Back to School
In May 2017, Sri Lanka grappled with seemingly the worst flooding in 14 years, with bad weather conditions claiming the lives of over 200 people including children and youth. The southwestern monsoons resulted in severe flooding and landslides throughout the country adversely affecting approximately 717,622 people in Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura districts.
Many state and private organisations came together in this time of crisis to help re-build the lives of the many who have lost their homes, livelihoods and all their belongings.
Joining the many forces of aid at this time of need, Union Bank initiated a corporate social responsibility project themed ‘Back to School’ in June 2017, to provide material support to help the school children resume their studies at the earliest possible.
The project was initiated in line with the CSR policy of the Bank which highlights children as a key area of focus and was headed by the CSR committee of Union Bank, supported by the Union Bank Sports Club.
Two deserving schools were identified in Akuressa and Ratnapura for the project with the recommendation of the Bank’s Zonal/branch representatives in these two areas.
A comprehensive stationery pack that includes books and school instruments along with a shoe voucher were provided to a total of 715 students through this project.
Project 1 : At Athuraliya Central College, Akuressa
Athuraliya Central College is one of the leading schools in the area with approximately 520 students. Following a discussion with the principal of this school it was learnt that more than 90% of the students have been severely affected by floods, especially as their parents employed at the nearby tea factories were left in a destitute state when the tea estates were inundated, causing temporary or even permanent loss of income.
A few moments captured from the project:
Project 2 : R/Haldola Primary School, Ratnapura
Haldola area is directly facing ‘Kalu Ganga’. Although the school was not damaged by floods, almost 90% of the students studying in this school had been severely affected and were in need of aid to get back to school and resume their studies. A discussion with the principal of the school revealed that almost all students’ parents were mine workers who lost their livelihoods due to the severe weather conditions.A few moments captured from the project
