On 02nd of July 2024, the Director of the International Affairs Division, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Dr. Ruwini Dharmawardene graced the badge-awarding ceremony as the Chief Guest held at Sri Abhayathissa School – Berenduwa, Lellopitiya, Ratnapura. The students of the school media group “Sri Arunodaya” were given badges on this occasion. This event was not only a celebration of the student’s achievements but also a testament to our university’s unwavering commitment to education and literacy. The Director announced a substantial book donation programme in a heartfelt gesture that underlined the importance of knowledge and learning.
In support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 4 – Quality Education, No. 10 – Reduced Inequalities, and No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, the initiative aimed to enrich the school library’s collection, providing students access to various genres and subjects. This generous contribution will undoubtedly foster a culture of reading and intellectual growth among the students. The Director focused on the following targets.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Target 4.7:- Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. By donating books, we are directly contributing to the improvement of educational resources, literacy, and learning outcomes for students, which aligns to ensure quality education for all.
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Target 10.2:- Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all. Providing books to a school, particularly in underprivileged or underserved areas, helps reduce educational inequalities by giving students access to learning materials they might otherwise lack.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Target 17.17:- Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships. This initiative can serve as a model for collaboration between private individuals, corporations, and educational institutions to foster a collective impact on education and community development.
During the ceremony, the Director addressed the gathering, emphasizing the transformative power of books. “Books are the gateways to knowledge, imagination, and empathy. By donating these books, we hope to ignite a lifelong love for reading in our students and equip them with the tools they need to succeed,” the Director remarked.
The badge-awarding ceremony was a momentous occasion, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the students of Sri Arunodaya, the school media group. The addition of the book donation program added a deeper significance to the event, highlighting our institution’s commitment to holistic education. Students, teachers, and parents alike were moved by the Director’s thoughtful initiative. The donated books, carefully selected to cater to different age groups and interests, promise to be a valuable resource for both academic and personal growth.
As we honor the students’ achievements, we are reminded of the profound impact that one person’s vision and generosity can have on an entire community. Director’s book donation programme is a beacon of hope and inspiration, ensuring that the students have the opportunity to explore new worlds and ideas through the pages of a book. This occasion will be remembered not just for the accolades and honors bestowed upon our students, but also for the lasting legacy of learning and literacy that has been set in motion. The Director was able to donate books to the school worth LKR 50,000. This is a developing school having about 250 students in total, who will benefit from this donation. It will also affect the improvements in literacy or academic performance.