into an uncertain future. Today, they are building meaningful pathways into employment, education, and long-term careers.
88% of graduates were in employment or further education within six months
54% had gained meaningful employment
13% began teaching careers
8% began University or college studies
5% retook
A-level exams
Graduates are now working across sectors, including sales, teaching, insurance, and banking. Three alumni have secured a government role: an important marker of both achievement and growing recognition. Not all graduates are currently seeking work. Some are focusing on caring responsibilities within their families.
The National Context
Across Sri Lanka, the transition from education to employment remains a major challenge. Over 46% of unemployed people are youth Youth unemployment exceeds 20% Unemployment is highest among A-Level-qualified young people
How Tea Leaf is Different Our graduates are not left to navigate this transition alone. Each centre has a dedicated Outreach Project Coordinator who works closely with alumni: providing guidance, identifying job opportunities, and supporting applications.
With over 7,000 graduates and 16 years of presence in these communities, employers increasingly recognise the value of Tea Leaf graduates.
Collaboration across centres ensures that opportunities, networks, and support are shared—opening doors that would otherwise remain closed.
Kivya’s Story
“ As a young person, I had a dream to become a lawyer. My father wanted me to become the first lawyer in my family. I studied at Tea Leaf (in 2013) because I wanted to reach the standard of English required to study in an English-medium setting. Now I stand here, a young woman with a Diploma in International Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Laws, having taken my oaths as a lawyer.”
“ In Sri Lanka, it's really hard to become a lawyer without strong academic qualifications. After Tea Leaf, I intended to do my A-levels in the English medium but I couldn't because we didn't have enough English teachers.”
“Tea Leaf creates a fearless people, the lesson that came through from there was that I shouldn’t give up. That I should be confident in my abilities. When I took my A-levels, I couldn't get a sufficient rank to enter the law faculty. So I did my A-levels again and took competitive exams and failed. But I didn’t give up. ” In December 2025, I took my oath as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. For me to achieve this, to understand and use the language like this, it's because of Tea Leaf. If Tea Leaf were not there, I would not have come up to this standard. I am proud to say I am a Tea Leaf alumni”
Graduate Outcomes
EVEN NOW, PEOPLE SAY,
Jenita, 2007 graduate Now, pioneering a pre-school within her community.
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“TLT SHAPED ME INTO THE
PERSON I HAVE ALWAYS
ASPIRED TO BECOME”
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Sasanka, 2020 graduate Now, a Sales Executive for the Maldives hospitality sector.
“TEA LEAF SHOWED ME HOW TO CHANGE. NOW I AM A LEADER IN MY FAMILY,” Shilani, 2022 graduate Now, works in child development in the tea estates.
Supporting Classroom Teachers Government Teacher Coaching Programme
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Number of teachers coached 54
Number of schools
36
represented
Hours of training 199
Hours of mentoring by
465
international volunteers
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Supporting Classroom Teachers
Government Teacher Coaching Programme
In 2025, we continued to run a six-month training programme for teachers in government schools in the tea estates.
Many of these teachers had been internally assigned to teach English, often without specialist training or strong English skills themselves. As a result, lessons could become heavily textbook-based, lacking interaction and confidence-building activities. Teachers had a passion to teach, but needed the knowledge and tools to inspire learners.
Our programme is designed to improve lesson delivery, spoken English and teaching confidence, while placing children’s
rights and engagement at the centre of the classroom experience.
"I’m very happy to have found this opportunity. Now, I’m proud to speak English without fear. This course is not only useful for me but also for my students, who struggle financially to afford extra English classes. I encourage my colleagues to join and improve their knowledge to support their students. Thank you TLT and the Gnanam Foundation for your excellent service to teachers!" Primary Teacher, Bogawanthalawa District
Why This Programme Matters The training supported teachers to:
1.Speak better English — increasing their own confidence and live instruction ability
2.Write more interactive lesson plans — replacing copying exercises with structured activities
- 3.Teach in ways that support student learning — not just curriculum completion
Challenge in Government Schools
Limited specialist English teachers Internally-assigned teachers lacking confidence Rote learning, textbook-heavy lessons Low exam pass rates in O and A Levels No focus on child participation
How the Programme Responded Training delivered locally Build competence & spoken English Interactive and student-led approaches Stronger lesson planning & learner engagement Children’s rights embedded in training content
Strengthening Mothers to Protect Children
Women’s Self-Help Groups
In partnership with Kindernothilfe, Tea Leaf Trust delivers a Children’s Rights Programme that strengthens child protection, participation and family wellbeing in Sri Lanka’s tea estate communities.
