Deakin University andAspirations Education have a long-standing relationship, the latter has facilitated the study abroad ambitions of hundreds of students to the university. Aspirations Education is unique, given their efforts to ‘give back’ to those who may not have an opportunity of studying in Australia.
Aspirations EducationFoundation (AEF) is part of the Aspirations Education group, is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact. Deakin University has joined hands with Aspirations Education to play a role in this worthy initiative. The project has seen over 80 Australian students travel to Sri Lanka and contribute to approximately 20 community development projects, and in the process raise over AUD 40,000 for local communities.
Project areas include health-care and infrastructure, using technology in effective English language and sports development.
The projects are collectively referred to as the ‘Ampara Project’ which is the vision of Aspiration Foundation’s CEO, Mr Ajith Abeysekera who continues to be its driving force. From Deakin’s side, the project was led by Mr CarlJones, International Manager, and passionately supported by Dr Latha Sathyan, and Ms Susan Ang, from the Faculties of Health and Science, English and BuiltEnvironment respectively.
As the Ampara Project progressed, the collaboration widened with Deakin’s institutional partners contributing their respective expertise. The University of Moratuwa, and the InternationalInstitute of Health Sciences (IIHS) were two such institutions. Many infrastructure projects were collaborations between Deakin’s School ofArchitecture and the University of Moratuwa. With health-related projects, we were ably assisted by IIHS.
Many local schools in the Badulla and Ampara districts contributed to the projects and were also beneficiaries. Around 40 schools were part of the project.
Apart from meeting‘ development’ objectives, the project also had many intrinsic benefits. The engagement and interaction between our Australian and the local children was a beautiful outcome. Especially considering many of the local children may not have an opportunity to travel to Australia. We hope this exchange of ideas and friendships will inspire both cohorts to continue to learn and appreciate each other’s cultures, and perhaps even extend to ‘sustainable development’ as careers.
Sixteen schools participated in a volleyball coaching day and tournament. Deakin’s staff and students participated in the event as part of the study tour to Sri Lanka. This tournament was the highlight, especially for the children (from both countries). The smiles on their faces said it all.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Deakin University, Australia led by their Senior Manager, International Student Affairs, Mr Carl Jones, for their invaluable support, and the truly wonderful camaraderie that they had extended to us during those unforgettable days of exemplary services rendered to the rural community of Ampara district, and the untiring efforts of Aspirations Education Foundation led by its Chairman Mr Ajith Abeysekera, in coordinating the projects, and providing leadership, logistical support, and direction while working hand in hand with Deakin University, and the well-wishers of the village community. Once again, a big Thank you, Deakin
On a personal note, I am happy to have been able to visit Deakin University in Australia and offer my thanks to Mr Carl Jones and Dr Latha Sathyan on behalf of my community at Polwatte, Ampara District”.
– MrH M Janaka Wasantha Bandara, Secretary, Abhilasha Arunaloka Community organization.
COVID-19 has brought to the surface new needs. The University is in discussion with AEF and we look forward to a bigger role in the coming years to strengthen this enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia.
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