Engaged in an ever-evolving knowledge-based industry, ISM APAC very recently concluded its annual corporate social responsibility programme ‘Sipsatharata Arunellak’ on a grand-scale this time around, as part of its ambitious plans to uplift education by developing underprivileged schools across Sri Lanka.
The leading global software developer, marking its fifth-year anniversary in the country, built three classroom-buildings and an IT and Science laboratory including renovation of other infrastructure of the Maha Andarawewa Junior School based in Nawagattegama, providing a conducive environment that facilitates learning.
ISM APAC also conducted a knowledge transfer session among these students on how to use computers and its basics, provided scholarships to the best performing students until they successfully complete their studies, and also went onto planting around 100 plants at the school to give back to mother nature.
It further donated ten computers and multifunction printer, furniture for students and teachers, sporting items and musical instruments, and study packs for around 116 students. These students have never seen a computer device in their entire life, just like in many other similar projects done in the past.Through this CSR initiative, the company was able to positively change the mindset of the people in the village through guidance and highlighting the importance of education, which was well reflected by their comments and mentions.
The company also provided computers, printer, sporting items, agriculture utensils and musical instruments to Vikadeniyagama Junior School which is yet another deserving school in Galgamuwa.
The total investment for this year’s programme was EUR 54,000, making it the most significant event so far in this annual signature initiative. The Sipsatharata Arunellak project which simply means ‘helping hands for education’ began in 2015 with a vision to support and improve the thousands of schools in the country that lack even the most basic facilities. ‘‘Quality education will be achieved not only by providing infrastructure facilities but it is also important to change the mindsets of people towards positivity,’ commented Uditha Wijesundara, Head of the CSR Committee 2019.
It went on to build a water purification system for Kahatagollewa Vidyalaya at Kabithigollewa to combat kidney chronic disease, a building with standard sanitizations to the Kanthale-based T/ Kan/ Peramaduwa Vidyalaya, and donated equipment to upgrade Kumbukgahawewa Primary School, and a school building to Weragala Vidyalaya in Habarana last year as these students didn’t even have a roof over their heads.
In line with its passion to give back knowledge to industry and society, ISM APAC also actively hosts and participates in knowledge transfer sessions, organizes inter- and intra-hackathons with universities, supports and sponsors industry-related events including presence in career days and workshops, recruit interns from universities among various other initiatives.
The Dutch-based group, with its partnerships and experienced teams collectively consisting over 500 employees, is a major contributor to the e-commerce industry globally with offices in Sri Lanka, Australia, Austria, Colombia, Germany, Ukraine, UK, and the United States. ISM APAC was also recently awarded the Great Place to Work certification this year and being named as one of Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka back in 2017 by the Great Place To Work Institute.
