As part of the Japanese Student Summer Exchange Programme, the Nippon-Lanka Collaboration Centre (NLCC-KDU) in collaboration  with students from JF Oberlin University, Japan, and Intake 41 students from the Department of Social Sciences at KDU, organized a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project at Thalkote Primary School in Sigiriya on 24th August 2024.

The initiative aimed to support the underprivileged students of the remote school by providing much-needed educational supplies such as books and stationery. This effort was designed to promote a conducive learning environment, giving the children access to basic resources to further their education.

The project was not limited to material support. The Japanese and KDU students spent their time with the children, engaging in fun games and activities that fostered an atmosphere of joy and friendship. The interaction between the university students and the schoolchildren also served as a meaningful cross-cultural exchange, with both groups learning from one another’s experiences and backgrounds.

This CSR initiative was a key component of the Japanese Student Summer Exchange Programme, which aims to combine academic and cultural experiences with community service. The collaboration between NLCC-KDU, JF Oberlin University, and the local school highlights the importance of such programmes in bridging cultures and supporting local communities.

The students of Intake 41 at the Department of Social Sciences, under the leadership of Dr. Hemantha Premarathne, Coordinator of NLCC-KDU, played a crucial role in the successful execution of the project. Their dedication, alongside the enthusiasm of the Japanese students, demonstrated the impact of collective efforts in creating positive change within the community.

The event was a touching reminder of the power of education, cultural exchange, and community service, and it left a lasting impression on both the university students and the children of Thalkote Primary School.