Donate some books for these children
Children of Ihalakagama Primary School
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 real-time 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’.