Empowering individuals to make sustainable changes in their lives and communities

About OPEnE

We are an organization firmly committed to enhancing systems that empower communities and foster entrepreneurship. We work with marginalized groups in Sri Lanka such as agricultural & coastal fishing communities and women. Our main areas of focus is to promote inclusivity, climate justice, disaster preparedness, and social cohesion at the community level. 

More About Us

10+

Years

What We Do

Organization of People for Engagement and Enterprise (OPEnE) is a local, grassroots non-profit development organization. OPEnE was established in 2016 and is based in the Mannar district of Northern Sri Lanka.

Our work aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

We promote sustainable fishing practices among the local fishing community and empower them to protect their resources.

Gender Equity and Women Empowerment

We empower women through Self Help Groups (SHG), provide nutritional support and financial literacy and training and guide entrepreneurs.

Education and Holistic Child Development

We follow a community-based approach to improve spoken English among students, increase digital learning and training educators with the needed skills.

Community Capacity Building, Governance and Social Cohesion

Instead of merely funding businesses, we equip entrepreneurs by providing materials, conducting awareness sessions and assisting with technical support

Food Security, Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture

We provide technical support and training for farmers and home garden initiatives as well as distribute food security packages to many families.

Environmental Conservation, Disaster Preparedness and Climate Action

We aim to reduce disaster impacts by strengthening local capacity and enabling communities to act early.

Recent Posts

Testimonials

“I remember he hard working staff who wanted to do everything they could for the kids. But most of all I remember the cooperation between the kids and the staff. Because of all the efforts of the staff, I saw the kids growing.”

Janah, Volunteer
“My experience at OPEnE was extremely valuable. I had learned to be more patient, resilient and to push myself further to break my limits. Other native volunteers and their hard work motivated me and their selflessness encouraged me to stop trying despite the uncertainties of the outcome.”
Hajin Shim, Volunteer

“OPEnE is an organization with heart for their work and for the children. What I think is very important, is that all of the staff that work or volunteer here should be able to speak and write English. This is one of the most important skills for children in this world to learn.”

Mirjam mekel, Volunteer

“Working with OPEnE was enlightening and inspirational. I love the atmosphere that ran throughout the organization, which was full of determination and kindness of the children. It is organization such as OPEnE that are crucial for the wellbeing of Sri Lanka in a post war context.”

Talya Pillard,

“OPEnE as a local, friendly and open organization that tries to improve the English skills, IT skills of the children in Mannar. I had a good time with all of the volunteers at OPEnE.”

Charlotte Cornolis,

Our Partners

IUCN