Empowering lives in Polonnaruwa: Opening of the 17th Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre

Polonnaruwa is a historical treasure, boasting a rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times. Life here is a beautiful blend of tradition and nature, where villagers enjoy the tranquility of rural living amidst some of Sri Lanka’s most historical landmarks.

While village life in Polonnaruwa may evoke a sense of charm and cultural richness, it is not without its share of hardships. Living in a rural setting presents unique challenges that the resilient villagers of Polonnaruwa face daily such as the lack of essential amenities like healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and reliable infrastructure. The lack of well-developed roads and transportation can make it difficult for villagers to access services available in urban centers.

The Foundation of Goodness opened it 17^th Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre in the village of Jayanthipura in Polonnaruwa and marks a new milestone in the Foundation of Goodness’ mission to bridge the urban-rural divide. This remarkable achievement became a reality through the vision and dedication of digital content creator, Davud Akhundzada, who spearheaded a successful GoFundMe campaign. The campaign garnered generous contributions from donors worldwide, culminating in the creation of this Center.

Offering courses entirely free of charge, this new facility is set to become a beacon of hope for the numerous beneficiaries from nearby villages who often struggle to access quality education. The Center is equipped with an IT lab, a Dressmaking room, and a Beauty culture room. Additionally, dedicated classrooms cater to primary education and various subjects like English & Tamil Language, Science, and Mathematics. The facility even features a volleyball court, providing a space for recreational activities. The Centre has already enrolled 2.250 beneficiaries across the programmes.

The opening ceremony was a grand event as all the villagers gathered to witness the opening of the Centre. Davud Akhundzada also made a special trip to Sri Lanka to witness the opening ceremony. The day was filled with traditional dances, religious observations and special entertainment acts by the children from the villages. Special invitees at the event also included Kushil Gunasekara, Founder and Chief Trustee of the Foundation of Goodness who inspired the audience with his vision of empowering rural communities. Mr. Dharmasiri Weerathunge, the government agent of the Polonnaruwa area also addressed the audience. Special mention must also be made of the Ven. Galporuyaye Pradeepawansa, the head monk of the village who was the driving force behind the establishment of the Centre.

Through this transformative initiative, the Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre promises to uplift the lives of those in need, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. It stands as a testament to the power of collective effort, bringing together a global community to support the education and empowerment of the villagers of Polonnaruwa.

As we continue on our mission to bridge the urban-rural divide, we are full of hope and excitement, to witness the growth and prosperity of the children and adults enrolled in our courses. This new Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre will undoubtedly make a significant positive impact on the lives of those it serves.