Country Roads inspirational journey of 30 years
In its inception in 1988, during the tumultuous years of the war, the Country Music Foundation’s (CMF) Country Roads concert for children was a beacon of hope and real positive change for the neglected and disadvantaged communities in parts of the country no one else thought to go to. That sincere drive to help those that need it most has not wavered, 30 years down the line. It has instead grown into an incredibly successful and beloved concert that proudly holds the title of being South Asia’s longest running concert series for children. It has been a long and inspirational journey, full of memories and important lessons about life, we learn, as CMF Founder Feizal Samath shares some memorable anecdotes as they prepare for this year’s Country Roads concert on Saturday, October 20 at 6.30 p.m. at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. “The 30th anniversary is a milestone, and over the years we have also learned a lot about the children of Sri Lanka, and their needs and aspirations,” he says. The whole concept of the concert series has connected with many Sri Lankans, local and international musical artistes who volunteer their time and effort, companies who have sponsored the event over the years, and organisations like UNICEF, Save the Children, Sarvodaya, and community based organisations with whom the CMF have worked closely. “This journey has taken us to many schools and orphanages, and in many cases we have built bridges between the CMF and the organisations that need this kind of support,” Feizal says. Feizal recalls the uncertainty of not knowing whether the projects they funded would have a lasting impact on the communities, and if they could bring about the kind of real difference that they were hoping for. One such project was during the mid-1990s when the CMF, together with UNICEF, constructed two tube wells in the North Central Province where clean water was a very dire need. The two wells were in different villages, one in an LTTE controlled area and one on government territory. Five years later upon a visit to one of the villages, they were pleasantly surprised to see how well maintained the wells were, with a functioning pump and a board that declared that it was donated by the CMF and UNICEF. Though they were not allowed to visit the other location, they were assured that the community was just as diligent about looking after their well. In an area that was constantly under threat, this was a significant step towards real sustainable change. Feizal highlights the importance of sustainability when it comes to social responsibility projects, and how sometimes the issues that a community faces are not so easily rectified. Around the late 90s the CMF had built three preschools in Vavuniya, in Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim villages respectively in a deliberate choice to help as many communities as possible. However, when asked what the issues were that the community faces, the Grama Niladhari in the Tamil village revealed that because the teachers were volunteers, they did not stay long before finding paying jobs. Ceylinco, a Country Roads sponsor that year, agreed to fund a teacher for one year. It was a touching gesture, but the worry of keeping it going could not be denied. “This was one of the important lessons that we learned. To aim for sustainable development in whatever we do.” The kindness and generosity of people is something that continues to amaze them, even after 30 long years of seeing it reflected through ticket sales and donations. Feizal remembers an elderly lady with a walking stick at one of the concerts who asked him where the donation box was. He realised that he had forgotten about the box after the previous year’s concert, where they had it put out for audience members who wanted to give a little extra. The fact that someone had remembered it and actively sought it out was a heartwarming feeling that Feizal will never forget. “I think the message here is that we have fortunately been able to develop a lot of trust and faith in what we are doing.” he fondly recalls. The Country Roads 30th anniversary concert will be on Saturday, October 20 at 6.30 p.m. at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Tickets are available online via ticketing partner 444 and at selected Food City outlets.