Buwan ng Wika, or National Language Month, is celebrated in the Philippines each August to honor and promote the use of the Filipino language. This celebration is crucial for students as it helps them develop a deeper appreciation for their national language and cultural heritage. For our activities in schools, the team prepared a coloring poster featuring Filipino themes and a list of Filipino words. Younger students enjoyed coloring the posters, while older students practiced spelling Filipino words.

We observed that many students struggled with spelling Filipino words and often wrote English words instead. This difficulty is partly due to the influence of English in their entertainment and daily life. We see Buwan ng Wika as an excellent opportunity to highlight the beauty and importance of the Filipino language, reinforcing its value and encouraging students to embrace and use it more actively.

Estancia Elementary School, our new partner, has selected 15 students from Grades 1 to 3. During our first meeting, we introduced ourselves and presented our projects. At our second meeting, we provided name-tracing worksheets for Remedial Lessons and introduced Chess and Scrabble for our Sports Project. This marks a successful beginning for our collaboration.

August is the last month of the rainy season here in Nepal. During the rainy season, there are floods and landslides in suburban and remote areas along with increment in urban flooding. The Kapan area where Balkumari School and our local partner organization “CDS” are located is also prone to urban flooding. Mostly the children are at risk. So, we planned a session for the students of grade 4 of Balkumari School regarding the water cycle, urban flooding, and safety measures to follow during urban flooding around their areas.

On the day of the event, there were 47 students in total. and we were assisted by Ms. Sushila Shrestha; a science teacher at Balkumari School. We had prepared a 3D water cycle model. The session started with interaction with the children. Then the 3D model was shown and an explanation of the water cycle was given. The session was very interactive because of the curious students.

In the second half, a story related to urban flooding was shared, along with the safety measures that the students can apply in case of emergency. Then an animated video related to the water cycle was shown to the students and the session ended with a distribution of candies to the students.

On 20th September GFF Helps Nepal reps went on a mission of spreading happiness through coloring books to the children at Srijanshil School which is located in Naikap. The school provides educational facilities to the children with special needs. The idea to distribute coloring books came during our previous visit at the school. The teachers at Srijanshil School shared with us that the children enjoy coloring which will also assist in hand mobilization of the children.

So we distributed coloring books, colors and story books at Srijanshil School after getting approval from Mr. Saom Namchu. The students were really happy to see the drawings and being able to color them. The students followed our and their teachers guidelines while coloring. We could see pure joy and laughter in their faces which proved that the initiative of providing them color books was really fruitful for the students. We had wonderful interaction with the students about their favorite vegetables, fruits and favorite colors. At the end of the session candies were provided to the children. We went there to support children’s learning, but we came away with a powerful moral lesson: no matter how tough life gets, we can find joy in the smallest things.

Adult Literacy class was initially started for the mothers of “SEEP” which stands for “Self-employment Education Program” initiated by the Child Development Society “CDS”. Later, when GFF Helps partnered with “CDS”, the Adult Literacy Class was handed over to GFF Helps Nepal Representatives; Ms. Aarakshya and Ms. Namrata on September 2023. In this Adult literacy class, the mothers learn the English language and Ms. Pramila and Mrs. Sanam are taking the class.

The popularity of Adult literacy classes is increasing and mothers from the local community are also joining the class. In the August month, five new mothers joined the Adult Literacy class. Currently, the 40th week of Adult Literacy class is running. The timing of the class is as usual from 11 AM to 1 PM every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

In August, the mothers learned about the colors and vegetables in English. They also learned to make sentences using those words. They were given class assignments as well as home assignments. Mothers were also given a turn each to read the learned topics from the board during every class. Mothers also wrote those words on the board all by themselves. Along with that mothers were also provided with colorful worksheets. These worksheets were used for evaluating the understanding of mothers and the mothers were also provided with copy and pencil as a gift appreciating their effort.

Mothers also have a Facebook group where the study materials, videos, and photos of the learned topics are uploaded daily. The concept of making a Facebook group emerged when the mothers expressed that no one assisted them in studying at home after the Adult literacy class since every family member gets busy with their work. The mothers also expressed that even if they wanted to study they would forget how to pronounce the words correctly. After being provided with study materials on the Facebook group, mothers were able to learn whenever they want and they gave positive feedbacks as well.

This September mothers learned about the names of fruits and sentence making using those names. They also learned about WH questions and learned about self introduction. The mothers are provided with worksheets, home assignments and class assignments. The assignments are checked and regular feedbacks are provided. Apart from that mothers are also practicing dialogues with their classmates. They also read out the learned topics aloud in every class. All these activities have boosted the self-confidence among the mothers.

GFF Helps India conducted a successful Mobile Library session at the SOGG Learning & Information Centres located in Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung. This initiative was part of a broader effort to foster a love for reading and enhance literacy skills among children in these communities. A highlight of the session was the “Read-Aloud Challenge,” where children took turns reading passages from their chosen books. This activity not only improved their reading fluency but also built confidence as they spoke in front of their peers. The Mobile Library session has had a significant impact on the children at the SOGG Learning & Information Centers. The fresh set of books and the engaging activities provided a unique opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in reading and storytelling.

