Rotary International Institute:

Helping children to blossom

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Education is an important aspect in one’s life. Running an education oriented family business providing quality education to thousands of students is a remarkable achievement. Renuka Rodrigo is a partner in a family business which is reputed and famous. The education institute is patronized by a large number of students not only in Colombo, but in outstation as well.

Excerpts of the interview by the Daily News Business.

Q. What is your business and how do you set about it?

A. Many from Nugegoda will be able to recall the famous Rotary Hall where mass scale tuition classes were conducted.

The education institute that we conduct was set up 30 years ago by my father Dr. H.T. Rodrigo. This was a popular venue among students and many were attracted due to the high quality lecture panel.

We started Rotary International Primary School 10 years ago and also have a school at our head office where classes up to Ordinary Level are conducted.

These institutes have a student population of over 600 and a qualified and experienced staff of over 60.

These institutes motivate and encourage students to excel in studies and also provide facilities to go abroad for further studies. We have plans to conduct Advanced Level classes in the near future.

The school at head office is equipped with modern facilities including a computer laboratory, art and dancing classes.

Here we use an education system that combines local and London syllabus. The students are provided with facilities to engage in extracurricular activities such as swimming, netball and chess. We are not money-oriented when compared to other educational institutes.

We do not charge an admission fee from students and the term fees are affordable. We also conduct extra classes for weak students and help them to improve their standards. We consider it is important to provide sound education to all students.

Australian and British examinations are conducted at the school.

Rotary Hall is a popular name and we have work hard to reach this level. We stand high among other education institutes.

Though we are an international school we maintain religious atmosphere and strive to become a national education provider.

Q. How do you balance family life and business?

A. My husband is involved in the business. I have four children, two daughters and two sons. We are a united family.

I do all the housework and my husband and children give their full support. I have trained my children to carry out household duties.

Their contribution in this regard is invaluable. I am fond of being with children and love them.

I treat my children and my students equally and parents admire this quality in me. I firmly believe that children should not only do their studies, but take part in extracurricular activities too.

I have a cordial relationship with my staff and parents as well. The business and family move on smoothly.

Q. What are the challenges you faced?

A. The challenge was to educate and improve the outlook of my students. We have achieved this and good results were shown.

The students are encouraged to take part in athletics, swimming, chess competitions, netball and basketball tournaments to build a complete personality.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. Women should work hard and reach the goals.

Dedication is an important element in success.

Be honest and family-oriented.

Q. What are your goals?

A. To produce good citizens with sound education and discipline for the country to progress further.

We have a reasonable fee structure and this has encouraged parents to select our institute. I want to sustain the success we have achieved so far and to consolidate and continue.

Q. As a woman was it an advantage to be in business?

A. Yes. We are at an advantage when compared to men. The way we talk and deal with people is an attraction. We are more capable than men when it comes to building and maintaining relationships.

Q. What were your achievements in business and family?

A. The business and its reputation as a quality education service provider is an achievement. We have a success story and our efforts to build the business have paid rich dividends. We plan to get accredited to foreign universities. Currently we send students to Russia, Australia, China and India.

I have four good children. They will run this business one day. We are grooming them to become responsible citizens. We believe that education is key to success.

Q. What is your contribution to the society?

A. The business has contributed to produce students with sound education. We have also given concessions for deserving students. Our main objective is quality education at an affordable cost. We strive to become the best education institute and always place emphasis as a quality service provider.

We have helped the Cancer Hospital by donating funds and also have made donations for the needy. Vesak Dansala is an important event in our calendar.

I ventured into business after marriage to support family business. The business has reached great heights and it is a pleasure to be a part in it. I consider providing education a blessing which opens vistas in life.

Children are an asset and educating and guiding them to become our future leaders is essential. It gives me immense satisfaction to see them blossom with hope and promise of a bright future.