Unity through Leadership Programmes by the Unity Mission Trust
The Unity Mission Trust which began youth related work at a grassroots level in the North of Sri Lanka in May 2009, has to-date completed 21 significant projects across the island that have fostered unity, integration, healing and reconciliation amongst the youth. This has been achieved by empowering the youth and encouraging them to embrace a positive mind set.
In the next phase of this initiative the Unity Mission Trust (UMT) will next conduct two special training programmes at Udayarkaddu and Chillavathai in the Mullaitivu District on 1 and 2 August 2015.The purpose of this training is to focus on the development of 500 youth leaders in the area, and equip them with the knowledge and skills to foster friendship and unity.
The programmes will also specifically focus on teaching youngster how to share their ideas in order to build sound values that will contribute towards their successful futures. The programme will also highlight the dangers of alcohol and drug addiction as well as pornography and will educate students on their sexual rights and advise how they can prevent sexual abuse.
In addition to hosting Unity Camps and Unity though Leadership programmes across Sri Lanka, the Trust also has an education scholarship scheme and an annual National Awards ceremony to recognize outstanding efforts by youth to promote unity and integration. The Trust also conducts the ‘Ray of Hope’ programme which showcases cultural diversity through songs and dance. The Trust currently has over 6000 youth who have absorbed the messages of unity, equality and respect for people of other faiths and cultures and they have built enduring bridges of friendship amongst themselves.
The Unity Mission Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees; a fully volunteer based executive and operations committee, and is strengthened by a regional network of youth leaders, spread across Sri Lanka, as well as a National Youth Leadership Council.
Commenting on the programme, Bertal Pinto-Jayawardena, Founder Trustee & Co-ordinator of the Unity Mission Trust stated, “The journey of love and compassion which the Unity Mission Trust started in 2009, has touched the lives of over 6000 young leaders and through them their communities.
The Trust is paving the way for the next generation of young leaders to build a new Sri Lanka. Our youth are the sons and daughters of our Motherland, and they are the real treasures of Sri Lanka which we must protect, invest in and develop, to ensure a bright future for our nation.”
Also commenting on the programme, Sarangan Rhagavan, the Northern Co-ordinator & Administration Manager of Unity Mission Trust stated, “I am proud to be able to give my time to the Unity Mission Trust, which has truly helped to foster harmony and understanding amongst the youth of the North and their peers across Sri Lanka.” Methun Suduwelikandage, the National Youth Council Co-chair for 2015 said, “I have been with Unity Mission Trust since the very beginning when I was 16 years old. It has been an honour to be a part of this initiative which has had a positive impact on my life, and that of thousands of other youngsters across the country.”
As a means of supporting this effort, the Trust invites caring and concerned Sri Lankans to partner on its on-going journey of love and care which began six years ago.
The Trust welcomes volunteers to work at a grassroots level; providing support with their technical skills. . Additionally concerned individuals can also donate materials for the programme or Rs. 1, 000/- to finance the cost of one student attending the programme.
Funds can be paid through a payment gateway or deposited directly at the Trust’s bank account at People’s Bank, A/C Number 01410018004373.
To partner Unity Mission Trust, donate or find out more, kindly contact Bertal Pinto-Jayawardena on 0768360103, Kasun Andrahennedige on 0773085058 or Sarangan Rhagavan on 0778752576.