Sign Language Day, or the International Day of Sign Languages, is celebrated on September 23 as part of the International Week of the Deaf. This observance highlights the importance of sign languages and the rights of deaf individuals worldwide. To celebrate this day, we visited Lapnag Primary School and Estancia Elementary School, where we engaged with the students. We prepared handouts of the Sign Language Alphabet and taught them how to sign each letter, say their names, and use simple greetings. We also emphasized the importance of respecting deaf individuals and helping them in any way possible. The students were enthusiastic about learning the hand signs and introducing themselves using sign language.

On September 15, we had a “First aid training” workshop for the mothers of “SEEP” (Self Employment and Education Program) and for the mothers of Adult Literacy class. This suggestion was given to us by Mr. Saom Namchu. There were 39 participants in the workshop. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Keshav Makaju who works as director of Highway Community Hospital and has seven years of experience as first aid trainer.

This workshop provided a golden opportunity for mothers looking to create a safe environment for their families. Mr. Keshav created a very interactive environment where the mothers were sharing about their home remedies, learning correct ways of treating in case of emergencies and doing practical.

This workshop taught participants with vital skills, such as CPR, choking relief, and basic wound care, empowering them to confidently respond to emergencies. Mothers learned important skills from this workshop to help their children feel safe. This workshop is a great way to keep their families healthy and secure.

Mr. Keshav also provided important toll free numbers to the mothers. He also gave information about keeping first aid kit at home.

All the mothers were provided snacks during daytime. Mothers were happy to clear their misconceptions about many home remedies and also to learn the first aid techniques practically.

Whilst living in a community, we cannot avoid the unavoidable. However, we can train and arm ourselves with the right kind of knowledge so that even when the worst scenario happens, we are know of the right actions that can be taken. With the same aim in mind, GFF Helps India Representatives organized The First Aid and Disaster Management Training Program at Pudung SOGG Centre on the 6th of September. The program was facilitated by Mr Rakesh Singh, a certified First Aid trainer. The training aimed to empower community members with vital skills to respond to emergencies. Participants learnt essential first aid techniques including how to perform CPRs, emergency response protocols, and disaster preparedness strategies, including creating emergency kits. Through practical simulations, they gained confidence in their abilities and were encouraged to share their knowledge with others.GFF Helps India gave away certificates signed by the facilitator to all 14 participants at the end of the program which fostered a culture of preparedness within the community, ultimately enhancing safety and resilience during emergencies.

GFF Helps India organized a sausage making training in Soondung, Lower Pudung on the 7th of September. This training provided local residents with valuable skills for potential income generation. Led by Mrs Lakmit Lepcha, a knowledgeable expert from the village itself, participants engaged in hands-on activities that covered various methods, ingredient selection, and hygiene in food preparation. The training emphasized traditional recipes while introducing innovative approaches to meet market demands, equipping villagers to produce high-quality sausages. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants excited about establishing a local sausage business to supply markets and events. This initiative not only enhanced culinary skills but also fostered community spirit and entrepreneurship, leaving villagers optimistic about creating a sustainable income-generating venture in the future.

On the 12th of September, a mobile library session was conducted at the Debanjan Girls Football Academy. The mobile library project which aims to improve the reading skills amongst the children by providing them with books suitable for their age to read, is conducted every month in all the three centres of our partner Glenn Project, the SOGG Centres as well as in Debanjan Girls Football Academy.

This month, we also collaborated with Himalayan Stores and renewed the newspaper project at Debanjan, ensuring that the children can not only improve their reading skills but also stay updated with all the current affairs that is happening around the world.

The accreditation process for the GFF HELPS Aklan Workers’ Association is currently underway with the Municipal Council of Kalibo Town. This step is crucial for the association to be officially recognized as a business entity. We have submitted all required documents except for the certification from the Philippine National Police (PNP). While we await the PNP certification, the Municipal Council of Kalibo Town has reviewed our documents and instructed us to make the necessary payment for the certification. We are now awaiting the issuance of the certificate. Although this accreditation is not the final step in the legal process, it represents significant progress towards completion.

The GFF HELPS Aklan Workers’ Association is officially registered under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). To initiate a sustainable project, it is essential to register the association with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kalibo Town, where the GFF HELPS office is located. This registration will allow the association to legally commence business operations.

This month, we are actively processing the accreditation of the association with the LGU. As part of the accreditation process, we need to secure the signatures of all Board Members and Elected Officers. To facilitate this, we have begun visiting association members at their homes to collect their signatures, ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order for submission.

One of the requirements for accreditation is obtaining a certificate from the Regional Police Office. To fulfill this, we returned to CAMP PASTOR MARTELINO at the Aklan Police Provincial Office located in New Buswang Village, Kalibo. While we initially submitted the profiles of the association members and the Letter of Request via email, we were instructed to also submit these documents in person at their office.

The issuance of the certificate will take some time, as it requires a thorough background check of all members. We have reassured the association members that their personal information is securely handled and protected throughout this process.

After completing the collection of signatures from the Board Members and Elected Officials, we had the documents notarized at a law office. Once notarized, all the documents were submitted to the Planning Department of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kalibo Town. The submitted documents will now be reviewed by the members of the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), and we are awaiting their update on the results.

While this is not yet the end of the legalization process, and there is still a long way to go, it is encouraging that we are already well underway. We remain optimistic about the outcome.

