Airtel continues quest in reaching out to children in rural communities

Saturday, 4 March 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, recently gifted a playground with all new facilities to the children of Alawala Maha Vidyalaya, Alawala – Gampaha District.

This initiative which was carried out by Airtel Lanka as one their Corporate Social Responsibility projects, was declared open by Bharti Airtel Lanka CEO/MD Jinesh Hegde and other senior officials of the company. Alawala Maha Vidyalaya houses over 270 under-privileged children studying in the primary grades with little or no facilities. Airtel Lanka took on the initiative in meeting the needs of this school by constructing a playground with the aim of creating a pleasant, home away from home atmosphere to the children of the area.

Speaking at the official opening of the playground, Hegde stated that their primary focus is to create a better world for children and that something as simple as a playground provides vital opportunities for children to develop their emotional, social, cognitive and motor skills as well as their creativity and imagination. Hegde further added, “We are delighted to be a part of this great initiative of uplifting children in the rural areas of the country. As such, we have made a pledge to take the responsibility of providing them with a happy and safe childhood along with the foundation required for a sound education system. Airtel has always taken pride in being proactive by giving back to the society, especially to the youth and children; therefore we will continue our fight in creating a better world for them.”

While expressing his gratitude to Airtel, Alawala Maha Vidhyalaya Principal Rev. Kamburawala Vajira stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Airtel on behalf of the parents, teachers and the children of Alawala Maha Vidhyalaya for this extremely kind gesture. We are truly blessed to be the recipients of this all new playground which will support the children physically and psychologically through improved physical activity. I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Airtel for contributing towards the improvement of the standard of education and wellbeing of children who are the future of our country.”

‘Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect’ was initiated in 2012. Under the first phase, a booklet containing forms of child abuse and neglect, ways of protecting children and advice for parents and caregivers was published under the supervision of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians. Phase two will include creating awareness about this issue through workshops, programs and seminars which are to be conducted in many organisations and schools. The refurbishment of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital was also an extension to this project.