Our Purpose

Breaking Through Stigma, Isolation, and Silent Hardship

Understanding the challenges single mothers face in Sri Lanka and why our work matters.

A Perfect Storm of Challenges.

Single mothers in Sri Lanka face a combination of economic hardship, social stigma, and emotional trauma that creates a cycle of vulnerability difficult to escape without support.

Many become single mothers due to widowhood, abandonment, or fleeing domestic violence. Without extended family support or community acceptance, they often struggle alone.

The combination of childcare responsibilities, limited employment opportunities, and social discrimination creates barriers that are nearly impossible to overcome individually.

A woman walking down a wet street on a rainy day, holding a black umbrella and carrying a woven bag, wearing a green top and orange skirt.
Close-up of pink and white lilies blooming with green foliage in background.

“Arva Foundation taught me how to rise again, not to give up on life. It truly helped me find strength and a new path forward.”

- A resilient mother we had the privilege to support

The Triple Burden

Single mothers face interconnected challenges that create a cycle of vulnerability.

The Power of Holistic Support

Our approach recognizes that addressing just one aspect of a mother's challenges is insufficient. True transformation requires comprehensive support.

Text about emotional trauma and its effects on single mothers, including relationship breakdown, pain, depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
A presentation slide titled '2. Financial Instability' that discusses the financial crisis faced by single mothers, with bullet points on insecure housing, food insecurity, limited healthcare access, and educational barriers for children, set against a pink background.
Slide from a presentation with pink background, titled 'Social Stigma'. Contains text about social stigma faced by single mothers in Sri Lanka, including points on community rejection, employment discrimination, limited social networks, and children facing prejudice.

Breaking the Cycle

Our holistic approach addresses each aspect of this triple burden.

A woman in an orange dress walking with a child along the shoreline at the beach.

  • By addressing emotional trauma through professional counseling, we help mothers build the psychological foundation needed to pursue financial independence.

  • Our monthly living support removes immediate survival pressures, creating space for mothers to focus on long-term development and business training.

  • By connecting mothers with each other and supportive mentors, we combat isolation and create networks that provide both emotional and practical support.

  • Our ultimate goal is for each mother to build a self-sufficient life through sustainable income generation, breaking dependency cycles permanently.

Stories of Transformation.

  • Pink orchids with yellow and purple markings on a dark background.

    "How one mother found hope and rebuilt her life with us"

    “ Orchid (name changed for privacy) came to Arva at a time of deep hardship, battling serious health challenges while raising her young son and caring for her elderly mother. With encouragement, financial support, and guidance from Arva, she found the strength to rebuild her life—starting a small cooking business that has now grown into her own shop. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of support.”

  • Close-up of a vibrant yellow daffodil flower against dark green foliage.

    “How one mother rose above hardship and built a brighter future with us”

    “Daffodil (name changed for privacy) is a devoted mother of three who endured years of abuse, financial hardship, and fear while raising her children alone. When she connected with Arva , she not only received essential financial support and tools to start a small business, but also found encouragement and care from people who stood by her like family. With their guidance, Daffodil is slowly rebuilding her life, holding on to hope and dignity for her children’s future.”

Learn more

The Ripple Effect.

  • Group of smiling schoolchildren in light blue uniforms waving and looking at the camera.

    Children Thrive

    When mothers are emotionally healthy and financially stable, their children have better educational outcomes, improved mental health, and greater future opportunities.

  • A busy street market with people walking, shopping, and carrying umbrellas for shade. Various stalls and shops line the street with trees and a temple or monument in the background.

    Communities Strengthen

    Empowered mothers become active community members, creating businesses that employ others, mentoring fellow mothers, and breaking down stigma.

  • A cityscape with high-rise buildings, a river, and a green hill in the background on a clear day.

    Economies Grow

    Supporting single mothers to become entrepreneurs contributes to local economic development, with positive impacts extending beyond individual families.

The Multi-Generational Impact

By supporting a mother today, you're not just changing one life - you're influencing generations to come. Children who see their mothers overcome adversity learn resilience, determination, and empathy. These values ripple forward, creating positive change that extends far beyond our initial investment

Ready to Make a Difference?

Your support helps break the cycle of vulnerability for single mothers in Sri Lanka.