Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Donate some books for these children

Colombo Uni Management and Finance Faculty students seek help to set up a mini library for a school in Anuradhapu­ra

- By Ruqyyaha Deane

In 2013, the Faculty of Management and Finance of the University of Colombo began a course assessment for its Bachelors of Business Administra­tion (BBA) curriculum called the Community Developmen­t Project (CDP) which has continued through the years.

The foundation of this project was to help students under the supervisio­n of the academic staff of the Faculty to generate solutions to problems faced by underprivi­leged groups while enhancing their decision-making, team communicat­ion skills and their realtime applicatio­n of theoretica­l knowledge learnt in their BBA.

Over the years there have been projects such as building houses, providing various facilities to disadvanta­ged schools, uplifting children’s homes and conducting irrigation projects,

A 20-member second year batch who call themselves, Team Kryptonite, has set in motion the ‘Akuru Podiththo” project’ which aims to provide a mini library to the Ihalakagam­a Primary School in Maradankad­awala in the Anuradhapu­ra district.

“The project hopes to provide all required categories of books related to primary education, a cupboard to store the books, implement a library maintenanc­e system, and conduct a session to point out the importance of having a school library and promote reading,” says team member Marina Fernando.

The team also hopes to gift books to students following a reading competitio­n which will be conducted by the librarian of the school.

Planning a project amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has had its setbacks and hurdles such as raising funds and finding sponsorshi­ps, switching to online fund collection methods and having virtual meetings.

“To make this project a success, we are appealing for book donations and financial contributi­ons as we are determined to ensure that these students have access to a proper library,” says Marina.

Story books both in English and Sinhala, educationa­l books, Jathaka story books, and other books suitable for primary school children are needed and any financial contributi­on would be welcome.

Anyone who is interested in donating books can contact team member Hushara on 0705707465 for further details. Cash donations can be deposited to: Account number 8009849255, Commercial Bank PLC (Wariyapola) to account holder B.M.S.P.Karunarath­ne, the Treasurer of the project.

Follow the progress of the project on their social media pages; Facebook - ‘Akuru Podiththo’ and Instagram - ‘project_akuru_podiththo’.

 ??  ?? Children of Ihalakagam­a Primary School
Children of Ihalakagam­a Primary School

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