In addition to collecting signatures, we also conducted a product survey of the association members who own farms. This survey is crucial as it helps us better understand the range of products being cultivated by our members, enabling us to identify potential markets, collaboration opportunities, and areas where the association can provide additional support or resources.

One of our visits was to La Granja Farm in Lapnag Village, where we met with Mr. Edgar Rebaño, a member of the association. Mr. Rebaño signed the necessary documents for accreditation, and we took the opportunity to survey his farm. His farm is quite diverse, producing African catfish fingerlings, tilapia, duckweeds, mushrooms, pineapples, and various other fruits.

We also visited Ugsod Village to meet with two key members of the association, Mr. Roger Villanueva and Mr. Vicente Villanueva, who are relatives with complementary skills that are invaluable to our community. Mr. Roger is an experienced farmer who manages a farm where he grows a variety of plants and raises pigs, contributing significantly to our agricultural projects. Mr. Vicente, a skilled technician, balances his full-time job with maintaining a backyard farm where he occasionally raises pigs, bringing both technical expertise and farming experience to the table.

During our visit, both signed the necessary accreditation documents, reinforcing their commitment to the association’s goals. Their combined expertise in farming and technical work is crucial as we continue to develop and support sustainable projects within the community.

Another key member of our association is Ms. Herminia Banihit, who serves as the Treasurer. She, along with her family, manages a diverse farm that contributes significantly to the local agricultural landscape. Their farm is home to cows and calves, chickens, and a variety of crops, including bok choy, sponge gourds, soursops, and other vegetables.

Ms. Banihit’s dedication to both her role as Treasurer and her responsibilities on the farm exemplifies the commitment and resourcefulness that our association values. Her farm’s diverse production adds valuable resources to our community’s sustainable projects and helps to strengthen our collective efforts.

The purpose of a product survey of farms is to collect detailed information about agricultural products, farming practices, and market conditions. This helps in understanding the types of crops or livestock being produced, assessing their quality and yield, identifying market trends and demands, and discovering potential areas for improvement or innovation. This information supports better decision-making for farm management, product development, and strategic planning. Meanwhile, our team continues to conduct weekly visits to various farms while the legal processes are underway.

Calamansi, also known as Philippine lime or calamondin, is a small citrus fruit that is widely used in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. It can be squeezed for its juice, which is often used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in beverages, sauces, and desserts. Mrs. Anita De Tomas (not a member of the association) is a widow and a tenant in the land where these Calamansi Trees were planted. She’s looking after the farm for many years already and the products supported her family until now that she’s a widow already. She said that Calamansi can produce fruit year-round under the right conditions. However, the peak fruiting season typically occurs during the warmer months. The price per kilo of Calamansi ranges from ₱ 30.00 – ₱ 50.00. Her farm can produce 50 kilos of Calamansi during off season and 60-80 kilos during the peak season.

The purpose of a product survey of farms is to collect detailed information about agricultural products, farming practices, and market conditions. This helps in understanding the types of crops or livestock being produced, assessing their quality and yield, identifying market trends and demands, and discovering potential areas for improvement or innovation. This information supports better decision-making for farm management, product development, and strategic planning. Meanwhile, our team continues to conduct weekly visits to various farms while the legal processes are underway.

Mrs. Emevelyn Miel is a member and Business Manager of the GFF HELPS AKLAN WORKERS’ ASSOCIATION living in Agbanawan Village in the town of Banga. She manages a sari-sari store (neighborhood convenience store) in her home. She sells variety of things such as school supplies, household items, clothes, shoes, and some candies. The supplier is her daughter living in Manila and supplies are transported as cargos. She also makes dishwashing soaps and fabric conditioner. She sells it ₱ 25.00 for 500 ml bottle and ₱ 50.00 for 1000 ml bottle. for The ingredients are also supplied by her daughter. She also looks after a rice farm owned by her family.

The Libacao Public Market, located in Poblacion Village, Libacao, Aklan, serves as a key drop-off point for products from various surrounding villages. One of Libacao’s renowned products is pineapple fiber, which is highly sought after for its quality. Buyers frequently visit Libacao to purchase threaded pineapple fibers from locals at ₱75.00 per kilo. Additionally, unthreaded pineapple fibers are sold at ₱20.00 per bunch, which locals buy to thread and later resell at a profit.

The market is also known for its abundance of lanzones (also called langsat), a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Known for its sweet and slightly tangy flavor, this fruit is sold by vendors at ₱50.00 per pack.

We conducted a survey at the Agri-Aqua Training Center located in Nalook Village, New Washington Town. The center is dedicated to offering hands-on education and training in both agriculture and aquaculture. Currently, they sell lettuce in cups for ₱25.00 and grown lettuce for ₱200.00 per kilo. They also offer a variety of fruit-bearing tree seedlings priced between ₱100.00 and ₱250.00. The soil they use is primarily made from coconut husk fiber enriched with vitamins. In the future, they plan to expand their offerings by introducing dairy products from carabao.

Mr. Saom emphasized the necessity of creating a website to effectively market our products. While we were familiar with platforms like Amazon and Etsy, we initially didn’t see the need for a dedicated website, especially since Facebook dominates marketing in the Philippines. However, recognizing that our products could potentially reach international markets, we understand that having a website will be essential.

