Projects done by our Amazing Uptowners!
The Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown (RCCU) embodies the spirit of Rotary International’s motto, “Service above self.” We are dedicated to improving lives in our community and around the world through impactful projects.
Focusing on Global Issues, Delivering Local Solutions!
Rotary International has identified SEVEN KEY AREAS OF FOCUS where our efforts can create lasting change. By aligning our projects with these focus areas, we identify critical needs in our community and work tirelessly to develop effective solutions. We believe in the power of collaboration and work alongside local partners, community members, and other Rotary Clubs to achieve lasting results.
ROTARY AREAS OF FOCUS
Dedicated sections for each of the club’s key service areas The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation have identified seven areas of focus for Global Grants. These areas reflect critical humanitarian issues and needs that Rotarians are addressing worldwide. They will align Rotary with other international development efforts and will strategically further the mission of The Rotary Foundation.
Schools Re-Awaken – Re-building Utayapuram School (Batticaloa) after the Tsunami Disaster (June 2006)
The Uthayapuram school was destroyed by the tsunami of December 2004 and was rebuilt as a new school with all modern facilities at a cost LKR 56.5 Million (which was funded by Overseas Rotary Clubs). The newly constructed school was ceremoniously opened on 26th June 2006, by PDG K.R. Ravindran (Currently PRIP), who was the trustee designate of the rotary foundation. The entire project management of this venture including designing of the buildings, was handled by the Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown and its project plan team: Rtn. Yudish Ganesan (Artitect), Rtn. Karsten Larsen (Director International Service), Rtn. Manoji Samararatne (Pesident), PP. Dr. Suresh Britto (Project Chairman).
The students of “UTV” (Uthayapuram Tamil Vidyalayam), will continue their education in their new school building and will have all the modern facilities to assist them in their studies. The village of Uthayapuram is at the South Eastern corner of Periya Kallar – a town about 33 km south of Batticaloa. Periya Kallar is known as “Kalvi Aru” in Tamil – meaning the “river of learning” and is reputed to have a very high level of literacy and has produced some of the best scholars in the region.
Uthayapuram Vidyalayam was founded in 1980 as one of five Primary schools in the region which were meant to provide students to the only Senior School in the area – Periyakallar Central College.
Whilst the other four schools remained as Primary Schools, “UTV” developed very rapidly both in status and in student numbers. The school attracted the attention of the authorities when they had the highest percentage of Year Five Scholars in the Batticaloa District. Soon afterwards, the school was expanded to cater to students up to the GCE Ordinary Level.
Amongst its alumni today, UTV counts many eminent scholars, doctors, engineers and educationists.
Like the proverbial Phoenix, Uthayapuram Tamil Vidyalayam has risen from the desperate devastation of the tsunami and stands proudly today bigger and better than it was before.
RCCU donates much needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to Weligama District Hospital and Homagama Base Hospital (Aug 2021)
In response to a request to the district we received Personal protective Equipment (PPEs) to be distributed to regional hospitals which were dealing with Covid 19 patients. After careful evaluation we selected the Weligama District Hospital and Homagama Base Hospital. A team from Uptown visited the two hospitals and personally handed over the packages to them. Each hospital received 100 PPEs, 1250 face masks and 1000 gloves and they expressed their gratitude for the generous gesture which they said was a great need.
Sustainable Livelihood Development Programs in partnership with SDF Ltd, in the Kalutara District (March 2023 -Ongoing Program)
The RCCU joined forces with Sarvodaya Development Finance Ltd (SDF) to empower communities in the Kalutara District through sustainable livelihood programs. This collaborative effort provided much-needed funding to deserving beneficiaries, fostering self-reliance and economic opportunity.
The program focused on identifying individuals with strong entrepreneurial potential but limited access to capital. Through careful selection and financial support, these beneficiaries were empowered to invest in income-generating projects, paving the way for a brighter future for themselves and their families.
The RCCU is proud to have partnered with SDF on this impactful initiative. By working together, we can create lasting change and empower communities to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
RCCU Scholarship Program together with ACSFB74 (Apr 2023 - Ongoing Program)
RCCU conducts a collaborative undergraduate scholarship program with the Association of Colombo University Science Faculty Batch 1974 (ACSFB74). This initiative exemplifies Rotary’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and empowering future generations.
Through this program, deserving students will receive a monthly financial benefit to support their academic journey funded by the members of the ACSFB74. But this is more than just financial aid. The RCCU goes beyond just providing funds. We jointly host “Meet and Greet” sessions with the scholarship recipients. These interactive sessions will focus on developing soft skills, career guidance, and preparing students to be future-ready professionals. By combining financial support with mentorship and career guidance, this program aims to empower students to not only excel academically but also thrive in their future careers.
