NTB’S rural schools library, ‘math lab’ projects a success
As Nations Trust Bank (NTB) branches out island-wide, its corporate social responsibility programme does likewise, reflecting the bank’s commitment towards the community in which it operates.
Education has been an integral focus area for Nations Trust Bank. With this in mind the bank has contributed eleven libraries for several rural schools including Seewali MV in Rupawatta, Udahena, Galabadawatta Primary in Rangala, Habarakada Dharmapala Primary in Tawalama, Millawa Kanishta in Morawaka, Manampita Ratnasara MV in Mattaka, Kitalawa KV in Makulawa, Galgamuwa. In addition, more libraries were donated to Navuntuduwa Navodya MV in Matugama, Amunutenna Kanishta Vidiyalaya, Arali Hindu College in Vaddukoddai, Karavatti Saraswathie Balika Vidiyalai, in Nelliady and Kithul Sri Krishna Vidiyalayam in Kithul, Karadiyanaru Batticaloa and Kimbissa KV in Kimbissa, Sigiriya.
Another one of the bank’s latest CSR efforts has been to set up ‘math labs’ in schools wherever a new bank branch is opened. Mathematics is an important and vital subject that students have to sit for at the Ordinary Level examination. In the event students fail this subject, such students will not be able to continue with their studies for the Advanced Level examination and moreover will be deemed to have failed the entire Ordinary Level examination. For this reason, the importance of imparting a sound math education in the young minds of our students is essential.
A ‘math lab’ provides a much needed space and opportunity for students to explore various mathematical concepts and verify mathematical facts and theorems through a variety of activities using different materials. These activities may be carried out by the teacher or the students and seek to stimulate an interest among the students and make the learning of mathematics an enjoyable experience. The bank also sends out personnel in order to train the teachers to make maximum use of the lab.
Mahabellankadawela MV, in Malwanegama, Talawa, Boralesgamuwa MV, in Boralesgamuwa, Vidiyaraja MV at Hokkandara, Paynter Memorial School in Nuwara Eliya, Vijaya MV, in Chillaw, Kaduruwela Nagara MV in Kaduruwela, Polonnaruwa, Kalawila KV, at Aluthgama and St Martin De Pores School in Wennappuwa were last year’s recipients of the math laboratories. The bank partners with ‘CandleAid’, formerly known as AFLAC International in implementing this project.