On September 20, 2024, we met with Mr. Tashi Bhutia, an Indian web developer and close friend of Mr. Saom. He guided us through the process of purchasing a domain on GoDaddy.com. By September 24, 2024, we successfully acquired the domain tulaypinas.com. Following the purchase, Mr. Tashi advised us to store all documents related to the sustainable project in the Google Drive associated with our new Gmail account. On September 25, 2024, Mr. Tashi happily announced on our WhatsApp group chat that the server and the domain were already configured.

Currently, we are working on product photography and creating an Excel sheet to detail each product. Our goal is to complete these tasks by the end of September. We also plan to purchase a theme to enhance the overall look and feel of our website.

After Sir Owen’s visit here in Nepal we’ve been working to establish a sustainable project here in Nepal involving the mothers from “SEEP”. “SEEP” was established by our partner organization “CDS” to empower women through education and self-employment. The members of “SEEP” are women from underprivileged families. Some women are laborers at carpet factories, daily wagers, and single mothers. “CDS” provides them with opportunities for education and various skillful training.

GFF Helps Nepal also assists the mothers by providing them with classes in the English language, pickle-making training, leaf plate-making training, masks, cushion-making, bags-making training, etc. Currently the sustainable project “Aarambha” is also for the mothers for their sustainability.

In August we had a meeting with our partner organization “CDS” where we shared all the research that we had been doing for the past two months related to project “Aarambha” and we also took their feedback to proceed further with the project.

Similarly, we had a meeting with the mothers from “SEEP” and shared the details about project “Aarambha” with them. The mothers present seemed to be very happy about the project.

On September 13, we had a meeting with mothers from “SEEP”. The meeting was about sustainable project “Aarambha” where we provided information to the mothers about the project. We also prepared presentation slides so that the mothers can understand better. We also discussed about the roles of GFF Helps Reps for the project. The mothers provided positive feedbacks related to the progress of the project and showed their interest to be part of the project.

We also had meeting with our local partner organization “CDS” regarding the progress of project “Aarambha.”

Some of the mothers are really hopeful regarding this project and few of them have already signed the membership forms as well.

On the 10th of September, GFF Helps Representatives along with Mr Sanjok, the GFF Helps India Office Assistant, sat down for an online meeting with Mr Tashi, a professional web designer.

After thorough discussions and scrutiny, the domain name “ Himalayanhaat.in” for our sustainable project has been bought by the Project Director.

A logo for our sustainable project has also been created by the web designer.

GFF Helps India has been working towards their Sustainable Development Project called the Himalayan Haat. The representatives have been continuing with their in-depth market surveys of various product. This month the representatives first visited the Local Bisu Handkerchief factory which is one of the most famous products sold in Kalimpong. They also visited the Handmade paper factory which is the last remaining handmade paper factory in Kalimpong. The representatives also visited the tasty Local Lollipop factory located in 7th Mile. The handkerchief, handmade paper and lollipop as not only local products but they also carry a lot of cultural and historical significance and are products which are very high in demand.

Mr. Rishi Raj Pradhan from Kalimpong grows local coffee and so the representatives visited his coffee farm and factory where the Himali Highland Organic Coffee are produced. The visit was very interesting as he delved deep into the way coffee is produced in the Himalayan town of Kalimpong and the types of varieties that he has been growing. During the visit the representatives deeply learned the making process of these unique products and gathered information about the various factory prices and selling prices. They also explained the vision of Himalayan Haat and were able to successfully secure partnership with them.

GFF Helps India representatives Surabhi and Bipasha visited the Na-choz food factory along with the interns Ms Veronica and Ms Shannon to conduct a product survey for our sustainable project. We came across a variety of products made by the food factory and checked for the prices and the other specific details for each one of them,

We met Mr Sonam, the owner and after conducting the survey and explaining our upcoming project to him, we were able to foster a business network with him. Mr Sonam wishes our project the best and looks forward to collaborating with us in the near future.

Ms Rebekah Namchu is a hardworking local entrepreneur who has a lot of expertise in preparing traditional local snacks. She has been selling them at the local market and also prepares them on order.

Surabhi and Bipasha visited her residence on the 13th of September and conducted a thorough product survey of all the available local snacks there. Ms Rebekah has positively agreed to collaborate with us in our sustainable project.

Nirmal Farms, located at Bada Mangwa, is a brand synonymous with fruit juice and jams in the Kalimpong and Darjeeling Districts.

GFF Helps representatives along with the interns Veronica and Shannon visited the Nirmal Farms on the 14th of September under the guidance of Mr Satyaki Lopchan.

Not only were the GFF Helps India team able to find out the prices of the products but after discussions with Mr Prawesh Gurung, the proprietor of Nirmal Farms, we were able to fester a good usiness network bond there. Nirmal Farms looks forward to collaborating with Himalayan Haat in the future.

Sri Lanka Unites (SLU) is a Non-Profit Organisation (“NPO”) that operates Sri Lanka’s largest youth movement. The vision is to unite the youth of Sri Lanka from all ethnic and religious groups in a movement which provides hope and facilitates reconciliation, paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka for future generations. The organisation is active across all 25 districts, and there are currently 30,000 strong members. SLU has engaged over 1million youth over the last 15 years. The grassroots movement has scaled globally to 15 countries.

