Sathkara 2024 – Empowering Young Minds Through Education
Initiative by: Richmond College Group of 97 – Colombo Association
Location: Thalapalakanda Junior School, Deniyaya, Sri Lanka
Project Value: Rs. 900,000+
Completed: September 2024
Project Sathkara represents the inaugural charitable initiative of the Richmond College Group of 97 – Colombo Association, embodying our commitment to giving back to communities in need. Launched in 2024, this comprehensive educational support project aimed to uplift the learning environment and opportunities for students at Thalapalakanda Junior School, a rural institution located approximately 150 kilometers from Colombo in the Southern Province.
Our Vision
To create meaningful change in underprivileged educational institutions by providing essential resources, improving infrastructure, and fostering holistic development opportunities for students who need them most.
The School
Thalapalakanda Junior School serves approximately 120 students in the Deniyaya area, where access to quality educational materials and infrastructure remains limited. Our association identified this school as an ideal recipient for our first community project, connecting through trusted contacts to ensure genuine impact.
What We Achieved
Through the generous contributions of approximately 40 association members, their families, friends, and corporate partners, Project Sathkara successfully delivered:
Educational Enhancement
- Stationery gift packs for all 120 students
- Home Science laboratory equipment to enable practical learning
- Musical instruments including melodicas, drums, symbols, and traditional Eastern instruments
- Professional repair of existing musical instruments to restore their functionality
Sports & Recreation
- Volleyball equipment including balls and nets
- Football and cricket gear
- Indoor games: carrom boards and chess sets
- Tennis and rubber balls for physical education
Infrastructure Development
- Custom name boards for school branding and wayfinding
- Flag post base construction for ceremonial purposes
- Complete goods transportation logistics
Community Care
- Refreshments for all students during the handover ceremony
- Gift vouchers for teachers as tokens of appreciation for their dedication
Impact by the Numbers
- Total Project Value: Rs. 811,531
- Cash Contributions: Rs. 384,131
- Material Donations: Rs. 427,400
- Students Benefited: 120+
- Contributors: 40+ members and partners
Our Gratitude
Project Sathkara was made possible through the collective generosity of our association members and corporate partners. We extend special appreciation to:
- Browns Hotels and Resorts – Mr. Eksath Wijeratne (Chief Executive Officer), Mr. Priyal Perera (Head of Projects and Procurement), and Mr. Rohan Gamage (General Manager, Thaala Bentota) for their invaluable contribution to the Home Science unit
Transparency & Accountability
True to our commitment to responsible stewardship, complete financial records including income and expenditure statements, donor lists, and photographic documentation were maintained throughout the project. All transactions were audited, and surplus funds were responsibly managed for future initiatives.
Looking Forward
The success of Project Sathkara marks the beginning of our journey in creating positive social impact. The enhanced learning environment at Thalapalakanda Junior School now provides students with better opportunities to excel academically and develop their talents in sports, music, and practical skills.
We remain committed to supporting educational advancement in Sri Lanka and invite like-minded individuals and organizations to join us in future endeavours.
Richmond College Group of 97 – Colombo Association
Building bonds, Creating impact
