Colombo School of Arts and Sciences Sponsors Workshops for the Differently-Abled

The students of the Colombo School of Arts and Sciences (CSA) recently organized a fundraiser in the form of a street food festival titled ‘Food Fest’ which was held at Green Path, Colombo. The main purpose behind the street food festival was to better the lives of less privileged differently-abled children. Having collected close to half a million in funds through the food festival, the students were able to sponsor a year’s worth of free weekly therapy workshops for 30 differently-abled children at Sunera Foundation’s Dehiwala centre.

CSA in the last 3 years of its existence has offered a holistic educational experience to students building awareness on social issues as a part of their study programme.  Apart from their Cambridge curriculum, students have been encouraged to work with less privileged members of society and the Sunera Foundation has been a part of this exercise.

“As always, we made a major commitment in terms of the social service project undertaken and the students had to work hard to achieve the challenging target. They connected with restaurants, fast food outlets, service providers and sponsors, working hard during and after their school hours, to make this event a success. However, the satisfaction gained in knowing that a significant contribution was made to better the lives of the differently-abled made the challenge worthwhile for our students”, said Shaleeka Jayalath, Principal of CSA.

She added, “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to assist the Sunera Foundation with this worthy and important cause.”

Meanwhile, Sunethra Bandaranaike, Chairperson of the Sunera Foundation stated, “The Food Fest was very well organized with much attention to detail and enjoyed by all who attended. The donation made to us will sponsor one disability arts workshop held on a weekly basis which is a part of our work with over 1,300 disabled young people throughout Sri Lanka. CSA’s hard work and efforts will contribute towards enhancing their lives and brightening their future in a complex environment.”

The school has carried out a number of community service projects in the past including a successful fundraising project to provide electric wheelchairs for the Leprosy hospital, and a one week English and IT teaching programme for 50 grade 6-11 students at T/Seruwawila Maha Vidyalaya, Trincomalee with hospitality training for Grade 12 students in Trincomalee to skill them up for future job opportunities.

This gesture by the students of the Colombo School of Arts and Sciences is a noteworthy deed which sets a fine example for young students.