Moreover, Sri Lanka Unites is sustained with a chain of initiatives namely, Beats of One Nation, Champions of Change, Counter Hate Unit, Dream Team & School Relations Tour, Guide Book, Reconciliation Centers, Shark’s Tank, SHOW, SLU TV, SM Special Ops Unit, The Future Leaders Conference, THINK Campaign and Sustainability Initiative.

Project Roots can be denoted as an initiative / subsidiary run through the Glenn Family Foundation (GFF) HELPS programme. The idea has sprouted from Tharaka’s (GFF SL lead) lived experience volunteering and establishing the GFF SL programme back in 2019.

The vision is to lower the barriers for people to gain cultural intelligence and awareness while empowering local communities.

The mission is to facilitate the opportunity to learn about the roots of culture and support local NGOs. We will offer a cultural immersion programme for volunteers to deeply connect with language, arts, cultural practices, wellness and land — led by locals.

Project Roots target audience will be Sri Lankan diaspora who want to come back to the motherland to learn about their culture and/or give back.

Next steps involve finalising the business case for stage 1 gate review with Sir Owen, designing the programme and identifying volunteers for the pilot programme in December 2024.

Project Roots, an initiative of GFF, recently collaborated with Sri Lanka Unites to conduct a workshop in the Ampara-Kalmunai region. The workshop focused on empowering young women, especially those who had not excelled in their O-Level and A-level exams, by providing them with valuable sewing skills. In a region where societal constraints often limit opportunities for women, particularly with issues like early marriage and lack of technical training, this workshop aimed to demonstrate that sewing is a viable career path.

Participants were introduced to the basics of sewing, including how to create items like bags that could later be sold in local markets. The workshop not only provided technical skills but also highlighted the entrepreneurial potential of this craft, encouraging the women to see it as a means of future income generation. The initiative focused on breaking the stigma that sewing is not a worthwhile career and showed how it could lead to meaningful job opportunities.

Loav, a volunteer who facilitated the Project Roots workshop, shared her enriching experience during her time with Sri Lanka Unites (SLU). She felt an immediate sense of belonging, thanks to the warmth and inclusivity of the SLU staff, other volunteers, and the local children. Her connection with the participants, particularly the women in the sewing workshop, was strong due to their shared interest in sewing. She remarked how this community, despite challenges, demonstrated incredible resilience and eagerness to learn, which made her feel like she was among future colleagues rather than students.

Reflecting on her personal growth, Loav noted how the experience in Sri Lanka contrasted with her structured life in Germany. She learned to embrace a slower pace, understanding that different cultures have unique ways of learning and working. She found it particularly eye-opening to adapt her teaching style, realizing that many of the women were visual learners rather than following step-by-step instructions. This helped her develop a deeper understanding of cultural diversity in learning methods, and she felt a profound connection with the local community, something that resonated with her personal diaspora background.

Loav was deeply moved by the women’s desire to learn a skill like sewing, which could provide them with financial independence. She admired the efforts of SLU and Project Roots in breaking down societal barriers and offering young women the chance to pursue entrepreneurship. Loav felt that while her time was brief, it was a valuable and authentic experience, and she expressed her interest in supporting the initiative digitally from her home in Germany.

After having a detailed meeting regarding field work logistics with Mr. Dasun, a Center Manager of Sri Lanka Unites, and Ms. Dhananjani, teacher from SLU’s Gampaha Reconciliation Center, the GFF Helps Sri Lanka team visited the Thotalanga flats in Colombo 15. This visit was aimed at understanding the local context and meeting the children who will be part of GFF’s upcoming English classes. The team engaged warmly with the children, discussing their future aspirations and gauging their interest in learning English. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as many of the children expressed a strong desire to improve their English skills. The living conditions in Thotalanga are challenging, with issues such as drug activity, improper waste management, and general untidiness affecting the community. Despite these hardships, the children remain eager to learn and better their prospects. Understanding the needs and background of these children, the GFF Helps Sri Lanka team is committed to providing them with quality English language education, offering a pathway to brighter futures amidst their difficult circumstances.

Regarding my academic background, I completed BA(Hons) in Political Science from University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka and will be graduating this year with first class honors. Since I had been selected as an exchange student for University of Agder, Norway, I received the opportunity to accomplish an international internship at the Center for Gender and Equality, Kristiansand. I have engaged in qualitative researching for more than two years and crowned 3 research publications with first hand data. I have worked with scholars from diverse countries and practically involved in fieldworks. I was able to absorb more knowledge and experience in the field of international development since I have worked as the research assistant for UiA during their fieldwork in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, I have been volunteering for the wellbeing of down syndrome and autistic children in Sri Lanka.

I feel honored to perform the role, GFF Sri Lanka Representative since it comes with a plethora of opportunities to empower people through a vast array of projects that I am truly looking forward to commit. I am glad that GFF HELPS is enriched with such an energy brought forward by people who authentically interested about community development and it is such a brilliant opportunity to be a part of GFF.

I am from Gampaha, a buzzing city right next to Colombo District. I am 27 years old and, I am an IT graduate making a meaningful transition into the field of International Development. I am driven by a deep desire to enhance lives and contribute to positive change and I like to engage with people from different backgrounds. So, I am sincerely looking forward for our interactions together!

