The Foundation of Goodness is a holistic rural development model that seeks to bridge the urban-rural divide in Sri Lanka via 10 empowerment divisions across 900+ villages island-wide, and reached over 307,000+ beneficiaries in 2022 alone by way of 15 Empowerment Centres, free of cost.

Leave the stress of the office behind and rejuvenate with FoG’s Good Life Experience – Better Than I Used To Be programme

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A group of employees from five of Sri Lanka’s top corporates took a break from their hectic work schedules to enjoy a rejuvenating break at the Foundation of Goodness by attending the Good Life Experience – Better Than I Used To Be programme led by FoG Founder and Chief Trustee Kushil Gunasekera.

10 participants from Sri Lankan Airlines, Hatton National Bank, Aitken Spence, Tokyo Cement, and John Keells Holdings, treated some of their top executives to an unforgettable day at the FoG MCC Centre of Excellence in Seenigama on the beautiful South Coast of Sri Lanka.

Beach Therapy

We started the day with a stroll along the Hikkaduwa Beach and sat down by the beach front for the beach therapy session. The beach therapy sessions are a great way to break the ice and get participants to switch gears from work mode to relaxation and introspection. Kushil led everyone to reflect on the similarities between life and the ocean, helping the city-bees enjoy the calm of the ocean waves.

‘The seas swim and beach walk was a great way to start the day and get into the mood’ said one participant reflecting on the start of their Good Life Experience.  Living his best life, Upul Kumara from Aitken Spence took a dip in the sea with Kushil to really enjoy the healing touch of the sea.

Tour of the MCC Centre of Excellence Empowerment Centres

Next on the agenda was a trip down memory lane. The moving story of the village of Seenigama, that rose from the devastation of the Tsunami to grow and flourish through the Foundation of Goodness, inspired everyone to have a new perspective on adversity.

“Thanks a million for giving us a memorable day” said Nishantha from Tokyo Cement.

Touring the facilities and interacting with the staff and beneficiaries the participants got an opportunity to de-clutter their minds and engage with the community, witnessing firsthand the incredible hard work and commitment of our rural communities.

 

Plates of Goodness Session

Next up was a scrumptious Sri Lankan meal, whipped up by our sister duo Rangi and Chammi at the FoG Plates of Goodness experience. PoG is a popular mainstay with the tourists, who want to not only enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan meal but also learn how to prepare it. Our GLE participants also enjoyed this session describing the food as ‘out of this world’. Rangi and Chammi ‘womanned’ the cooking station teaching and cooking with ease, whipping up a delectable meal for everyone.

Volunteering Session

The highlight of the day was the volunteering sessions, where the GLE participants took on a sector they specialised in. We matched the participants’ skillset with our empowerment divisions.

‘Sharing experiences and talking with the beneficiaries through the volunteering activity was the most meaningful aspect of the day’ said a participant who was visible moved by the opportunity to volunteer and give of their time and energy to help empower their fellow Sri Lankans.

Mind Makeup and Cleansing

The final session of the day was all about cleansing the mind of noise and clutter and ‘making-up’ your mind to live your best life. Kushil sat with the group to discuss the art of living a happier life, sharing his experiences and life lessons as a philanthropist, explaining how one can overcome personal struggles to reach their full potential.

After a day spent communing with nature, it was only right that we ended the day with an exercise to conserve the environment. Each participant was given a personal seed pot planter to take with them to the city; an apt reminder of a day spent in harmony, embracing the natural splendour of Sri Lanka.

Kushil encouraged the GLE participants to look after their ‘mind make-up’ with the same love and care they would shower on their newly planted seed pods.

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The Good Life Experience – Better Than I Used To Be programme is for anyone looking for a break to relax, grow and give back while exploring authentic Sri Lanka. Upon engaging in the Foundation of Goodness’ volunteer programme, experiencing the natural and peaceful environment of rural Sri Lanka, eating healthy food and engaging in the local rural community, Good Life Experience participants leave feeling refreshed empowered with a broader world view.

The Good Life Experience includes a set of Core Activities, but these and any other activities can be tailer-made to embrace each participant’s interests and preferences. This programme caters to small exclusive groups of adults, young adults and families. If you are interested in learning more about this programme or booking one for yourself or a group of people, please email bookings@goodlifeinstitute.com.lk

 

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