The BOOKBRIDGE Learning Centre at Bandarawela

The grand opening of the first BOOKBRIDGE Learning Centre for Sri Lanka was inaugurated on June 9th under the name “Skills Learning Centre” at Bandarawela. Hon. Tissa Kuttiarachi Member of the Uva Provincial Council was invited as the chief guest and Prof. Nimal De Silva joined the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Mr. Himimal Munasinghe Secretory to Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure joined the event as the Key-note speaker. Ms. Monika Nowaczyk- The Country Development Manager of BOOKBRIDGE, Mr. Janaprith Fernando – The International Commissioner of Sri Lanka Scout Association, The International A team of 14 senior executives from 9 countries in Europe, The European Business Coach Ms. Emilie Barrallon, Sri Lankan Business Coach Mr. Eranda Ginige, Members of the Sri Lanka Scouts Association, Managers and officers from various organizations, principals, Teachers and students from various schools participated in this historical event.

Since January, theteam of our 3rd General Management Plus Program developped a compelling vision for the learning center: to make the future shine for the people in Bandarawela. Two months later, they pitched their business plan to an external investor – with success! Three weeks later, they found themselves in Bandarawela to implement the business plan on-site, leading into an opening ceremony.

“SKILLS Learning Center” offers life skill courses according to the locally-felt community need for a minimal fee. The center is designed to meet the needs of the Bandarawela young generation to discover their talent and develop their personality in order to become a selfdetermined member of the community.

SKILLS Learning Center will provide high-quality and personalized education, with a strong focus on language based training across all levels, personality development classes, as well as courses for new media (Internet and the usage of social media in daily lives).

The learning centre is headed by Sujitha Miranda and assisted by P. Satheeshraj with the assistance of local teachers, who are supported by a team of senior executives from the WHU Dusseldorf, the BOOKBRIDGE foundation through its network and the Sri Lankan Scouts Association.

The first students have signed up for the course offerings. Among them, students can develop their personal vision on what they would like to do in their lives.