Founded in 2009 by Rainer Meutsch following an inspirational solo journey around the world, Germany’s Fly & Help is now active in 57 countries across three continents.
Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has built hundreds of schools in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, working with trusted local partners to ensure that every donation directly benefits classrooms and gives thousands of children access to quality education.
Since 2013, HOF has served as Fly & Help’s implementing partner in Sri Lanka, overseeing the completion of 31 preschools with the Piyawara programme.
Fly & Help’s decision to establish the 1,000th global school in Sri Lanka is celebrated as a significant source of national pride.
The newly built Piyawara preschool in Wennappuwa reflects both Sri Lanka’s role as a trusted partner and Fly & Help’s mission to expand access to education worldwide.
Constructed on land allocated by the local council, the facility provides a safe and inspiring environment for 75 children, replacing inadequate conditions where the school had previously operated.
Teachers appointed by the local council will now integrate into HOF’s established Piyawara preschool network.
Rainer Meutsch, Founder, Fly & Help, said,
“The opening of our 1,000th school is a deeply moving milestone for me and for our entire foundation.
Together with our partner in Sri Lanka, the Hemas Outreach Foundation, we celebrate not only a school, but a beacon of opportunity.
Education is the key to a brighter future, and I am proud that Fly & Help has now been able to build 1,000 schools in 57 countries, giving children all over the world the chance to learn, dream, and shape their own lives.”
For the children, the new Piyawara preschool represents opportunity, dignity, and hope.
For the community, it reinforces trust in the transparency and accountability of Sri Lanka's development partners, particularly HOF, to deliver quality early childhood education.
HOF launched the Piyawara programme in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in 2002, establishing one of the country's longest-running public-private partnerships.
Today, Piyawara has 76 preschools across Sri Lanka.
Executive Director of Hemas Outreach Foundation, Shiromi Masakorala added,
“Early childhood education is the platform on which brighter futures are built, and we are proud to be a part of Sri Lanka’s commitment to quality and inclusive learning that continues to inspire trust from global partners.
For over two decades, Hemas’s partnership with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has been rooted in the belief that every child deserves the strongest possible start in life.
Working hand‑in‑hand with Fly & Help, we ensure each open Piyawara preschool is a sustainable part of the community, supported, monitored, and nurtured for the long term.”
Abbas Esufally Chairman, Hemas Outreach Foundation (HOF) / Group Director, Hemas Holdings PLC said,
“The longstanding partnership between Fly & Help and HOF is a testament to the strength of purposeful collaboration.
We are truly grateful for the confidence placed in us by the Government of Sri Lanka and Fly & Help.
When organizations come together with a shared vision for the future of children, remarkable achievements such as the inauguration of the 1,000th global school become a reality.”
The landmark project reflects a model of sustained collaboration and mutual trust.
It demonstrates the confidence international foundations such as Fly & Help place in Hemas Outreach Foundation as a proven and reliable partner.
The accomplishment enhances Sri Lanka’s global reputation and highlights the country’s ability to foster sustainable development partnerships that create lasting change.
For more information, on Fly & Help - www.fly-and-help.de/en and HOF - www.hemasoutreach.com
Photo captions
1. From (L-R)
Rainer Meutsch – Founder - Fly & Help, Shiromi Masakorala - Executive Director of Hemas Outreach Foundation, Silanca Weihmann - Deputy Chairperson - Fly & Help, and Abbas Esufally Chairman - Hemas Outreach Foundation (HOF) / Group Director - Hemas Holdings PLC opening the 1,000th global school.
2. From (L-R)
Unveiling the plaque to commemorate the opening of the 1000th Global School, a joint initiative by FLY & HELP and the Hemas Outreach Foundation by Dr. Namal Sudharshana - Deputy Minister - Women and Child Affairs, Rainer Meutsch – Founder - Fly & Help, Shiromi Masakorala - Executive Director of Hemas Outreach Foundation, and Abbas Esufally Chairman - Hemas Outreach Foundation (HOF) / Group Director - Hemas Holdings PLC.
3. FLY & HELP team with the students and teachers at the 1000th school
4. The newly opened Piyawara Preschool in Wennappuwa