I was invited by a friend from Beyond Borders to be a part of a forum theatre in 2006 at the British Council. During that time Beyond Borders was a project initiated by the British Council that served as a platform for youth to take a proactive role in Active Citizenship.
My involvement has been since 2006, which is almost 14-15 years and it’s longer than any organisation I’ve personally been involved in, which is proof of a strong relationship. I think the best part is that the British Council allows us to be actively involved in projects and the people who are involved genuinely try to help us with our personal growth. Thus, in return, we feel a sense of loyalty to the British Council.
He revealed that this workshop had been the greatest time of his life and he expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes and told me how inspired he felt. This incident contributed as a turning point in my life to change careers.
In 2007, I was involved as a trainer in a programme called ‘Kids in touch’ which invited 150-200 students from around the country to be trained on Active Citizenship. After two days the workshop ended with a highly anticipated bonfire and fellowship. As people were having a great time singing and dancing, a student approached me and wanted to have a personal chat. I remembered this student to be a very active personality throughout the workshop. He revealed that this workshop had been the greatest time of his life and he expressed his gratitude with tears in his eyes and told me how inspired he felt. This incident contributed as a turning point in my life to change careers – from a banker to a Trainer in youth engagement and social development.
I genuinely believe that the British Council achieves its objective of strengthening cultural relationships by their unique projects and activities – locally and globally. I’ve personally experienced this through Active Citizens and its related events such as IFDW (International Facilitator Development Workshops), rollout training and exposure visits. These workshops and events create a platform to share culture, experience and feedback positively, serving as a catalyst to nourish relationships.
I don’t really know whether I deserve the honour of being featured here, but I can genuinely and wholeheartedly wish the British Council a happy 70th anniversary, for its unparalleled excellence in service to the people in Sri Lanka. And I’m humbled and thankful to be a small part of it.
