Industry Insights 03 Jan 2026 views ( )

Pink Changing Lives: Mary Kay Builds 11th Kindergarten in Sri Lanka, Turning One Dream into Thousands of New Beginnings

As a global advocate for women's empowerment, Mary Kay Inc. transforms the power of pink into impactful philanthropic action through its Pink Changing Lives? initiative, aiming to raise awareness and funds in support of life-changing programs—including advancing cancer research, assisting domestic violence survivors, protecting Earth’s most precious resources, and creating opportunities where women and their families can thrive. Since 1996, this diverse Pink Changing Lives? program has contributed over $230 million in cash and product donations to improve the lives of women and their families in communities around the world.

In Germany, Mary Kay has maintained a long-standing partnership with the Reiner Meutsch FLY & HELP Foundation, supporting the construction or renovation of 10 schools across Africa. Today, the two organizations are expanding their global impact to South Asia with the opening of a new school in Sri Lanka.

Recently, Mary Kay Germany and FLY & HELP completed the renovation of the 11th Mary Kay School, launching a new chapter in early childhood education for the town of Dankotuwa in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. The renovated kindergarten will serve approximately 50 children aged 3 to 5, marking a significant step forward in Mary Kay’s mission to advance educational access in some of the world’s most underserved regions.

Dankotuwa, located in the Puttalam District, has long faced extreme poverty, weak infrastructure, and a severe lack of quality early childhood education. Previously, more than 35 preschool-aged children attended classes in an unsafe building. The newly renovated campus now offers a safe, warm, and sustainable learning environment complete with two classrooms, restrooms, and a playground—fully equipped to accommodate 50 children.

The Sri Lankan government has officially recognized the school, committing to provide qualified teachers and cover daily operational costs. Additionally, the government donated the land for the school, demonstrating strong support for long-term educational development in the region.

This philanthropic achievement was made possible through collaboration with Hemas Holdings PLC and a generous grant totaling €42,000. Completed at record speed, the school’s inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Elke Kopp, Managing Director of Mary Kay Germany, Reiner Meutsch, founder of FLY & HELP, and 31 Mary Kay independent sales directors attended the heartfelt event.

Elke Kopp, Managing Director of Mary Kay Germany, shared her reflections at the ceremony: “Seeing the joy on the children’s faces today deeply reminds me of the meaning behind our work. Education is the foundation of opportunity, and Mary Kay is proud to support a project that not only benefits children in Dankotuwa but brings positive change to all local families and the community. This initiative is a vital part of our commitment to creating social impact and economic sustainability in Sri Lanka, aiming to generate lasting change and help future generations thrive.”

Reiner Meutsch, formerly managing partner of a travel company, left his office desk to take the pilot’s seat—and that decision changed countless lives. In January 2010, he became the tenth German to fly solo around the world, visiting aid projects in Ghana, Rwanda, India, Indonesia, and Brazil along the way. To support these and other humanitarian efforts, Meutsch founded the Reiner Meutsch Foundation FLY & HELP in 2009, with a mission to ensure children have access to education. Through donations and partnerships, the foundation builds schools in developing countries worldwide.

Meutsch said: “For most of my life, I traveled for work, focused on tourism and destinations. But behind the beauty of many places, I saw children growing up without education or opportunity. That realization inspired me to act—by helping build schools and open doors to a better future. Every new school is not just a building; it’s a real starting point. I am deeply honored to partner with Mary Kay to bring these fresh beginnings to even more children around the globe.”

A commemorative plaque was unveiled during the ceremony to honor the 31 top-level Mary Kay sales directors from Germany and Switzerland who attended the opening. The inscription reads:

In grateful recognition of Mary Kay Germany and its independent sales directors for their visit to Piyawara Matikotuwa Kindergarten on September 23, 2025.

According to UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report, as of October 2024, 251 million children and adolescents worldwide are out of school. This kindergarten is more than just a building—it is a beacon of hope for the children and families of Dankotuwa. By providing early childhood education, the project enables parents to work, allows older siblings to attend school, and lays the foundation for brighter futures.

To learn more about Mary Kay’s global Pink Changing Lives? philanthropy initiative, refer to the latest impact data in the 2025 Sustainability Report.

About Mary Kay

A pioneer who dared to break the glass ceiling, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: enriching women’s lives. That dream has grown into a global company with millions of independent beauty consultants in over 40 markets. For over 60 years, Mary Kay has created opportunities enabling women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovative programs. Committed to investing in the science behind beauty, Mary Kay develops cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes we must protect our planet for future generations, support women affected by cancer and domestic violence, and inspire youth to pursue their dreams. For more information, visit marykayglobal.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

About Reiner Meutsch FLY & HELP Foundation

What began as five school projects launched during Meutsch’s world tour has evolved into a global movement. Today, FLY & HELP has completed over 1,000 school projects, investing approximately €50 million to create educational opportunities for thousands of children across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. For more information or to contribute, please visit the foundation’s website: www.fly-and-help.de.

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