The RCCU is grateful to the ACSFB74 for their confidence placed in the Club and their shared commitment to education. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of deserving students, shaping a brighter future for our community.
Student Meet and Greet - Session 1 (Apr 2023)
Student Meet and Greet - Session 2 (Aug 2023)
Scholarship Program - Donation of laptop to a worthy student
The Association of Colombo University Science Faculty Batch 1974 (ACSFB74) supported by the RCCU in their scholarship program, successfully handed over a used laptop in June 2023, to a deserving student in his 3rd year studying a Data Science degree at the University of Colombo.
The student was very grateful for this contribution and noted that it will assist him greatly in his studies in the computer related field he studies.
Dear Father Program (Nov 2023 - Ongoing Program)
The program aims to address the multifaceted issues associated with fatherlessness through targeted interventions that empower fathers, support women, enhance child development, strengthen families, and contribute to broader societal goals of sustainable development. These objectives collectively seek to create a more supportive and nurturing environment for families, thereby fostering positive outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
Key objectives of the program:
- Reducing Fatherlessness: Support fathers in adapting to the modern family structure and encourage their active involvement in family life to reduce the prevalence of fatherless households.
- Empowering Women: Create an enabling environment where women, particularly single mothers, can thrive by alleviating economic and social pressures, thus empowering them to contribute effectively to society.
- Enhancing Child Development: Improve the overall well-being of children affected by fatherlessness by ensuring better access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and emotional support, thereby addressing long-term developmental challenges.
- Strengthening Families: Recognize the importance of strong family units as fundamental building blocks of society, aiming to foster resilient and cohesive families that positively impact their communities.
- Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Address socio-cultural and economic factors contributing to fatherlessness, which impedes progress towards achieving sustainable development at both national and global levels.
Aligns with several of Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus:
- Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution: Father absence can contribute to social unrest and violence within communities. Strengthening families can promote peace by fostering stability and positive social interactions.
- Basic Education and Literacy: The program emphasizes improving access to education for children affected by fatherlessness. This directly aligns with Rotary’s goal of promoting education for all.
- Maternal and Child Health: The program focuses on enhancing child development, which includes access to healthcare and nutrition. This aligns with Rotary’s objective of improving maternal and child health.
- Community Economic Development: The program aims to empower women, particularly single mothers, which can contribute to economic growth and stability within families and communities. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on community economic development.
While not a direct fit, the program also touches on:
- Disease Prevention and Treatment: Stronger families can lead to healthier lifestyles and better access to preventative healthcare, indirectly supporting Rotary’s disease prevention efforts.
- Water and Sanitation: Although not a core focus of the program, ensuring access to basic necessities like clean water can contribute to the overall well-being of families, which aligns with Rotary’s goals in this area.
Overall, the program demonstrates a strong connection to Rotary’s mission of service and building a better world. It addresses several key areas of focus and contributes to creating stronger families and communities.”
Donation of Stationary at Pinnawala Central College (Feb 2024)
Providing school kits (shoes, socks, bag, all necessary stationery items incl lunch box, water bottle, etc) for 15 deserving students at Pinnawala Central College, Pinnawala. This was made possible with contributions collected from members of RCCU.
Renovation of Playground Slide at Walpola Primary School - Rambukkana (Feb 2024)
RCCU was proud to announce the successful completion of the renovation project for the playground slide at Walpola Primary School in Rambukkana. This initiative aligns perfectly with Rotary’s commitment to serving our communities and fostering a healthy environment for children.
The original slide had become worn and unsafe for use. Recognizing the importance of safe and stimulating play areas for children’s development, the RCCU took the initiative to raise funds and organize the renovation.
Thanks to the dedication of our members and the generosity of our donors, the playground slide has been completely restored and is now ready for countless hours of fun and laughter. We are confident that this revitalized play area will contribute to the well-being and enjoyment of the students at Walpola Primary School.
Donation of Stationary at Introduction of Little Minds Strong Values (LMSV) at Walpola Primary School - Rambukkana (Mar 2024)
Empowering education, step by step! The RCCU provided essential school supplies – bags, shoes, and socks – to all 46 students, including 12 differently-abled children, at Walpola Primary School, Rambukkana! This impactful project, valued at Rs 340,000, was made possible by a District Grant (Rs 289,000), contributions from RCCU members (Rs 51,000), and the unwavering dedication of our team members – President Delan, Past President David, President-Elect Nirmal, and Past President/Service Chair Nishantha.
We also had the opportunity to introduce to the school a district project: Little Minds Strong Values (LMSV), which is an effective program spearheaded by the Rotary District 3220 to teach Morals, Ethics & Values to children through video animated songs and help build a New Sri Lanka.
