Location: Unanvitiya Sri Rewatha Maha Vidyalaya, Udugama, Baddegama, Southern Province

The picturesque town of Udugama in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province recently witnessed a vibrant event that brought together students, teachers, and community leaders to champion sustainable agriculture. Unanvitiya Sri Rewatha Maha Vidyalaya, a government school serving 371 students, hosted the 28th installment of the “Kapruka From School” series, an initiative spearheaded by the Good Hands Initiative.

This collaborative effort, orchestrated by Mrs. Manodhya, a lecturer at the Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) in Kadawatha, aimed to empower rural communities through sustainable agricultural practices. The event was made possible through the unwavering support of the Zonal Education Office Udugama and the school’s leadership, led by Principal Mr. M.I.J. Chanaka.

The program’s roots can be traced back to preliminary discussions between key stakeholders, including officials from goodhands, the Zonal Education Office, and the school’s principal. Their shared vision for educational and agricultural development in the economically challenged region of Baddegama laid the foundation for this transformative initiative.

On the day of the event, nearly 110 students, teachers, and officials gathered to participate in the day’s activities, which commenced with a warm ceremonial welcome. Distinguished speakers, delivered inspiring presentations on the significance of sustainable agriculture, with a particular emphasis on coconut cultivation. Their words ignited a passion for environmental stewardship among the attendees, encouraging them to take an active role in their community’s agricultural future.

Interactive sessions followed, where students from grades 6, 7, and 8 engaged in thought-provoking discussions about the challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture. These sessions were designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of sustainable farming practices. The practical component of the program saw students, under the guidance of programme experts and their teachers, participating in hands-on activities such as preparing coconut pits and establishing seed nurseries. These activities not only provided practical skills but also instilled a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

The program concluded with the distribution of 100 coconut plants and 100 coconut seeds, symbolizing a collective commitment to sustainable agriculture. Certificates of participation and GHI Coconut Cultivation Handbooks were also awarded to the students and teachers, recognizing their active involvement and encouraging continuous learning.

As the day drew to a close, the GHI team was honored with a commemorative plaque from the school and program coordinator, marking a successful collaboration and reinforcing the shared goal of promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Sri Lanka’s rural communities.