High tech computers donated to Centre of Excellence
Successful businessman and Foundation
of Goodness supporter Ranjan de Costa has donated ten
state-of-the-art computers to the Centre of Excellence
to enable local youth to increase their computer
knowledge – and better their chances for employment.
The computers feature Dual Core
Processing, DVD burners for high capacity data
back-up, Gigabyte Ethernet for very fast
networking and 17 inch LCD flat screens, and are
thought to be the first of their type in Sri
Lanka. They will be used to teach students
skills in graphic design, web design and CAD – a
rare opportunity for rural youth.
The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) will
co-ordinate classes in the computer lab, selecting high
achievers from the Geneva Global computer training
centres to undertake the advanced courses. They are also
running basic Microsoft Office courses to orient learner
students on the new computers.
Nineteen year old computing student Nirasha is delighted
with the new facilities, which she says are much better
than any other she has seen and will help her to learn
more.
‘Before I didn’t know anything about
computers, but now this course has shown me new things
about computer programs. I am very happy with the new
computer centre’, she said.
Donor Mr de Costa is a US resident originating from
Galle, and has supported FoG since the tsunami. He
secured the computers through his San Fransisco based IT
company – a coup for FoG which applauds his generosity
and support.
FoG Founder Kushil Gunasekera
said that the organisation is thrilled to be the
recipient of such high quality hardware. The
equipment will elevate the level of training provided by the
Centre of Excellence – and all classes will be free of
charge so that students can benefit no matter what their
income.
‘Ranjan’s generosity is unprecedented in this area and
we can’t thank him enough. The look on the student’s
faces when they saw the computers was absolutely
priceless – they were breathtaken’, he said.
Mr De Costa donated the computers in memory of his
father and sister, who are remembered on a plaque
outside the computer lab which reads:
In ever loving memory of Joe de
Costa and Raji de Costa. Donated by kind
courtesy of Ranjan de Costa (USA) to the tsunami
affected children in Seenigama and the
surrounding villages.
For the local youth who face unemployment and
lack of access to training and resources, these
facilities represent an opportunity to succeed
on equal footing with their city counter-parts –
an invaluable gift with a lasting impact.
