I am inspired to see how quality education and mentorship can transform someone's life. I was fortunate to be selected for a program called GEM E- mentorship in which I was a mentee for a year. I was mentored and empowered by women professionals in that program. I wanted to create a platform that not only educates but also empowers young girls to reach their full potential.
Your Soft Skills Mentor
Ignite Your Potential
with Spark!
Empowering young girls and women to shine, grow, and lead with confidence through essential soft skills training.
Our Programs
About Spark
Our Mission
Our programs are designed to inspire and motivate young people to pursue their dreams and are delivered right in their own community. Spark provides guidance, mentorship, and resources to young women through our empowerment programs. Our mission is to foster a supportive environment that nurtures the next generation of leaders to realize their full potential and drive positive change wherever they live.
Our Team
Meet Our Team
We have four committed volunteers delivering the sessions in-person. Our program coordinators are current university students majoring in fields such as biotechnology, geography, commerce, and social sciences. They all share a common vision of empowering young women to create positive change in society.
Madelyn Mariyanayagam
Founder
Thilaksha
Lead Coordinator
Nithuksha
Coordinator
Muharnia
Coordinator
Powsini
Coordinator
A Message from the Founder
My name is Madelyn, and I am a Grade 12 student in Ontario, Canada. I am passionate about empowering youth to become confident and resilient individuals. Last year, I participated in a mentorship program in Toronto that highlighted the importance of soft skills such as communication, time management, goal setting, and leadership. Inspired by what I learned, I wanted to share these tools with others, and that’s how SPARK began.
Since Sri Lanka is my parents’ homeland, I naturally wanted my first project to benefit young women here. I collaborated with local schools and enlisted the support of four dedicated facilitators to coordinate the program through a series of workshops.
Our Programs
Ignite YourPotential
We have selected six main soft skills to train the students with. These soft skills are essential for youth development & future success.
01
Goal Setting
Goal setting is the process of defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. It provides direction and motivation, helping individuals and teams focus their efforts and resources on achieving desired outcomes. The importance of goal setting lies in its ability to clarify priorities, track progress, and maintain momentum, leading to higher levels of achievement and personal satisfaction.
02
Time-Management
Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. Good time management enables individuals to work smarter, not harder, ensuring greater efficiency and productivity. Its importance lies in reducing stress, enhancing focus, and achieving a better work-life balance, ultimately leading to the successful accomplishment of goals.
03
Communication
Communication involves the exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between individuals through speaking, writing, or other mediums. Effective communication is essential for building relationships, facilitating understanding, and ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and efficiently. It plays a critical role in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, significantly impacting personal and professional success.
04
Teamwork
Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common objective. It involves communication, cooperation, and mutual support. The importance of teamwork stems from the diverse skills and perspectives it brings together, enhancing problem-solving capabilities and creativity. It also fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, leading to improved morale and productivity.
05
Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is the belief in one's abilities and judgment. It plays a crucial role in personal and professional development, enabling individuals to take risks, make decisions, and pursue goals with determination. High self-confidence leads to better performance, resilience in the face of challenges, and the ability to influence and inspire others positively.
06
Leadership
Leadership involves guiding and motivating a group towards achieving a common goal. Effective leadership encompasses a range of skills including decision-making, empathy, vision, and the ability to inspire others. Its importance lies in the ability to drive progress, foster innovation, and create a cohesive and motivated team, ultimately leading to the success of projects and organizations.
FAQ
Any Questions?
What inspired you to start SPARK?
Why did you choose to focus specifically on high school girls?
High school is a pivotal time in a girl’s life, where decisions and opportunities shape her future. This is also when many girls face barriers such as societal expectations, lack of resources, or self-doubt. We want to bridge that gap and provide support.
How does education contribute to girls' empowerment in your view?
Education is the foundation for empowerment. It not only opens doors to opportunities but also builds confidence, critical thinking, and independence. Educated girls are more likely to uplift their families and communities.
How do you identify and select the participants in your programs?
We work closely with schools, to identify girls who show potential but face challenges. We also have an application process where girls can share their stories and aspirations.
Are your programs available in specific regions or globally?
Currently, our programs are focused in Eastern Sri Lanka but we plan to expand it to other regions in the future.
Do you partner with schools, local governments, or other nonprofits?
We collaborate with schools for outreach and partner with local nonprofit organizations for support to amplify our impact.
What advice do you give to schools or communities looking to empower high school girls?
Focus on creating safe spaces for girls to express themselves, invest in mentorship programs, and encourage girls to take on leadership roles. We are planning to host workshops for parents to help them understand the importance of education and how to support their daughters' ambitions.
What are your long-term goals for the organization?
Our long-term goal is to expand our programs to underserved communities, creating a network of empowered women who support each other.
As a founder, what did you gain by launching this program?
Seeing a mentee gain confidence and break barriers has been incredibly rewarding. For example, one participant overcame personal challenges to become one of the coordinators.
How do you balance running SPARK with other personal and academic commitments?
I prioritize and delegate tasks effectively, and I’m fortunate to have a supportive team that shares my vision. I am also actively volunteering in my community on various fronts, so delegation is key to continue my activities.
What do you hope people take away after learning about SPARK?
I hope people see the transformative power of education and feel inspired to support or replicate similar efforts in their own communities.
How can someone contact you to receive your workshops?
email address: sparkwell99@gmail.com
Session Highlights
Inside Spark Sessions
Experience the energy and growth in our sessions through these highlights of photos and videos.
Session 1: Goal Setting
Participants explored techniques to define clear, achievable goals and created personalized action plans to turn their aspirations into reality.
Session 2: Time Management
This session equipped attendees with practical strategies to prioritize tasks, beat procrastination, and make the most of their time.
Session 3: Communication & Teamwork
Through interactive activities, participants enhanced their ability to express ideas effectively and collaborate in team environments.
Session 4: Self-Confidence & Leadership
Empowering exercises helped participants build self-belief and develop leadership skills to inspire and guide others confidently.
What Our Participants Say
"Our sincere thanks to Mahillni for thoughtfully preparing the material in this program to help develop us students!"
- Saluja
"I started attending this program with low expectations, but now I am amazed at the self-discorvery it brought to me. Now, I have a much better idea on my future goals and aspiriations!"
- Vithurshika
"Thank you to Mahillni for conducting such an amazing program! While it was only 4 sessions, the knowledge we obtained was unbelivable and the experiences we had were unforgettable!"
- Vershnavi
"This program has sparked a newfound confidence in me to push toward my goals and succeed in the future!"
- Dhilaksha