|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 2 September 2003 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Christie Fernando, Chilaw special correspondent "It's heartening to note that the underprivileged children in a remote village like Bandagiriya in Hambantota are immensely benefited by opening a computer centre to provide them a comprehensive three months' residential computer training, besides an ultra modern bakery to provide pastries, bread, sausage buns, rolls, cakes, etc., funded by the Netherlands to alleviate some of the hardships of the rural folk," said High Court Judge, Hambantota. "The beneficiaries of the program should reap the optimum benefits by following this course successfully to find gainful employment once they pass out. I observe that the centre is in the middle of a full bloom and blossoming emerald paddy field, signifying the finery, splendour and charisma of a typical rural setting." The High Court Judge Guneratna said: "Constructing a picturesque structure for the welfare of the rural community isn't enough. Reaping the benefits on the long run should be the most cogent and convincing factor. Otherwise, funds utilised for the project will be wasted. Besides, there are several projects started in these parts with the generous funds of the Netherlands taking into account the well-being of the downtrodden rural children." "Terre de Hommes" ("Earth for Mankind") South Asia Director, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, Lei Brouns said: "Some are of the opinion that donor agencies are their salvation and they try to depend on them. But the axiom that 'God helps only those who help themselves' is also quite true and precise, because depending always on others' assistance for everything is not the panacea or universal remedy, after all. It's obvious that beautiful buildings avail nothing, if they are like 'white elephants' that are utilised for no purpose. They are like empty lakes where no water flows. So what is started in a small way to improve the conditions of the underprivileged should germinate, grow and develop their inopportune lives. If this is the case, I can feel happy the community will be benefited on the long run and I hope it will ameliorate the lives of rural children in these parts so that they could procure jobs through computer training to make a living." South Asia (Lei Brouns said: "Sri Lanka has the highest rate of literacy but the other side of the coin which is bleak is that knowledge of computer technology in the country is very low. A basic knowledge of the computer is essential. Computer training in the school as well as at home come handy for anyone. It's astonishing how fast the children learn. In fact, I had to struggle to learn it at my age and time. Children acquire basic skills without much effort. In many countries, it's introduced at a much earlier age for children." "He said: "When you acquire the skills, you can conveniently find jobs, but it's not a guarantee. You have to work hard, because the competition is very high. And if you are clever enough, you can easily find a job. There are plenty of jobs available in the country for those who possess a computer knowledge. You must take the chance to find them, because Information Technology in Sri Lanka has a place." Let's also remember that peace goes hand in hand with development because without peace there cannot be any tangible development in the country, Lei Brouns added. Anuradha Wickramasinghe, Director, Small Fishers Federation, Pambala, Chilaw and several others also spoke. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
