NTB improves literacy level in rural schools

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) recently undertook a project aimed at improving literacy levels amongst rural and less privileged schools in the country through a corporate social responsibility initiative in partnership with CandleAid Lanka (known as AFLAC International).

The Bank made a commitment to improve the libraries of 12 schools Seewali Vidyalaya in Rupawatta, Udahena Kanishta Vidyalaya in Udahena, Galabadawatta Kanishta Vidyalaya in Rangala, Habarakada Dharmapala Primary in Tawalama, Millawa Kanishta Vidyalaya in Morawaka, Manampita Ratnasara Vidyalaya in Mattaka, Nitalawa Kanishta Vidyalaya in Makulawa, Galgamuwa, Kimbissa Kanishta Vidyalya in Sigiriya, Navuntuduwa Navodya Vidyalaya in Matugama, Amunutenna Kanishta Dwithika Vidyalaya in Ratnapura, Araly Hindu College, Jaffna and Natpittymunai Lafeer Vidyalayam, Natpittymunai, Batticaloa.

The Bank helped uplift each of these schools libraries with a donation of books selected by each of the schools. In addition to this donation, Bank staff further supported the cause through donations of books collected within branches and departments which were also presented to the schools.

In addition to the ten schools, the Bank further pledged to support two more schools in the North and the East of the country, thus making this initiative an islandwide project, supporting literacy and reading amongst children in all parts of the country.

Chairman of Nations Trust Bank PLC Ajit Gunawardene said, "As a Bank we are deeply aware of the role we have to play within our community, and as the country gears for development post war, we are constantly reminded of the lack of facilities and opportunities for the communities who are disadvantaged.

We have pledged to help make a difference to the community through this project that brings knowledge and learning to children of less privileged circumstances. We are reminded that despite adverse circumstances, a sound education will help mould a child to reach his potential and we are glad to have been able to make this difference to 12 deserving schools in the country.