My academic background in technology equips me with problem-solving skills and a systematic approach, while my passion for sociological research

and literature enriches my understanding of human experiences and cultures. But in all seriousness, I like board games when I am not annoying my doggie, and movie nights with my friends.

I hope to improve my inner self as a volunteer at GFF HELPS and have loads of fun *_* Let’s keep dreaming and living! CHEERS!!

On the 30th of October, Art Exhibition was held at Yusuko Ono Preschool, in collaboration with GFF Helps Sri Lanka. The respected Reverend Wimalaratana, Vice Chancellor of SANASA Campus, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The presence of Dr. Kiriwandeniya, the Chancellor, and his wife, Mrs. Kiriwandeniya, added a touch of prestige to the event. SANASA Campus lecturers and the devoted parents of the preschoolers joined hands in support, creating a warm and encouraging atmosphere.

In the previous months, the young talents at the preschool had attentively poured their creativity into crafting remarkable pieces of art. The exhibition appeared as a grand stage for these budding artists to showcase their skills and imagination to a wider audience. It became a platform for them to unveil their talents to the world. As a token of appreciation, certificates were given upon each participant, acknowledging their contribution to the art exhibition. The joy that radiated from the students was intense, as many of them received certificates for the first time.

In a sign of gratitude, a Bluetooth speaker was presented to the preschool on behalf of the students, a thoughtful gift for future activities facilitated by GFF Helps. The ceremony continued with a mixture of fun, as the students presented dances and songs. The use of the Bluetooth speaker added an extra layer of novelty, enhancing the overall experience.

Expressions of thanks echoed through the preschool as students and teachers alike extended their gratitude to GFF for arranging a day filled with joy and appreciation. It was indeed a memorable day, celebrating the blossoming talents and the spirit of unity at Yusuko Ono Preschool.

English Language Day was organized by GFF Helps Sri Lanka at Akiriyagala Preschool on November 3rd. During this event, the focus was on celebrating and promoting the English language in a fun and interactive way. The day likely included various activities and programs aimed at engaging the preschoolers and fostering an interest in English. The principal of Akiriyagala School, The chairman of Akiriyagala SANASA society graced the occasion as chief guests. Parents and well-wishers also joined with us. The event involved Language games, songs and dramas perhaps even some basic language lessons to make learning English enjoyable for the young participants. Such initiatives help create a positive environment for language acquisition, laying the foundation for future language skills.

English Language Day at Akiriyagala Preschool, facilitated by GFF Helps, likely contributed to creating a supportive and enriching educational experience for the children, emphasizing the importance of language development in their early years. A certificate was awarded to appreciate and acknowledge the participation of the students. This recognition likely served as a way to encourage and commend the efforts of those involved, fostering a sense of achievement and motivation.

The initiative aimed at underprivileged children in Akiriyagala and Paragammana, directed by GFF Sri Lanka, is a transformative educational attempt conducted twice a week, spanning over two days to ensure a consistent and impactful learning experience. The program is exactly structured with a well-rounded curriculum that covers the essential language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These activities are thoughtfully designed to create a comprehensive language learning environment, offering a balanced and immersive approach to language acquisition.

One of the program’s distinctive features is its strong emphasis on enhancing grammar and vocabulary through a variety of engaging exercises. By incorporating diverse learning methods, the program not only helps students gain proficiency in English but also facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language. The carefully created activities aim to make the learning process both enjoyable and effective, fostering a positive attitude towards language acquisition.

One of the program’s distinctive features is its strong emphasis on enhancing grammar and vocabulary through a variety of engaging exercises. By incorporating diverse learning methods, the program not only helps students gain proficiency in English but also facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language. The carefully created activities aim to make the learning process both enjoyable and effective, fostering a positive attitude towards language acquisition. Beyond language skills, the program reflects GFF Sri Lanka’s commitment to the holistic development of these rural children. The thoughtful design of the program goes beyond the conventional methods of language instruction, demonstrating a dedication to empowering young learners for a brighter future. It recognizes the unique needs of underprivileged children and addresses them through a program that not only imparts language proficiency but also encourages a sense of confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.

GFF Sri Lanka’s dedication to the education of these underprivileged children is evident in the thoughtful design of the program, reflecting a commitment to breaking down barriers to education and providing a pathway for these young learners to overcome challenges and succeed in their academic journey. This initiative stands as a ideal of hope, illustrating how education can be a powerful tool for empowerment and positive transformation in the lives of underprivileged youth.

The weekly Drama Club for the students of Akiriyagala serves as a dynamic platform aimed at cultivating essential communication skills and fostering a sense of confidence in using the English language. Held once a week, this initiative is a dedicated effort to create an engaging and interactive space where students can freely express themselves through the medium of drama. The primary objective of the Drama Club is to provide students with a creative outlet that not only makes learning English enjoyable but also encourages them to overcome inhibitions and express themselves with confidence.

During the sessions, students actively participate in practicing simple dramas, demonstrating an enthusiastic approach to the creative process. These drama exercises serve as a practical and immersive way for students to apply and reinforce their language skills in real-life scenarios. Through the portrayal of characters, dialogues, and storylines, students not only enhance their linguistic abilities but also develop a deeper understanding of the distinctions of the English language in a appropriate setting.

