Fun Fact! Did you know more than 1.57 million children are at a risk of dropping out of school each year due to poverty?
Did you also know that a further 50% of the same number is at risk of dropping out when transitioning to high school?
This is where Golden Generation comes in with Soma Na Golden Generation Program!
Overview of Soma Na Golden Gen
Soma Na Golden Gen is the educational arm of Golden Generation Organisation, created to address the academic challenges faced by children in underserved communities. The program aims to achieve UNSDG 4 by ensuring children have access to quality education. Currently, we have 11 children in different levels and schools sponsored in the program.
Targeting children aged 6 to 16 from low-income areas and informal settlements, Soma Na Golden Gen focuses on those at risk of dropping out or falling behind academically, with an inclusive approach that emphasizes gender equity. It is designed to be both scalable and sustainable, providing children the opportunity to pursue both their academic and athletic dreams without compromise.
Our Program Framework
Below is a detailed display of how Soma na Golden Gen executes it’s activities:
School Fees Sponsorship
At the heart of Soma Na Golden Gen is the belief that no child should be denied education due to financial constraints. One of the program’s cornerstone activities is school fees sponsorship, where children from low-income families are fully or partially sponsored to attend formal education institutions.
The initiative identifies academically promising or at-risk students within the community and ensures they are enrolled in school, with their tuition fully covered. This support not only improves school attendance but also relieves financial pressure from families, allowing children to focus on learning rather than survival.
School Uniforms and Learning Materials Distribution
In addition to covering tuition, Soma Na Golden Gen provides school uniforms and essential learning materials such as textbooks, exercise books, writing tools, and school bags. Many of the children we support attend classes without the basic resources required to learn effectively.
By supplying these necessities, the program removes a significant barrier to participation and helps restore dignity and confidence among learners. It also ensures that children can meet school requirements without standing out due to poverty, fostering a more inclusive classroom experience.
After-School and Holiday Literacy Sessions
The program also runs after-school and holiday literacy sessions, designed to provide remedial support, improve reading and comprehension skills, and assist children who are lagging behind academically. These sessions are held in safe, child-friendly spaces within the community and are led by trained tutors, volunteers, and educators.
The curriculum is tailored to the learner’s level, helping to boost the learner’s weak subjects. During school holidays, the sessions expand to include life skills, creativity, and leadership training, keeping children engaged, protected, and continuously learning.
Digital Learning (Basic Computer Lessons)
Recognizing the growing importance of technology in modern education, Soma Na Golden Gen integrates digital learning through basic computer lessons. These sessions introduce children to essential digital skills such as typing, online research, and the use of educational software.
For many of the beneficiaries, it is their first interaction with computers. This digital exposure not only enhances their learning experience but also prepares them for future academic and career opportunities in an increasingly digital world. By providing this foundation, the program ensures that even children from marginalized communities are not left behind in the digital age.
Our Bigger Vision
Soma Na Golden Gen is more than just an education program—it is a vehicle for personal, family, and community transformation. Below are seven key impacts of the program, each rooted in the power of education:
Avenue Out of Poverty
Education is one of the most effective long-term strategies to break the cycle of poverty. By supporting children with school fees and academic resources, Soma Na Golden Gen equips them with the knowledge and qualifications needed to access better opportunities, increasing their potential for gainful employment and economic independence in the future.
Education’s Ripple Effect on Families and the Community
When one child receives an education, it influences the entire family. Siblings are inspired, parents become more involved in academic affairs, and households begin to prioritize learning. In turn, communities start to shift their values toward education, resulting in a culture where schooling is normalized and celebrated.
Creating Future Leaders and Changemakers
Through academic mentorship and personal development programs, Soma Na Golden Gen nurtures leadership potential in every child. With access to quality education, these young learners are empowered to dream bigger, speak up, and take initiative. Many are already showing signs of leadership in their schools and communities—proof that educated minds can lead transformational change.
Reduction in Dropout Rates and Child Labor
With children no longer burdened by school fees or the pressure to contribute financially to their families, dropout rates have significantly decreased. Education becomes a daily priority, not a luxury, and more children are staying in school rather than engaging in informal labor or dangerous environments.
Promotion of Gender Equity
By intentionally including girls and providing them equal access to educational resources, the program addresses long-standing gender disparities. Educated girls are more likely to delay early marriage, advocate for their rights, and become role models for their peers, further contributing to gender-balanced development.
Improved Academic Performance and Self-Esteem
Regular tutoring and literacy sessions have led to notable academic improvements among participants. Beyond grades, children develop confidence, discipline, and a belief in their potential—transformative traits that extend beyond the classroom into every area of life.
Foundation for Future Talent and Innovation
By integrating basic digital literacy, Soma Na Golden Gen prepares children to participate in an evolving digital economy. Education becomes not just a means of survival but a foundation for future innovation, entrepreneurship, and contribution to the country’s knowledge economy.
How Can I Support Soma Na Golden Gen?
Soma Na Golden Gen thrives through the generosity of individuals, partners, and organizations that believe in the transformative power of education. Below are multiple ways you can contribute to the growth and sustainability of this impactful program;
Financial Donations
One of the most direct and powerful ways to support Soma Na Golden Gen is through financial contributions. These funds go toward covering school fees, purchasing learning materials, hiring qualified tutors, and expanding our literacy and mentorship programs. Recurring or one-time donations can be channeled toward sponsoring individual students, funding specific program needs, or scaling the program to reach more communities.
Material Support
We welcome in-kind donations of school supplies, uniforms, books, computers, tablets, desks, chairs, and other learning tools. These items are distributed directly to students or used to enhance learning spaces. Beyond classroom needs, materials like internet routers, printers, and educational software are essential to support our growing digital learning component. Such contributions reduce our operational costs and ensure resources reach the children who need them most.
Mentorship Opportunities
Education is more than textbooks—it’s also about guidance, inspiration, and exposure. Mentorship programs allow professionals, educators, athletes, and community leaders to engage with students through workshops, career talks, and one-on-one mentorship.
These sessions help children develop a vision for their future, build confidence, and access networks they would otherwise be excluded from. Local and international volunteers are welcome to be part of this life-changing experience.
Building a Library or Educational Center
One of our major dreams is to build a dedicated community library and educational resource center—a safe, quiet, and inspiring space where children can study, read, and participate in academic enrichment activities. Donors can sponsor the construction, furnishing, or stocking of this facility, helping us create a permanent learning sanctuary within the community.
Establishing an ICT Hub
Digital literacy is increasingly vital for academic and professional success. Supporters can partner with Soma Na Golden Gen to build and equip an ICT hub, where children can access computers, internet, and structured technology training. This hub would also serve as a training ground for teachers and community members, opening up additional pathways for skill development and employability.
Corporate Partnerships and CSR Initiatives
Organizations and brands can align their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals with Soma Na Golden Gen by sponsoring program components, donating branded materials, or funding infrastructure projects. In return, partners receive visibility, social impact metrics, and opportunities for direct engagement with the communities they’re helping to transform.