Programme Reach
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Number of Self-help
65
Groups
Number of Women
1,124
empowered
Number of children
2,111
impacted
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Many families face financial insecurity, limited access to information, and weak support networks, affecting children’s safety, education, confidence, and future opportunities. Mothers often carry the responsibility of supporting their families while lacking the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to advocate effectively for their children.
Our Self-Help Group (SHG) programme responds by strengthening the social, economic, and leadership capacity of women, with children’s rights at the heart of community development. Through training, peer support, and practical action, women become more informed, confident, and connected within their communities. When women are empowered, children are safer, heard, and given greater opportunities to thrive.
Project Focus
Building Knowledge, Confidence and Leadership
Through training sessions, group discussions, and peer learning, mothers explored the rights every child should enjoy and the barriers that can prevent children from accessing them.
The programme equips women with practical knowledge and skills to strengthen family wellbeing, protect children, and become advocates within their communities.
Learning areas include:
Children’s Rights and Child Protection Family Budgeting and Debt Management Legal Rights and Gender Equity Nutrition and Family Health Civic Participation and Community Advocacy Emotional Wellbeing and Resilience For many participants, this was the first time they were encouraged to see themselves not only as caregivers but as leaders capable of creating positive change for their children and communities.
The Link Between Family Wellbeing and Children’s Rights
When mothers face financial, social, and informational barriers, children’s rights and opportunities can be affected. By strengthening women’s knowledge, confidence, and support networks, the programme helps create safer, more supportive environments for children to thrive.
Challenge for Mothers
Financial insecurity, debt, and unstable income
Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities alone Limited access to health, nutrition, and support services Limited awareness of children's rights and protection mechanisms Social isolation and low confidence in decision-making
Impact on Children Increased risk of school absenteeism, dropout, child labour, and lack of educational resources Reduced supervision and increased vulnerability to neglect, unsafe environments, and exploitation Poor health, concentration, and overall wellbeing Children are less likely to receive protection, advocacy, and access to support Children's needs and voices are less likely to be heard and prioritised
Intervention Pathway From Empowered Mothers to Thriving Children
The programme combines rights awareness, leadership development, and economic empowerment to help women build stronger futures for their families. Women first develop knowledge of children’s rights, leadership skills, and practical life skills through SHG training. They then receive support in self-employment and enterprise development, alongside seed funding to establish small businesses and improve household financial stability. As women increase their confidence, income, and influence within their communities, they are better equipped to protect, support, and advocate for their children.
| What Women Gained Impact on Children Knowledge Understanding of children's rights, services, and opportunities Better protection, care, and access to support Skills Budgeting, communication, advocacy, and problem-solving Greater household stability and family support Confidence Confidence to speak up, seek help, and influence decisions Children's needs and rights are more likely to be heard Leadership Active roles within SHGs and the wider community Positive role models and stronger community advocacy Networks Peer support, referrals, and community connections Reduced isolation and improved safeguarding for families By empowering women socially, economically, and as community leaders, the programme creates lasting improvements in child protection, participation, and family wellbeing—helping children grow up safer, more confident, and better equipped to achieve their potential. |
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Tea Leaf Trust Impact since 2010 For the data lovers....
How Can You Help?
Become a Friend with a monthly gift and provide consistent support to our students.
Stay connected through our monthly newsletter and social media.
Partner with us as a company, family, or foundation and expand access to education.
Volunteer with our team in Sri Lanka and invest directly in young people’s growth.
Volunteering at Our Schools
Volunteering with us builds meaningful connections between you, the staff, and the students. In 2025, more than twenty volunteers from around the world joined our centres, supporting conversational English, strengthening teaching practice, and sharing professional skills. Together, these volunteers donated more than £7,000 ($9,000) to support the work of the Centres they visited. For our students, these relationships grow confidence, widen horizons, and bring learning to life. For volunteers, it’s a chance to see firsthand the realities behind the tea we drink, alongside the resilience, hope, and potential within each community.
