By Soraya M. Deen –
Soraya M. Deen
Philanthropy embodies the spirit of giving and community support, particularly in underserved regions. A remarkable example of this is the recent donation of a Hybrid Valmark Technology Center in a remote village in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, by David Rosell and the Valmark Corporation. This initiative has brought together modern technological resources, including a smart board and five computers to Presidents School (Agamethi Vidyalaya-Panapitiya, Kalutarao). The center hopes the technology will be instrumental in connecting students from President’s College to the broader global community.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by David Rosell, his daughter Sophie Rosell and Heather Ewing. David Rosell, a celebrated author hails from Bend Oregon, USA. Five years ago, he visited Sri Lanka with his daughter Sophie and was, “Captivated by the beauty and warmth of this extraordinary country,” he said.
The dedication ceremony showcased the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, commencing with vibrant traditional drums and dances performed by the students. The procession was graced by the delightful smiles of schoolchildren, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and joy. The event’s significance was further underscored by the additional computer donated by philanthropist -Mrs. Anoma Fernando, amplifying the center’s capacity for educational enhancement.
The collaborative efforts of local school principals—AjanthaChanaka, Nadeesha Priyangika, and Prasanga Samarasinghe —alongside community organizers like Soraya Marikar Deen and Rev. Dr. Shanta Premawardena of the Omnia Institute, highlight the power of collective action in philanthropy.
The Omnia Institute for Contextual Leadership trains religious and civil society leaders, clergy and lay, women and men and young people to form Interfaith Peacemaker (IP) Teams. Omnia has trained over 6500 peacemakers in eight countries, including hundreds of them from Sri Lanka.
In addition, Dr. Chula Goonesekara’s guidance from LEADS Sri Lanka provided invaluable insights for sustainablity and perspectives on logistics. Also in attendance was Ajith Wickramaarachi, the Zonal Director for Kalutara and Harshana Peiris – Deputy Director (planning) Kalutara.
The day’s celebrations culminated in a delectable lunch prepared by parents, symbolizing community unity and gratitude for this transformative initiative. Such philanthropic endeavors illustrate the profound impact of generosity in fostering educational advancement and community resilience.
The message engraved in the plaque is a rallying call and reminder that, “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”
*Soraya M. Deen, Lawyer, activist, Community Organizer
LankaScot / December 20, 2024
Hello Soraya,
I don’t know why Education Departments still push Smart Boards, I found them to be more trouble than they are worth. Most Companies that I know have either sent them to the Basement Storage or given them away. As for Teachers you will find quite a number that ignore them completely and some diehards that think they are great. Not the best use of money in Rural Sri Lanka where I live. I even donated 2 of my Whiteboards (not Smart ones obviously) to the local Temple School who were still using old disheveled Blackboards.
Best regards
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Lester / December 20, 2024
Remarkable that this school has only 5 computers. There are many more like it. Considering the amount of donations to the LTTE over the decades. All that money, essentially buried in a lagoon, when it could have been used to educate the youth instead.
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