Social Development Process Fanned by Youth in the Country

Thevuni’s vision for a Human Library was also sparked by Active Citizens which led her to co-founding a project called Open House International which serves as a platform to stimulate interfaith dialogue.

The project has focused on theatre in the Eastern Province where 25 participants were equipped to be advocates to address community issues such as domestic violence and alcoholism. This has now grown into a start-up social service organisation.

Her social works has enabled her to serve as a member of the Advisory Group of Experts in the United Nations, Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, a panel appointed by the previous UN Secretary-General. Thevuni is the strong voice of the average, ordinary person at global forums.

“Active Citizens has helped me shape my mind and have a broad outlook about the world and life in general,” says Thevuni. “I have used many aspects of it, like the ‘River Journey’ activity for example which places emphasis that all change begins within. It teaches about the ‘ripple effect’ that you can initiate, encouraging everyone to change.”

Jonathan, 20, was also inspired by the British Council project. The highly energetic undergraduate’s goal is to work with less fortunate children and helping them raise their lives.

In 2015, Jonathan was part of Active Citizens training programme in Dickwella and was astounded by what he learned on the first two days as it gave new meaning to his personal journey ahead.

“It was a defining moment for me,” said Jonathan who is part of Sri Lanka Unites Dream Team Five which is fostering the new generation of leaders within the organisation.

“The entire structure of the programme (Active Citizens) made more sense than any other I had been involved in,” revealed Jonathan who set about designing a project called ‘Seeds’.

Seeds targeted under-privileged children from marginalised and poor communities in five different locations in the Central Province. The aim was to inspire them to have a purpose in life. The project focused on three main ideas starting with leadership and team building whereby encouraging children to think out of the box.

“I drew on elements of my Active Citizens learning journey like ‘Me and My Identity’ to make this session more meaningful,” says Jonathan.

The second idea was about understanding the purpose of life. “Many children find it hard to find a value or a purpose to their lives so I designed this session around a ‘Muppet Show’ using humour to deliver key messages like ambition and the value of setting goals in life,” Jonathan explained.

The last idea was about the importance of education. It highlighted successful leaders who rose to the top of their professions. “We used as examples people who the children could relate to and eventually be inspired to follow.”

Jonathan successfully completed five workshops absorbing expenses by recruiting volunteers to take part in the programme and spend time with the children. The feedback he received from the participants – children as well as volunteers – will be used to sustain Seeds in other parts of the country. Last year his determination and perseverance paid off as he received a grant which will help take Seeds to five other provinces this year benefiting 150 young children.

“I’m very grateful for Active Citizens as I was inspired by being part of this programme,” a thankful Jonathan adds.