Interested? info@tealeaftrust.com
Institutional Funders
We are deeply grateful to our institutional funders for their continued partnership, which drives meaningful, measurable change in the communities we serve.
The Cole Family
Are you looking to invest in an established charity with a proven, high-impact return? We would love to explore how you can be part of this story. Email james@tealeaftrust.com or call +447419 907394
Collaborators and Supporters
Special thanks to
Bathavon Brit Valley Keswick
The Mirchandani Foundation, Haramead Trust, Oakdale Trust, Gibbs Trust, Wimal Jayaratnam, Ratnam Nadarajah, St Thomonians, Mark and Donna Penney, RG Hills Charitable Trust, CB HH Taylor Trust, Fulmer Charitable Trust, Souter Charitable Trust, Father O’Mahony Memorial Trust, Pat Newman Memorial Trust, Ken Tharmakulasingam, Tamil Aid, South London Tamil Church and Mahnaz Bhatti.
Thank you to our monthly donors; your commitment enables us to plan confidently and deliver life-changing education: Laurenne Ajayi, Sonia Allen, Francesco Calabria, Fiona Cartwright, Anne Cole, Charles Cole, Jane Ellis-Toner, Katherine Grennier, Justin Hamilton, Diana Holmes, Leonard Hope, Ailbhe Keogan, Kaphildev Kanagaraj, Angela McGrane, Betty Hung, Yvonne Logan, James Osborn, Abheetha Peiris, Mayaran Pusparaj, Brenda Santa-Maria, Matt Setchell, Jane Shaw, Marianne Stanley, Claire Stratton, Veena Supramaniam, Gina Taddeo, Jeyanthirajah Thambirajah, Rosie Wall and Sandie Whybrow
www.tealeaftrust.com info@tealeaftrust.com
Follow us: @tealeaftrust UK charity no: 1123427 Sri Lankan NGO no: L-169504:
Find out more :
Trustees Annual Review 2025
Legal and Administrative Information
Trustees
Caoimhe Ni Eochagain (Chair) Alexander Budden (Appointed September 2025)
Dr Yasmene Shah PHD
Douglas Shook (Appointed September 2025)
Naresh Mohan Sundaram
Naveen Arjuna Supramaniam
Stephanie Ray (Resigned October 2025) Laurenne Ajayi (Resigned May 2026)
Charity number: 1123427
Registered office: 3 Shear Plot, Bridport, DT6 6HH
Independent examiner: Andy Moore, Blaenpentre, SY25 7AW
Bankers: CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, ME19 4JQ
International Transfer: Wise Payments Limited, 1st Floor Worship Square, 65 Clifton Street, EC2A 4JE.
Charitable purpose and aims
Tea Leaf Trust is a Charitable Trust, constituted through Trust Deed in 2008, to relieve poverty, hardship and suffering anywhere in Sri Lanka but particularly in tea plantation districts by:
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assisting people to obtain and retain employment through training, imparting skills, education, and creation of opportunity;
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helping people of low income or in poverty regardless of their religion, culture gender or personal situations;
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assisting in building and construction projects that will provide shelter and infrastructure for local people for enhancement of their education, and of their standard of life through the development of agriculture, industry, trade, water supply and sanitation.
Public Benefit
The Charity Commission in its Charities and Public Benefit Guidance, requires that two key principles be met to show that an organisation’s aims are for the public benefit. First, there must be an identifiable benefit. Second, the benefit must be to the public or a section of the public. The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Trustees Annual Review 2025
Financial Review
Tea Leaf Trust is a UK-registered charity that exists to support the development and delivery of our work in Sri Lanka. While we refer to our organisation as Tea Leaf Trust globally, within Sri Lanka, we operate under the registered NGO name Tea Leaf Vision, with full authorisation to work in the country.
A central function of Tea Leaf Trust in the UK is fundraising to equip our programmes in Sri Lanka. While income is generated and managed through the UK accounts, the vast majority of expenditure relates directly to programme delivery in Sri Lanka. Following the expansion to six centres during the year, securing sustainable long-term funding remains a key priority for the charity.
