Be it business, science, art or pleasure photography has its many uses. Fascination with photography saw an upsurge in the last decade with the invention of the digital camera and in recent times with the introduction of camera facilities on mobile phones.

Considering the high interest in the field of photography the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) saw it fit to introduce a certificate course in photography under its ‘business skills development’ sector, which is one of its 30 management sectors providing opportunities to over 20,000 people of Seenigama and its regions.

The batch of 22 students of the
2nd photography course

This certificate course in photography, which is a 3 month long course, is sponsored by International Youth Foundation USA and Nokia – one of the long standing supporters and sponsors of the work the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) has been doing to uplift the lives of the rural less fortunate.

Foundeee/trustee of the Foundation
Kushil Gunasekera addressing the event

On the 14th of February a second batch of students who underwent the course was awarded their certificates at a simple ceremony. Chief Guest at the event was renowned lawyer Mr. Sudath Perera and his wife Rushmi, who herself has given of her services to the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) in the past. Joining them at the event was the founder/trustee of the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) Kushil Gunasekera, who addressing the event said “expanding greater opportunities for differently talented individuals from the rural villages to create new avenues is the key whilst exposing their skills development to excel towards greater prosperity. It is all about providing these chances free of cost which was not available before, but thanks to the very kind and magnanimous donors of the caliber of International Youth Foundation from the U.S. supported by the famous Nokia Mobile Phone Company, the village youth are blessed with better prospects in shaping a promising career of their choice.” 
The batch comprising 22 students was trained under the guidance of photo-pro Mr. Sudath Wijeratne and was instructed in the art of photography through the use of conventional and digital cameras.

Students receiving their certificates

Now armed with a certificate these 22 will have many career opportunities open out to them including in the local high demand areas of photo journalism, advertising and bridal photography.

Giving them incentive into the competitive world of photography that lies ahead, the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) opened a non-compulsory photography competition to the 22 students. Their objective was to capture the essence of the 30 sectors of the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) which will be used by the Foundation for all its promotional and other work, with credit to the photographer. The reward was Rs. 5,000/-

Some of competition winner’s entries

Five students took up the challenge, which was not an easy one. P.W. Roshantha Madushanka was adjudged the winner and will be awarded his cash prize later this month by visiting International Youth Foundation’s Programme Director Mr. Jean-Pierre Isbendjian.   

With training of a further 25 students on the next certificate course in photography already underway, the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) is delighted to have opted to offer this cost free course as a helping hand to those less privileged who desire to uplift their lives. The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) is also encouraged by the high percentage of women participating in this course.

More Success in Seenigama

A girl with a rural background is now a finance executive at AVIVA Insurance Company. Although desirous of a better life, when she was growing up, Nethmini did not in her wildest dreams imagine she would secure a good first job in a prestigious company such as this.

Nethmini joins AVIVA as an executive
further extending the partnership
that exists between the Foundation of Goodness
and AVIVA which is a real success story

Nethmini de Silva, who hails from Seenigama studied at Prajapathigothami Girls College, Ambalangoda. Her father is a planter and her mother was teacher, and it was her mother that gave her the encouragement and edge to excel in her studies at school.

The hard work to reach the top hasn’t quite ended yet. Nethmini, who has completed the CIMA strategic level, will take the top CIMA examination this May. She is confident she will pass and says her duties as finance executive since 1st of March will not hinder her studies. In addition to this, Nethmini has been an undergraduate student of ‘physical science in math’ at University of Ruhuna and is awaiting results of her final year examination.

Nethmini’s plans for the future are an MBA either in the UK or in Australia after 2 to 3 years. The Foundation of Goodness (FoG) wishes this persevering young girl a bright and prosperous future!

"Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing,
you will be successful."
- Herman Cain

2009.03.16