Furthermore, the Drama Club contributes significantly to building the students’ confidence in using English fluently. By engaging in dramatic performances, students learn to articulate their thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively, breaking down communication barriers and gaining a sense of accomplishment. This holistic approach to language learning not only enhances their language proficiency but also instills valuable life skills that extend beyond the boundaries of the classroom. The Drama Club stands as a evidence to the commitment to providing a well-rounded and engaging educational experience for the students of Akiriyagala, empowering them to navigate the world with confidence and proficiency in the English language.

The Mid-Year vacation is over, and we’re back with our Remedial Classes in schools. In this new school year, we started the first session with two schools: Sigcay Elementary School and Lapnag Primary School. The students recognized us in schools, and they greeted us just like they greeted their teachers. The first session was fruitful, as well as the second session. We have a new school partner, Polo Elementary School, and we will start the remedial lessons in the fourth week of September. We are so happy with the support of the teachers. We are also happy to see the gradual improvements in students. We spent last school year with a different set of students, and we are looking forward to more memories with this new set of students from our partner schools.

The schools reopened again for the new school year on the last week of August. We started the month of September by visiting schools where we conducted our remedial classes and sports project. We visited first the Sigcay Elementary School and Lapnag Primary School. We brought our Letter of intent with the schedule and time. We talked with the teachers if our schedule fits their schedule and they said ‘yes’. They signed the letters and we officially started our remedial lessons and sports project on the second week of September. The teachers were grateful that we continued the project in their schools. We posted our school visitation pictures on our Facebook page and the head teacher of Polo Elementary School commented that they would like to have the same projects in their school. We arranged a visitation schedule and went to the school on September 12th. The Head Teacher, Ma’am Emma Intano, accommodated us. She also served us some refreshments. We went to the classrooms and she introduced us with the teachers. Our schedule was approved by Ma’am Intano and we can start right away depending on our schedule. We are so happy with our new school partner and we are thankful with the kindness of the teachers. The school also is a cozy place.

A refreshing tour was organized for the students of Shrijanshil School on the 25th of September. This unique event brought together not only the students but also their dedicated teachers and project participants. The successful execution of this initiative was the result of numerous meetings and collaborations with the esteemed Principal of Shrijanshil School, along with the diligent coordination of Saom Sir, the GFF Asia Pacific Coordinator.

The program proved to be highly effective in fostering stronger connections between parents and their children. Often, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, parents are engrossed in their responsibilities, both at home and at work. This tour provided them with a precious opportunity to step out of their routine and celebrate quality time with their beloved offspring. The highlight of the event was witnessing the deep emotional bonds between children and their parents. Games were thoughtfully incorporated into the itinerary to encourage parents to express their feelings toward their children. These activities served as a medium through which parents could convey their love, care, and support, strengthening the parent-child relationship. Furthermore, the program featured a short but impactful awareness session on parenting styles for children wellbeing, facilitated by Namrata Bhattrai, which offered valuable tools for parents to enhance their parenting skills, leading to more profound bonds and attachments with their children. This session proved to be enlightening and empowering for all in attendance. In conclusion, the refreshment tour for students of Shrijanshil School was not merely a recreational outing but a meaningful endeavor to bring families closer together. It provided a platform for parents to connect with their children on a deeper level, fostering mutual understanding and love. Through games, shared experiences, and insightful parenting guidance, this event was a significant step toward building stronger, more harmonious family relationships.

Handing over essential materials designed to improve children’s gross and fine motor skills to Shrijanshil School is a significant step towards fostering their holistic development. These materials play a pivotal role in nurturing the physical and cognitive growth of the students, leading to happier, healthier, and more confident children.

Firstly, these resources encourage active engagement, helping students develop better hand-eye coordination and dexterity through activities like puzzles, building blocks, and art supplies. Secondly, they facilitate the refinement of fine motor skills, which are crucial for tasks such as writing, drawing, and buttoning clothing. This, in turn, can boost students’ academic performance and self-esteem.

Moreover, materials that promote gross motor skills like sports equipment and play structures encourage physical fitness and teamwork, contributing to overall physical health and social development. The importance of these materials extends beyond the immediate benefits, as they provide students with opportunities for creative expression and physical activity, promoting a well-rounded and fulfilling educational experience.

Ultimately, witnessing the joy on children’s faces as they engage with these resources underscores the invaluable role, they play in shaping the future generation’s development and happiness.

GFF Sri Lanka, in its unwavering commitment to uplifting rural communities, hosts the “English for Village” program on two days every week. This initiative is specially designed to cater to the educational needs of underprivileged children living in rural areas, empowering them with vital English language skills. The program provides them with a comprehensive educational experience encompassing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Through the “English for Village” program, GFF Sri Lanka aims to bridge educational gaps and empower rural, economically disadvantaged children with a valuable set of language skills. This initiative not only enriches their lives but also opens doors to better educational and career opportunities in the future, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of the community.

The Mobile Library initiative played a vital role in nurturing the development of the students. By offering them access to books, it fostered a culture of reading, prompting the children to explore paragraphs and encounter unfamiliar words. This process of encountering challenging vocabulary led to meaningful discussions, ultimately resulting in the expansion of their language skills. Additionally, the Mobile Library featured engaging storytelling sessions, providing students with an interactive and immersive experience related to expand vocabulary.