In 2024, the trustees approved increased investment in fundraising to strengthen the charity’s individual donor network and develop new charitable foundation and corporate partnerships. Despite this strategic investment, support and administrative costs reduced significantly to 4% in 2025.
This reduction was primarily achieved through restructuring the charity’s media and communications approach. Tea Leaf Trust developed and trained an in-house Sri Lankan media team, all of whom are alumni of the programme and therefore deeply connected to the organisation’s mission and story. The team is supported and coached by a UK-based contractor, creating closer integration between international fundraising activity and the lived experiences and impact of the work on the ground in Sri Lanka.
Administrative costs increased this year as international transfer fees are now included within this reporting line, following advice from our Independent Examiner. These costs were previously included within funds transferred to Sri Lanka. Further costs were related to our investment in governance, financial oversight, and organisational development, supported by Accountants for International Development and participation in charity-specific training and development opportunities.
Programme management costs continue to be included within core project expenditure and are therefore excluded from the support and administrative category, consistent with the previous year’s reporting.
Thushanthini, Stefhan and Abiya: The Tea Leaf Media Team
Trustees Annual Review 2025
The tables below summarise the income and expenditure for the year:
| Tea Leaf Trust - for the year ended 2025 (GBP): | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Income | ||
| Grants | 170,077 | 142,515 |
| Donations | 63,814 | 64,589 |
| HMRC Gift Aid | 14,186 | 2,868 |
| Bank interest | 934 | 155 |
| International transfer refunds | 0 | 110 |
| Total | 249,010 | 210,237 |
| Expenditure | ||
| Charitable activities (Donations to Tea Leaf Vision Sri Lanka) | 183,829 | 130,791 |
| Programme Management | 26,949 | 29,836 |
| Fundraising costs | 3,812 | 3,863 |
| Social media costs | 0 | 6,600 |
| Travel and Accommodation costs | 2,080 | 2,086 |
| Admin costs (website, accountancy, bank and international transfer charges) |
2,910 | 1,699 |
| Total | 219,581 | 174,875 |
Trustees Annual Review 2025
Income
In 2025, Tea Leaf Trust raised a total of £249,010. This included £170,077 from grants provided by a number of generous funders, including the Fresh Leaf Trust (£31K), MNS Foundation (£25K), Maha Foundation (£24K), the Educational Opportunities Foundation (£13K), the Waterloo Foundation (£13K), and the Cole Family (£10K). Many of these funders have worked with us for a number of years; their ongoing support for us hugely encourages us.
We are incredibly grateful to our individual supporters worldwide who collectively donated £64,814 across the year, including more than £7,000 by volunteers who completed fundraising tea picks. Our collaborative fundraising campaign with Big Give: The Christmas Challenge, was hugely successful. Generous donors and pledgers enabled us to access match funding, securing £22,000 towards the work of our centres in Sri Lanka. We also received £14,186 in Gift Aid through HMRC, alongside tax relief claimed by our partner, Global Giving.
Our Management Team has worked hard to secure more support from Sri Lankan partners and donors. In 2025 we continued to bring impact for women and children through the Children’s Rights Programme from Kindernothilfe (KNH) and the Gnanam Foundation who provided valuable flexible funding for three of our centres.
In 2025, Tea Leaf Trust strengthened its partnership with the Sri Lankan clean energy cookstove project led by Nilcarbon, supporting the distribution of 300,000 improved cookstoves across tea estate communities. Beyond the significant environmental impact, the initiative is designed to improve health through reduced indoor smoke, lessen pressure on local firewood resources, and save families many hours previously spent collecting fuel. Crucially, the partnership is also creating long-term opportunities for community development, helping expand educational access, youth leadership programmes and women’s empowerment initiatives across the Upcountry region, while ensuring that tea estate communities are not simply beneficiaries of climate finance, but active participants in shaping how it is used for their future.
Support and Administrative Costs
Tea Leaf Trust continues to work with a UK-based contractor to provide fundraising guidance and operational support to the UK Trustees and the Sri Lankan management team, helping to strengthen donor engagement, communications, and long-term sustainability. The trustees remained committed to ensuring that the maximum possible proportion of funds was directed towards frontline programme delivery in Sri Lanka, while also investing strategically in the relationships and systems needed to sustain future growth.
