I first encountered the British Council when I interacted as an International Climate Champion back in 2010. I applied for the International Climate Champion programme and following this went through the comprehensive selection procedure, where each applicant had to develop his or her own project to take action against climate change.
My first impression of the British Council was that it is a place of opportunity for youth. I remember all aspects of the selection process being well coordinated. There was a sense of empowerment of each young individual with the feedback that was provided by the panel of judges.
The British Council has succeeded in building lasting relationships on many levels. Through the programmes I have been a part of (International Climate Champions, Active Citizens), I have seen these cultural relationships being formed at the community and individual levels beyond the expected target group.
It has certainly been a long and fruitful journey with the British Council. I joined Active Citizens as a student and a volunteer. That experience helped me to identify my strengths as an individual and gain a good knowledge and experience with project management as well. Later on, I had the opportunity to also be a part of the Active Citizens programme and participate in the first training held in Sri Lanka in 2011. Thereafter, I trained as a facilitator and subsequently was nominated as an Active Citizens Master Facilitator in 2016. Since then I have been blessed to work with the international pool of master facilitators. I know as a result of my interaction with the British Council I have gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience as a facilitator and in working with young people. It is a role I thoroughly enjoy and that helps me in my career. I am glad that youth across the island benefits from the Active Citizens program through us as AC facilitators.
The British Council has succeeded in building lasting relationships on many levels. Through the programmes I have been a part of (International Climate Champions, Active Citizens), I have seen these cultural relationships being formed at the community and individual levels beyond the expected target group.
If you are a young person, keen to contribute and see a better Sri Lanka. Join one of the wonderful youth programs offered that will help you to develop yourself, identify your talents, and develop a framework that will help you in all that you do. If you are motivated for positive change the team at the British Council as well as the team of facilitators will help you and guide you.
