Adapting Community Liaison Models for the Educational NGO Sector: Lessons from Educate Lanka

While governments are primarily responsible for ensuring educational access, they often fall short, leaving non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to bridge the gap. This study explores how education-focused NGOs can use a microscholarship model to strengthen community integration while effectively leveraging global funding, as local financial resources are often insufficient. Using the Educate Lanka Foundation (ELF), a Sri Lankan NGO supporting the education of underprivileged youth, as a case study, this research draws on fieldwork that includes stakeholder interviews and direct observation. The findings reveal that regardless of the specific funding model, the liaison officer (LO) plays a central role in facilitating local engagement and ensuring program success. LOs act as vital connectors between students, families, and organizational leadership, fostering trust and enhancing the impact of educational interventions. Drawing parallels to the proven success of community health workers in public health, the study argues that a liaison-officer framework should be more widely adopted in the education sector. This approach offers a community-centered model for improving educational access and sustainability in underserved regions.