175 students from low income families receive scholarships in Anuradhapura, Batticaloa

Berendina Group Chairman Dulan De Silva handing over scholarships

Scholarship winners giving rapt attention to motivational speeches by invited guests 

A total of 175 bright children who received a minimum six credits in one sitting with Maths and coming from Samurdhi families or families per person income below Rs. 5,000 received scholarships from Berendina (berendina.org, jobsberendina.com or Give2SriLanka.com) recently. 

The program leads these children on to a productive career by initially providing educational support for Advance Level, then providing quality career counselling guided by Mohan Pallaguru. Then those who do not get adequate marks to enter university and desire employment are linked to 300+ companies registered with Berendina for entry level employment. Those who wish to do higher studies in accounting, IT, credit management, nursing etc.; all professional/VT courses leading to jobs are provided scholarships for fees for 30+ approved educational programs. This 175 is part of a total of 700 children getting such scholarships in 2015 from Berendina. 

The Batticaloa program was held at Mahajana College Auditorium. The Chief Guest was Renganathan – Additional District Secretary, Batticaloa and the Guest Speaker was Rev. Fr. Rajeevan a leading educationist in the district. Both gave highly inspiration speeches to the children.

More than 270 participants including special invitees, students and their parents were present at this scholarships awarding ceremony. Palm Foundation East and World Vision two leading NGOs gave extensive support to this function.

Speaking at this scholarship awarding ceremony Rev. Fr. Rajeevan stressed the need that the students who receive the award should become helpers to others in the future.  He said that extending helping hands to the intelligent at the same time financially unsound students is one of the most precious things in the world. The function concluded with the vote of thanks by Thinesh, District Manager, Batticaloa.

57 bright students from Anuradhapura received their scholarships at a special awarding ceremony held at SOS Children’s Village Auditorium, Anuradhapura. The Chief Guest of this event was Prof. Madduma Banada, Professor Emeritus at Rajarata University and a former Vice Chancellor of University of Peradeniya. 

Berendina Group Chairman Dulan De Silva, Urban Council, Anuradhapura Commissioner Sampath Dharmadasa and SOS Acting Village Director Athula Kamalsiri were Guests of Honours. Both Prof. Madduma Bandara and Dharamadasa gave two inspirational speeches to the youth whilst Dulan de Silva explained Berendina’s future plans to ensure these and at least 5,000 kids have a productive future. More than 280 participants including special invitees, students and their parents were present at this scholarships awarding ceremony. SOS Village in particular gave extensive support by providing the Hall and dance group for the event.

Berendina commences awarding child scholarships for 1,000 children in 2015

Berendina commenced its annual children scholarship program in Puttalam recently; 102 students received scholarships and they are part of 703 such children from nine districts that Berendina will give scholarships to this year. In addition another 300+ Grade 5 children will also receive educational scholarships. The program leads children’s right to employment or higher studies.

Berendina Employment Center (GTE) Ltd. District Manager Supun Tharaka initiated the event with the welcome speech and Berendina Employment Center (GTE) Ltd. General Manager Hemantha Harischandra gave an introduction of the origin and services of Berendina. In addition video documentary was presented to the audience outlining the vision and current progress of the program. 

Peace Education – Puttalam District Director E.A Wasantha Bandara gave an interactive speech on ‘How society can contribute to the education of the nation’. The event also featured a dance performance by students of the Saliyawewa Model School which was appreciated by the audience.

One of the earlier Grade 5 child scholarship beneficiaries, Dinuka Madushan explained the advantages he obtained from the ‘Bright Student Scholarship’ and in his speech included personal experiences and barriers he faced during his A/Ls. He concluded with explaining how Berendina supported him to overcome them. He is an orphan and lives with his aged grandparents. His enthusiastic speech held the entire audience captive.

Participated students received certificates of achievement and the event concluded with the vote of thanks by Berendina District Manager M.A Yasir Arsath. The program was moderated by Project Officer M.S.F. Aashifa.

The event was accomplished successfully with the support of Fathima School, which provided a hall for the event and VOICE Area Federation which assisted with transportation, projector, generator and a cash sponsorship worth of Rs. 10,000.