Every week, GFF Sri Lanka organizes an art session for preschool students of Yusuko Ono. This special session is designed to help these young kids become more creative and improve their motor skills.

The impact of these art sessions is remarkable. The children get to explore their artistic side, using colors and materials to make beautiful creations. Not only does it make learning fun, but it also helps them become more skilled at using their hands and fingers for various tasks. Overall, these art sessions are making a positive difference in the lives of these preschool students, helping them grow and develop in exciting ways.

The Drama Club has begun as a vital component within the English for Village program, organized by GFF Sri Lanka, with the primary objective of strengthening participants’ English language skills.

It is purposefully designed to address the common fear of using English as a second language among the students. Recognizing that confidence plays a vital role in fluent communication, this initiative seeks to empower individuals to articulate themselves effectively.

Every week, GFF Sri Lanka allocates half an hour of valuable learning time to the Drama Club sessions. During these engaging gatherings, participants actively engage in practicing dramatic scenes and singing songs. These activities not only make language learning enjoyable but also serve as a powerful tool for building language skills.

The Phillippines Team managed to create amd conduct a health seminar related to Hepatitis and Diabetes Awareness in a Indigeneous Tribe here in Aklan, Philippines. It is in partnership with the Rural Health Unit of Numancia Town and it was approved by the Municipal Health Doctor, and the Resource Speakers for Diabetes Awareness are Mrs. Melanie Aguirre, a Registered Midwife and for Hepatitis Awareness, Mrs. Femy Tejada, Registered Nurse. It was also approved by the Town Mayor and Village Chieftain, Mrs. Alicia Javellana. According to her, the seminar was very timely as her members are almost senior and needs to be educated about it. They now also know to maintain healthy and clean lifestyle. She is very thankful to this initiative by the GFF HELPS and the Numancia Health Workers.

On the 28th of September, an orientation session for women’s literacy classes was conducted with the aim of empowering their learning process, literacy equips women with knowledge and skills, enabling them to make informed decisions, pursue employment, and engage in their communities. Additionally, adult literacy fosters gender equality by enabling women to assert their rights, participate in social and political activities, and contribute to the advancement of gender equality and overall societal progress. In essence, adult literacy classes for women serve as a catalyst for positive change, promoting empowerment, equality, and sustainable development. During this session, several important matters were discussed, including the starting date of the class, the class timings, and the participants’ field of interest for learning.

The orientation program spanned a duration of 2 hours, during which participants actively engaged in the discussions. After thorough deliberation, it was mutually decided that the literacy program would officially commence on October 2nd. The classes will be conducted for 2 hours each session, twice a week. The primary focus will be on teaching English, mathematics, and Nepali.

This commitment to prioritize English, mathematics, and Nepali instruction reflects our dedication to providing women with valuable skills that will empower them in various aspects of life.

On 21st of September GFF Helps India conducted a LPG Gas Fire Safety Awareness Workshop at Deorali, Lower Bong village.

For this workshop we collaborated with David Gas, Kalimpong who brought in the resource person for this workshop. This awareness program for safety around LPG Gas was especially requested by the residents of this village.

The resource person explained in detail all the safety measures that is to be taken while using the stove and LPG Gas cylinders, giving examples of casualty cases that have taken place. He also showed the new type of LPG cylinder available in the market that are extremely safe and do not burst. The villagers were unaware of this and got knowledge about this new cylinder. At last, a question answer session where the all the queries of the villagers were answered and resolved.

CACL (Campaign Against Child Labor) is a national level civil society forum. They had organised a consultation meeting with NBCRN (North Bengal Child Rights Network) on the 15th of September at Siliguri. Since we are a part of the core committee member of NBCRN, GFF Helps India Local Representative Ms. Surabhi Subba and Pudung area coordinator Mr. Suk Tshering Lepcha travelled all the way to Siliguri and attended the meeting. Many NGO’s and organizations from North Bengal working of child rights attended the program, where we got to learn a lot about the current situation and nature of child labour in these various districts. It was a great opportunity for us to share our works and learn from each other. NBCRN as a whole also decided to collaborate with CACL Forum in programs against child labour in North Bengal.

On the 24th Sunday, a significant event took place at the Bulluruppa Community Hall, organized by GFF Sri Lanka. This event served as an educational awareness program aimed at educating the local community about non-communicable diseases. The primary objective was to equip the public with knowledge about these prevalent health issues, given the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases attributed to unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits.

In current society, a considerable number of individuals over the age of forty find themselves handling with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, cancers, and kidney diseases. To address this concerning trend, Dr. Rajapaksha, the esteemed Medical Officer of Kegalle Hospital, graced the occasion with his presence.

Through this insightful session, the rural community received vital information that can empower them to take charge of their health and make informed choices. The attendees were highly engaged and displayed gripped attention as they absorbed the wealth of information presented. They expressed their gratitude to GFF for organizing this invaluable program, recognizing the immense significance it held in enhancing their understanding of non-communicable diseases and their preventive measures. The heartfelt thanks from the participants emphasized the program’s success in providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to prioritize their health and well-being.