Diving, Electrician, English, Photography, Computer Graduation

The award ceremony for the Diving, Electrician, English, Photography and Computer courses took place on Saturday, July 3 2010 at the Aviva Community Hall in Seenigama. The ceremony kicked off with the usual lighting of the oil lamp by Mr. Upali Mahanama who graced the occasion as chief guest along with Kushil Gunasekera, Founder/Trustee of the Foundation of Goodness and other sector managers, senior lecturers of the respective courses and students too.

Sampath Viraj, manager/coordinating secretary of FOG’s MCC Centre of Excellence delivered the welcome speech as soon as the lighting of the oil lamp took place and the awarding of the certificates followed afterward. 34 students graduated after following a course in diving while 14 graduated with a photography course and 17 students graduated after following a course in electrical maintenance. Previously, 93 students had graduated in Diving, 106 in Photography and 24 from the Electrician course. These courses are not just popular amongst the people in Seenigama but are attended by people who enroll themselves from several other neighboring villages.

Mr. Mahanama, Kushil and other attendees at the ceremony viewed the electrician wiring plan that was displayed on a board in addition to a slide presentation organized by the electrician students which kept playing continuously in the background. The speech delivered by Kushil proved to be inspiring as it goes without saying and he stated that Mr. Upali Mahanama had to be welcomed as an example of a true father as he raised his son Roshan Mahanama to grow up to be a fine character. Upali Mahanama had of course attended the award ceremony despite him having been very tired from celebrating his 60th birthday the night before, organized by his son Roshan.

Kushil did go on to say that he faced many such obstacles in his life such as people scolding and criticizing him over certain issues that proved to be lessons in life for his undeterred success. He further said that courage and braveness were flowing like a river and everyone can receive a certificate but one cannot receive a character certificate in good deeds. Sadness and happiness have to go hand in hand in order for one to be successful. Upali Mahanama was next in line to give a speech that began with a significant true story of a great musician who was 83 years of age and was unable to move around due to old age. He did muster up enough strength to come downstairs one day and sit at the piano with his fingers atop the keyboard. One after the other, his fingers began to move automatically and the rest can be figured out. It was a miracle indeed.

He shared little but golden pieces of advice to the students that meant a lot. He stressed that one should be able to nourish abilities for an interview, be in possession of knowledge, skills, leadership qualities and discipline. Smiling is important and that’s the first thing one should have when walking in for an interview. “You are the boss and I am the one who is taking decisions.” was the rule given by Mr. Mahanama to stick to for a successful marriage to take place. He further explained that it was especially important that youth develop qualities in order for them to respect elders and to worship those who teach them. He advised parents to allow their children to pursue what they are truly passionate about and not what they (the parents) want their children to follow. “Try your best to grow karapincha and a few vegetables rather than buying them from the market,” said Mr. Mahanama. He concluded his speech by declaring that Kushil has a heart filled with strength, courage, compassion and generosity.

The students who graduated from the English course have accomplished within themselves a great achievement as it is understood that the most difficult curriculum is English as there happen to be no qualified teachers in the area and no teachers committed enough to travel to Seenigama from Colombo just to teach English to poor, rural kids who deserve better. English is taught to the students by categorizing the language into different levels of knowledge and according to their age or grade. The course is taught after a placement test is conducted and there are continuous means of constantly trying to inculcate the aspect of uplifting the quality of teaching. The Foundation of Goodness has received several donations of activity packs that assist in teaching English to the students in an effective and interesting manner.

The award ceremony was continuous with Computer graduates as 15 had graduated in graphics, 14 in web design, 38 in MS office and 42 from the kids’ course. Previously, the grand total in graduated students in Computer was 346. 108 students in Graphics, 78 in Web Design, 158 in MS Office and 2 in the Software Course totaled up to 346. As at now the total graduated students stand at 455.

The vote of thanks at the award ceremony was delivered by Jayantha, a graduate from the English course.

Kushil had some inspiring words and wisdom for the students. “I had an ache for the village and the villagers, All are watching me whether I'm doing what I'm telling. I wish to cultivate kindness by teaching others with good intentions. We constantly try to check into others’ lives but what we need is to reflect on our lives and change for the better. The sea always brings all the garbage to the seashore through the waves but we put garbage in our pockets, hearts and minds.” He further stated that we, as people have to make a commitment to do things differently from today in order to ensure a better future.
~ Sarah Kellapatha's

2010.08.23