In 2025, combined support and administrative costs represented approximately 4.8% of programme expenditure, reflecting the charity’s continued focus on cost-effective operations and responsible stewardship of donor funds.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees continue to hold a minimum of three months’ salaries for local staff in reserve. At year-end, the charity remained within these reserves, supporting our operational stability into 2026.
Trustees Annual Review 2025
Trustees’ Responsibilities in Relation to the Accounts
The Charities Act 2011 requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial position and the income and expenditure of that year.
In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:
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Select and apply suitable accounting policies consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
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Make reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates; and
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Prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to do so.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records that accurately reflect the charity’s financial position and ensure compliance with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking steps to prevent fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Board on 26th June 2026
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
Caoimhe Ní Eochágain, Chair of Trustees
TEA Trustees Annual Review 2025 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Recoipts and payments accounts The Tea Leaf Trust CC16a From 01101126 To 31112125 Ch•rity No. 1123427 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted Restricted funds Total fvnd L•si y••r R•ceipts 46765 14186 934 1871 2338•1 207104 Gift Inte¢ B•nk Charyo relwrfll 155 Total recelp 2102J7 P•ymonts chanta Fundr4tsing Ccots Bank and payTrint (w nn Co•ts Sw•1 med 1811 1>1799 3812 216 171 3112 1192 171 441 21•49 Total paymen 219981 174875 N•1 ofrnc•lpirfp•ym•nts) Cash lunds last y•ar •nd C•sh funds this y•w end 2447 37159 7112
TEA Trustees Annual Review 2025 Section 8 Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestrkt•d RestrKlod lund¥ fvnd• Tolal B1 Cuh funds 1947 4216 in Total cash fvnds 616 10 fvndl fvndg t• h•m¢ E t• n••r••i £ Detallg B2 Oth•r monotary ass•ts FWMI to Cort CwT•ThI D•talls B3 Inv•8tm•nl a88•ts Fund io •t b•l<¥Js loptlonal) D•tail¥ B4 Assets r•taln•d for tho charlty's own us• Fund lo hlch Am(x•nt V••n d Detalls B5 Llabllllle8 &walure PfYIt Nwn8 Date ol approval Ca'rthe Nl Eothagain 30106r202
TEA Trustees Annual Review 2025 Funds Movement Schedule Opening Balance to the nearest Additions In Payments In year year to the nearest lo the nearest C105in9 Balance to the nearest Restrlcled Funds Rotary Private Donors Give Educational Opportunities Foundation Maha Foundation New Leaf Trust Trusts and Foundatsons Fresh Leaf Trust MNS Foundation Pro ect Move 92 Cole famil 1750 4630 10819 13354 23920 5538 38700 31215 24508 17420 5152 10120 61885 249011 1750 4630 10819 13354 23920 5538 37700 31215 24508 16620 1999 10120 37409 219581 1000 31215 31215 800 10903 7749 Unrestricted Funds Total Funds 37158 76122 61634 105552 Notes CIO Guaranleos and Socurgd D•bts The trustees confim. in ac(x)rd2n(* with the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Generall Regulations 2012. thal al the year end the CIO did nol have any tsLqndlng guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured on assets of the CIO.
TEA
Trustees Annual Review 2025
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ members of The Tea Leaf Trust
On accounts for the Charity no period 1/1/25 to 31/12/25 (if any) 1123427 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the period 1/1/25 to 31/12/25 Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. The accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with section 133 of the act.
Independent I confirm that I have the requisite skills and experience to conduct the examiner's statement Independent Examination for this charity to the standards required as set out in Appendix 5 of CC32. Although retired from practice as an accountant and as a member of a listed professional accountancy body, I continue to conduct a number of examinations on a voluntary basis every year. I also confirm that I am independent of the charity as set out in Direction 2 of CC32.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
| Signed: Name: Address: |
30/6/26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Andy Moore | ||
| Blaenpentre, Swyddffynnon, Ystrad Meurig, SY25 6AW |