Sustaining youth development in rural Sri Lanka
06/05/2016 – Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka: The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s National Youth Camp for 2016 was organized by the Organizational Development Department in collaboration with Polannaruwa Branch of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society at Youth Corps Training Centre Aralaganwila, Polannaruwa from 29th April to 02 May 2016 with the participation of 50 Red Cross Youth members from 21 branches of SLRCS.
The youths who took part in this programme engaged various activities throughout the four days programme aimed at developing their interpersonal skills on leadership qualities. Discussions also took place on the subject of current social issues of youths, child abuse, touches against child and legal actions with the support from the Officer In Charge of the Aralagawilla Police.
This four day event was inaugurated by the Polannaruwa Branch Executive Officer Ms. Samanthi Wijekoon and facilitated by Mr. Premalal Ranasinghe Programme Manager – Organizational Development (Constitutional Affairs / Youth / Volunteer Resource Management), Mr. Ruwan Thisara Youth & Volunteer Coordinator of Polannaruwa Branch, Duminda Sanjeewa YABC Coordinator, Anuradhapura Branch and Radha Pathmanathan, Assistant Manager (PMER & IGP).
The participants had the opportunity to learn about SLRCS history and current services, the role of youths in the community, their role and responsibility in the family and community, basic proposal writing skills.
The sessions were facilitated with video/ visual presentations, songs, open & group discussions, games and group activities. Their capacity was build up through individual presentation, talent show, camp fire and group activities.
Major Rohan Kumara, the OIC of National Youth Corp., Aralaganwila was the chief guest of the final day ceremony. He congratulated the youth participants and advised them to be the exemplary citizens of Sri Lanka.
