-
The Latest in Enabling, Volunteering & Charity
News & Events
MJF Alumni 2018 Connecting the past and present of MJF Centre in Peliyagoda
06
NOV 2018
06
NOV 2018
06
NOV 2018
06
NOV 2018
06
NOV 2018
The MJF Alumni 2018 reunion was more than just a friendly meet-up — it brought the potential to bring in great rewards for the MJF Centre in Peliyagoda - through active involvement of its past pupils.
The MJF Kids in Peliyagoda is one of the oldest initiatives of the Foundation and has been running for 13 years. The programme provides less privileged children and youth with educational support as well as skills development support which are required to overcome the challenges faced by them due to poverty and the ensuing social issues. In October, 70 past students were welcomed to join a day-out in Boys Town, Ragama to celebrate their fond connection with the Centre. The committee and volunteers organised a variety of events to keep the event fun and engaging with games, sing-alongs and a talent show echoing their past memories with the Centre.
At least 50% of the students at MJF Centre - Peliyagoda come from the most disadvantaged households. They grow up in a socially vulnerable environment with a greater risk of fragility front to some circumstances such as crime, sexual abuse, family violence, and the use of illicit drugs. While most of their problems are related to poverty, there are restraints which also limit their access to opportunities surrounding them.
Among the alumni in attendance, there were girls and boys from a range of backgrounds, and with diverse accomplishments. Cherishing the years spent at the MJF kids programme, some of the students spoke about how grateful they are for the opportunities such as leadership training and networking skills that came forth for self-development. The speeches on stage resonated the dreams, passions and the pursuit of goals of every alumni present.
Joining the get-together, former administrator of MJF Charitable Foundation, Hiran Fernando said that it was heartening to see the young people he met a decade before, sharing their knowledge and experiences as adults with their friends.
"I joined the MJF Kids programme in 2006. I was in the programme for about 7 years - around 3 years as a student and 4 years as a teacher. This programme made me who I am today - especially the leadership and life skills training given to us was of immense help. - Indunil, President of The Student Committee - MJF Centre, Peliyagoda.
Noorul Fathima from Maligawatte currently works as a Customer Relations Officer. The MJF Kids Programme was a turning point in her life. " It’s been 12 years since I joined the MJF Kids Programme. Today, I am standing on stage, giving away this speech, thanks to the self-confidence I acquired from the MJF Kids Programme."
For Reggie Paul, Programme Co-ordinator at MJF Kids Programme, Peliyagoda working with the kids at the MJF Centre - Peliyagoda has been a challenging yet a self-satisfying one. “The MJF Kids Programme was created as per the needs of the kids living in Peliyagoda and Maligawatte to enable them to face the issues in life. At the Centre, both educational andextra curricular activities are used as a medium to reach their fullest potential. We guide the students to build their characters, recognize their abilities and excel in their school work and life.” – Reggie
We consider MJF Alumni - a source of partnership for the Centre. Their support, contribution and active involvement are essential to promote the Centre to prospective students and their families, encouraging more students to benefit from its programmes and give back to the community. The MJF Alumni event inspired our past students to feel even greater pride in connection to the MJF Centre and provided them with the incentive to make the alumni event a longstanding tradition.
The MJF Kids in Peliyagoda is one of the oldest initiatives of the Foundation and has been running for 13 years. The programme provides less privileged children and youth with educational support as well as skills development support which are required to overcome the challenges faced by them due to poverty and the ensuing social issues. In October, 70 past students were welcomed to join a day-out in Boys Town, Ragama to celebrate their fond connection with the Centre. The committee and volunteers organised a variety of events to keep the event fun and engaging with games, sing-alongs and a talent show echoing their past memories with the Centre.
At least 50% of the students at MJF Centre - Peliyagoda come from the most disadvantaged households. They grow up in a socially vulnerable environment with a greater risk of fragility front to some circumstances such as crime, sexual abuse, family violence, and the use of illicit drugs. While most of their problems are related to poverty, there are restraints which also limit their access to opportunities surrounding them.
Among the alumni in attendance, there were girls and boys from a range of backgrounds, and with diverse accomplishments. Cherishing the years spent at the MJF kids programme, some of the students spoke about how grateful they are for the opportunities such as leadership training and networking skills that came forth for self-development. The speeches on stage resonated the dreams, passions and the pursuit of goals of every alumni present.
Joining the get-together, former administrator of MJF Charitable Foundation, Hiran Fernando said that it was heartening to see the young people he met a decade before, sharing their knowledge and experiences as adults with their friends.
"I joined the MJF Kids programme in 2006. I was in the programme for about 7 years - around 3 years as a student and 4 years as a teacher. This programme made me who I am today - especially the leadership and life skills training given to us was of immense help. - Indunil, President of The Student Committee - MJF Centre, Peliyagoda.
Noorul Fathima from Maligawatte currently works as a Customer Relations Officer. The MJF Kids Programme was a turning point in her life. " It’s been 12 years since I joined the MJF Kids Programme. Today, I am standing on stage, giving away this speech, thanks to the self-confidence I acquired from the MJF Kids Programme."
For Reggie Paul, Programme Co-ordinator at MJF Kids Programme, Peliyagoda working with the kids at the MJF Centre - Peliyagoda has been a challenging yet a self-satisfying one. “The MJF Kids Programme was created as per the needs of the kids living in Peliyagoda and Maligawatte to enable them to face the issues in life. At the Centre, both educational and
We consider MJF Alumni - a source of partnership for the Centre. Their support, contribution and active involvement are essential to promote the Centre to prospective students and their families, encouraging more students to benefit from its programmes and give back to the community. The MJF Alumni event inspired our past students to feel even greater pride in connection to the MJF Centre and provided them with the incentive to make the alumni event a longstanding tradition.
Latest News
Community, food, and music: MJF Centre, Moratuwa to host its inaugural Night Market
On 27 March, the MJF (Merrill J. Fernando) Centre Moratuwa will host its inaugural Night Market, a street food fiesta with a cause, where residents of Moratuwa can get together for an evening of food, music, entertainment, and shopping.
Down Syndrome: Early intervention reduces disabilities
The Sunday Observer spoke to Head of Rehabilitation Services, MJF Charitable Foundation, Dr Gopi Kitnasamy who has hands on experience in dealing with Down’s Syndrome patients, especially, children who, he says, can suffer from many mental and physical disabilities, including speech disorders, gait and other associated problems if they are not treated in their early growing stage.
Celebrating youth with Down syndrome: The Down Syndrome Virtual Day
On 22nd March, the Merrill J. Fernando (MJF) Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Dilmah Tea, will be hosting the online virtual event titled “The Down Syndrome Virtual Day” at 4.30 p.m. via Facebook Live and Zoom.
Empower differently-abled children with skills training
New Disability App to help share knowledge, therapies and services for differently-abled people, especially children.
Three of the women leading change with British Council’s ‘Voices and Choices’
British Council Sri Lanka initiated a grant scheme to build capacity and empower artists, gender activists, and development organisations who want to raise awareness, broker conversation, and address issues relating to gender equality and empowerment. This programme took place under the platform “Voices and Choices”, with eight change agents being seed-funded to implement their proposals. The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke to three of these change agents about their projects, and how they are driving change and fighting for women and girls.
A Kinder Christmas: MJF Charitable Foundation Hosts Annual Gathering
“Celebrating Differences” is an annual gathering hosted by the Merrill J. Fernando (MJF) Charitable Foundation, at which every child feels the true spirit of Christmas. For the past 14 years, every December, children and youths of all abilities and ages, came together on stage to capture hearts with their individual charms.