The British Council International School Award: Presentation Ceremony 2008 was held on Sunday 30 March at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. Many enthusiastic students, teachers and principles from participating schools were present at the event. The chief guest Minister of Education in Sri Lanka, Hon A D Susil Premajayantha and the guest of honour Gill Westaway, Country Director British Council Sri Lanka shared their views on the International School Award (ISA). John Rolfe, Project Delivery Manager Schools British Council London also spoke at the event and shared his experiences on working with the schools in the UK. He stated that 'This is our 3rd year working with Sri Lanka' and went on to say 'the programme (ISA) brings people, teachers, students and countries together. Sanjeevani Munasinghe, Deputy Manager - Program Delivery and Deepthi Wijesinghe Assistant Manager Program Delivery at British Council Colombo also shared their enthusiasm on the success of ISA.
The event had an array of items to keep the audience entertained. The students of Mahanaga Maha Vidyalaya – Kegalle performed a creative and colourful dance which depicted a traditional harvest ceremony in Sri Lanka. The choir of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo performed the Global Gateway song as well as some other numbers.
As for the event itself, the prestigious award went to four hard working schools this year:
Mahanaga Maha Vidyalaya – KegalleA remarkable display of some of the international project work done by these award-winning schools showed everyone present how well deserving these schools were.
The ten other schools who are currently working towards this award were also encouraged for their own projects by this exhibition. Around each display there was a team of proud and passionate students and teachers, ever ready to share their knowledge and experiences.
These are some of the views of the ISA award winners
Mahanaga Maha Vidyalaya – Kegalle
Principle: Mr. U Chandrarathna
ISA coordinator: Mrs. Kumudini Herath
This program helped their students from rural backgrounds to explore the world. They were able to realize that although they came from different cultures, they faced similar global problems and found creative ways of addressing these. Communications between students although at first was a barrier, helped in improving their language skills and widen their horizons.
Malabe Boy’s Model School – Malabe
Principle: Mr H. Ratnapala
ISA coordinator: Mrs. Kushlani Dabarera
They were able to gain a wealth of personal experience as they have very close links with their partner school. The students enjoy communicating with other students through the E-Pals programme. Also their principle and teacher were able to visit their partner school. Their visit helped change perspectives and they also had a chance to enlighten the foreign students about Sri Lankan culture and create better understanding between the two cultures. The bonds that were created between the two schools during this visit will be something that will last a life time.
Nalanda College - Colombo 10
Principle: Mr. H U Premathilake
ISA coordinator: Mrs Chitrani Abeyratne
This was a great opportunity for their students. As it made them realize the importance of building international ties. It also gave them better understanding about different types of people and how although we live apart we’re all part of one race. That is the human race. The students had some great insights on what they felt and they all agree that the ISA has given them a new perspective of the world.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya - Colombo 7
Principle: Ms Pushpa Kalubobila
ISA coordinator: Ms Nilanthri Perera
The students and teachers of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya too commended the ISA programme. It is a unique approach to creating bonds with different people from different backgrounds. Students who took part in the programme have greatly improved not only their language skills but also grown as leaders in the global community.
The ISA program is truly something that builds strong bonds and creates relationships unlike any other. It broadens the minds of young students as well as it improves their language skills, instilling in them qualities that are important for their future development. This programme gives students the opportunity to connect with the world.
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