Village Heartbeat Centre R athgama

1. Village Heartbeat Centre Rathgama August 2012

2. The village heartbeat is the nucleus of the philosophy and ethos of the foundation’s commitment to narrow the gap between urban and rural Sri Lanka. The creation of a basic center with the access to the absolute essential for empowering rural communities is not only possible: it can prove to be a game changer in the fight against rural isolation and poverty. Village Heartbeat Model FoG was requested by Lanka Japan Friendship Society to take over the rather run down community centre at Monroviya Estate, Rathgama. FoG decided to replicate the now successful village heartbeat concept which is in operation at Udumulla, a small poverty stricken village close to Seenigama.

3. The centreconsists of a computer room, library, community centre, volunteer accommodation, kitchen and a play park for the children. We believe that by providing these opportunities these communities will break away from the trap of poverty and the mentality that comes along with it. Our experience thus far has been, the communities embrace this opportunity and take massive strides towards their progress as individuals and as a community. Village Heartbeat Structure Volunteer accommodation Library Computer room

4. Village Heartbeat Structure Play park Community Centre

5. The main activities of the VHP are: • Computer Classes • Advanced Lecturer Saman Kumara conducts advance Microsoft office course. Office course is a one year course. Classes are conducted every Tuesday evening. Currently 25 students attend classes. 13 students graduated on 17th march 2012. • Kids Lecturer SashikalaDadallage conducts basic office course after completing basic course, students can apply to attend the advanced course. Classes are conducted every Saturday. Currently 10 students attend classes. 13 students graduated on 17th march 2012. Village Heartbeat Project

6. English Classes Mr.Thripal is the lecturer for English classes. There are 4 groups. Step 1- Grade 1-3, Step 2- Grade 4-5, Step 3 - Grade 6-8, Step 4- Grade 9-11. Currently 75 students attend classes. This is a marvellous opportunity for village kids as they will have to spend at least Rs 2,400 a year to receive proper English language training. Classes are conducted every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evening. Village Heartbeat Project

7. Sewing and patch work classes Ms.VolgaSubashini is the lecturer for Sewing & Patch work classes. These classes enable the rural women to sew clothes for themselves and their families. It provides job opportunities in the garment industry and also to forge ahead towards starting small business enterprises in tailoring clothing and soft furnishing. Locally turned out clothing and patchwork products are popular with the tourists who frequent the South. Patchwork classes previous group - 21 students graduated on 17th March 2012. Present group 16 students attend classes. Classes are conducted every Tuesday morning. Village Heartbeat Project

8. Cookery classes Ms Volga Subashini is the lecture for Cookery class. This is mainly due to the western preparations in the curriculum which they otherwise would not have had the opportunity to learn. We hope that by providing cookery classes the women will gain confidence so that they can provide for their families and find opportunities to use their new skills to generate income through catering work.10 students attend classes. Village Heartbeat Project

9. Mathematical classes Mr.PremalalBandara is the lecturer for Mathematical Classes. VHP conduct classes for Grades 06, 07, 08, 09, 10 and 11. Currently, 28 students attend classes. Most of the students go to private classes for Mathematics as it is very difficult and a compulsory subject in the government curriculum. Mr.PremalalBandara concentrates and is committed to teach the government scholarship students who sit for a General Knowledge – IQ Test and a Mathematical paper. This grade 6 exam is a stepping stone to apply for a better school with better facilities. This is a great gateway for rural children who wish to exhale in better quality education and extra curricular activities which the rural schools do not have. Classes are conducted every Friday and Saturday. Village Heartbeat Project

10. Beneficiaries 2012

11. Village statistics 2012

12. Volunteer activities On August 2012 for the first time two volunteers (Davide and Silvia, from Italy) lived in the Centre for two weeks sharing the life with the rural community. Every day, in the morning and in the evening, they organized activities for children. • Key Objectives of the activities: • Develop the imagination and the capability to innovate and to think in a different way; • Develop the positive competition and show different way to play with others; • Show the importance of a good english knowledge to communicate with foreign people.

13. Volunteer activities • Moreover they helped in doing the activities of the Centre: • English classes: use your imagination and develop your speech level with the game “GUESS WHAT?” • Cookery course: how to prepare an Italian Pizza. • Computer classes: use graphic programs to paint, write and learn english vocabulary.

14. The Foundation of Goodness posts regular updates on its website, including a weekly homepage story covering activities in the villages. Follow us on: www.unconditionalcompassion.org Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.