By: Staff Writer
July 06, Colombo (LNW): Rolling out with pensive consistency, the LOLC Divi Saviya humanitarian effort has reached a significant landmark by supporting 3,500 schools, surpassing 35% of the student population. Launched in February 2023, this initiative has steadily and consistently reached and enriched the nation’s young minds.
As Phase 3 of the project progresses, LOLC Divi Saviya is focused on schools accommodating 101-150 students. This strategic move aims to ensure that even the most underprivileged schools have access to essential educational resources.
Education Ministry former Additional Secretary (School Affairs) Neelamani Malawiarachchi praised the initiative, highlighting the challenges faced by parents in providing essential school materials.
“Even though we provide school uniforms, syllabuses, teachers, and textbooks to students through the ministry, we seek the support of parents to provide the kids with school exercise books and accessories.
However, there are certain parents in this country who are unable to afford these things, under the current economic challenges. Today, even middle-class parents with few children in their families find it difficult.”
“At this point, the intervention of LOLC is commendable, as LOLC has become an obvious hand to support these parents. Divi Saviya provides a comprehensive school package to these students, where every child feels equal and privileged to learn in the classroom without disparity.
The most important thing is that every student receives the same set of fine books, pastels, bags, toolboxes, etc., so that no one feel differentiated. LOLC has successfully managed to promote equality in the minds of these children, in treating their needs equally through the Divi Saviya initiative.
Since the project’s launch, children show an interest in classroom activities and are learning with happiness. As an official of the education ministry and a mother, I am truly appreciative of the support extended by LOLC to this nation’s children,” Malawiarachchi added.
LOLC Divi Saviya, in its inaugural phase, successfully distributed vital school materials, including exercise books and mathematical toolboxes, to over 1,400 schools.
The subsequent phase expanded this reach to an additional 1,500 schools. With the launch of Phase 03, the initiative aims to cover an additional 1,200 schools, bringing the total investment to over Rs. 2.5 billion.
The Ministry of Education has honoured LOLC’s significant efforts with national recognition, marking the first time a private sector entity has received such esteemed acknowledgment for its humanitarian work in improving educational opportunities for the nation’s children and bridging the resource gap.
The road ahead for Sri Lankan education in 2024 and beyond is challenging. However, LOLC, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is determined to sustainably influence Sri Lanka’s educational landscape for years to come.
Specifically, the initiative aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. As the project continues to expand, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Sri Lanka.
