The Foundation of Goodness is very excited about its three new Computer and English Training Centres in the villages of Madampe, Telwatte and Rathgama, thanks to its kind sponsors Geneva Global and USAID.

The Foundation of Goodness was fortunate enough to be chosen by Geneva Global and USAID as one of 50 local projects in Sri Lanka to be provided a "Building for the Future" grant. Specifically, this grant will fund our english and computer training projects for 15 months - a total of approximately US $37,665 (or 3,766,500 Sri Lankan Rupees). The aim of this project is to raise the standards of computer and English literacy amongst the youth in the rural villages surrounding Seenigama. Ultimately, the goal is to improve employment opportunities for young villagers by providing them with the necessary skills.

   
The new Madampe Computer and English Training Centre

During the recent openings of the Madampe, Telwatte and Rathgama Computer and English Training Centres, it was evident that the new projects will be a tremendous success. On the day of the openings, there was a great influx of students from the region who were keen to start classes before the centres had even officially opened. With pens and notebooks in hand, students smiled with the knowledge that the skills development on offer and improved employment prospects will soon take them to new levels.

On 1st May and the 11th May, the Foundation of Goodness proudly opened its Computer and English Training Centres at Madampe, Telwatte and Rathgama respectively. Special guests (including Jeff Fernando from Geneva Global), students, teachers and Foundation Staff gathered at the new centres and carried out the opening ceremonies including the lighting of the oil lamp, speeches, the launching of our new computers, discussions amongst students and teachers as to the curriculum that would be included in the new classes, followed by refreshments for all.

   
The new Telwatte Computer and English Training Centre

During a speech from our Founder, Kushil Gunesekera, he mentioned that this project was a milestone for the Foundation, since it was part of the original goal when the Foundation was established to improve the education standards and employment opportunities for the villagers in remote areas such as these. There are currently very few training courses in the area that offer skills development courses of this standard, particularly at no charge. Many students present at the opening ceremonies said that they were so excited about these new training centres because they are free of charge and so close to their homes. One new student remarked, "I like my class because I can easy come here. And teachers are good."

Through this program, we hope not only to improve standards of English and Computer skills, but also to develop leadership skills. The teachers of each class will be briefed to identify and develop any potential teaching assistants who can, in turn, become involved in assisting with the program. It is anticipated that we will sustain this fantastic skills development project in the future through building our reputation in computer and English education and either charging students a small fee for classes to cover running costs or find another donor willing to fund this most worthy cause.

   
The new Rathgama Computer and English Training Centre

Having commenced in May 2006, it is estimated that within the first 18 months of the program 1,080 villagers will benefit from the program, including students and dependent family members. This is a significant contribution that will greatly develop the level of English and Computer literacy in these rural villages, as well as assisting the overall economic development of the region through improved employment prospects. Our sincere thanks go out to Geneva Global and USAID for making this possible and assisting us in improving opportunities for our rural youth.

We would also like to thank and congratulate our local staff including Project Coordinator, Sampath Viraj, Madampe Centre Coordinator, P. Lachitha Lukshan, Telwatte Centre Coordinator, S. Chandima Lakmali, Rathgama Centre Coordinator, D. Amila Dilruke, Computer Lecturers P. B. Saman Kumara and Buddhika Jayawardena , English Lecturers, Nihal Singappuli and Ranganath and Computer Tutor M.H. Dilip Kumara for all their efforts and enthusiasm in setting up what we are confident will be an extremely successful project.

For more information on Geneva Global, please visit their website: http://www.genevaglobal.com

For more information on USAID, please visit their website: http://www.usaid.gov