Author: Shakila Ifham

A child’s early years are a crucial time for psycho-social growth, and at the MJF Charitable Foundation’s preschool, every morning is filled with purpose and the power of unity and inclusivity. Operating in three locations, Moratuwa in the west, Kalkudah in the east and Weligama in the south, our preschools have collectively benefited over 232 children from economically challenged backgrounds, including children with learning disabilities. Far from being a traditional classroom, this is a vibrant ecosystem where differences are embraced, and every child is empowered. Inside the Preschool The preschool operates from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. structuring the morning around activities designed for holistic physical, cognitive and social development. The day begins with a warm welcome from the preschool teachers and the staff at the Foundation as the children arrive. This immediately transitions into a period of free play, where little ones are encouraged to explore the classroom, fostering socialisation and curiosity. This crucial time allows children to ease into the routine at their own pace. The session then moves on into ‘Circle Time’, a cornerstone of the day where children gather to sing, share, and engage in structured group activities, building communication skills and friendship bonds. Snack Time A necessary pause in the morning’s activities, snack time is not just about nutrition but also about practising essential life skills and good behaviours like sharing, waiting for their turn while serving and most importantly, table etiquette. Activity Time The focus shifts to literacy with engaging book activities. These sessions encourage a lifelong love for reading, boost language development and enhance concentration skills. Creative & Physical Engagement The last session is dedicated to expressive movement and creativity. Children dive into dynamic outdoor or indoor activities, including lively arts and crafts and exhilarating music and dancing sessions. Special Days, Practical Skills: The Integrated Curriculum The curriculum ensures a well-rounded education by integrating practical and foundational concepts throughout the week. For example, Mondays are dedicated to the Math-Lab for developing logic and numeracy. Tuesdays involve gardening, teaching children about nature and responsibility. Thursdays introduce science and engineering & technology through hands-on basics of electronics, plumbing, and carpentry, demystifying practical skills from a young age. Finally, Fridays are reserved for messy, creative fun in the Mud Kitchen, which enhances sensory play and imaginative role-play. These purposeful activities build a comprehensive foundation for life skills and learning. The Heart of the Programme: Inclusion and Dignified Empowerment What makes the MJF Preschool truly unique is its unwavering commitment to inclusion. Classrooms intentionally integrate children of all abilities. The goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that all children progress similarly in their development, learning to respect and help each other along the way. This early integration fosters a spirit of empathy, mutual respect, and a shared understanding that differences are not deficits, but simply part of life. This ethos perfectly embodies the vision of Merrill J. Fernando, Founder of Dilmah and the MJF Charitable Foundation. His philosophy that ‘business is a matter of human service’ has become a living testimony in actions like this preschool programme. By investing the success of his business back into the community, providing education, inclusion and opportunity to the most deserving people, his vision is translated into daily acts of kindness, learning, and dignified empowerment across Sri Lanka.

In the realm of education, the dedication of teachers is the cornerstone of success. At the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation (MJFCF), we consistently prioritise an ethos of excellence, empowering countless minds through various initiatives. Our Rainbow Programme has supported 3,500 children, the MJF Kids Programme has empowered over 4,000 young learners, our preschools have positively impacted 232 children, and the Curtiss Institute of Design Technology has provided fundamental IT training for 6,000 students. This Teacher’s Day, we’re celebrating over 90 extraordinary educators, special education teachers, trainers and instructors who’ve been the driving force behind the success of many students at our Foundation. Here are a few of their stories. Lankani helping a preschooler in the Math-Lab Lankani Gajasinghe has served as a special education teacher for both youth and children following the Rainbow Programme at the MJF Foundation in Moratuwa for the last couple of years. The Rainbow Programme is dedicated to providing children and youth with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities the necessary education, therapies and vocational training to reach their fullest capability. Lankani herself lives with Cerebral palsy, a fact that has inspired many to see her as a strong role model and advocate. Her influence extends beyond the classroom; she is also a sought-after guest speaker at motivational programmes, such as the recent ‘Diriya Parental Awareness Programme’ organised by Ayati (Sri Lanka’s first National Centre for Children with Disabilities). Furthermore, Lankani manages the Math-Lab, a space for logical discoveries and experiments open to everyone who visits the MJFCF, Moratuwa. Charika with a group of students at the CCCPDD Charika Nilushini, a special needs education teacher at our Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Development Disorders (CCCPDD), joined us only last year and has already made a tremendous positive impact on our students. A powerful example of her commitment is her student, Sithija Thekshana, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Under Charika’s guidance, Sithija successfully passed his Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, scoring an exceptional 132 out of 140. What inspires teachers like Charika to be a part of the CCCPDD family is the collective effort of the management, students, teachers, and parents in making this a space where ideas can be expressed freely and different plans for the students can be initiated swiftly. Storytelling sessions of Deepanjali Deepanjali Fernando is one of our preschool teachers, currently guiding 28 young talents. She has cultivated a creative academic environment, and her students have actively participated in collective dance performances at our MJF Foundation Centre – Moratuwa. Deepanjali believes that her teaching methodology — utilising dance, drama, and games, has led the preschoolers to grow significantly in confidence, skills, and happiness, which inspires her every day. Lankani’s mentorship to Charika’s academic triumphs and Deepanjali’s creative guidance are direct reflections of the dedication, empathy, and professional excellence demonstrated daily by our entire teaching staff. This spirit of collaboration has been a pillar at our MJF Foundation, aligning with our founder, Merrill J. Fernando’s desire for his business to be one that serves humanity. Our teachers are doing precisely that by sharing their profound knowledge and giving back to the next generation. Every cup of Dilmah you savour with your friends or family has made the life-changing work of the MJF Foundation a reality. Today and every day, we’re raising a cup to the inspirational teachers who change lives and empower ability. Happy World Teachers’ Day!

Every year on the 1st of October, Sri Lanka pauses to honour and celebrate our children. It is a day dedicated to upholding the rights of every single child, a principle that lies at the very heart of the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation (MJFCF). We believe that the rights of every child are equally important, regardless of their background, socio-economic circumstances, or physical differences. At the MJFCF, through a special array of programmes, we address the fundamental needs of children, ensuring they have access to education, protection, and the opportunity to express themselves. The Rainbow Programme Our Rainbow Programme is dedicated to nurturing children and young adults with Down’s syndrome and other developmental disorders. Through tailored educational plans, therapy, and care services, this programme has supported over 3,500 children. One of its vital branches is the Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Developmental Disorders (CCCPDD) in Rajagiriya, a resource hub that has provided essential support to 322 children. It is at this very centre that we had the privilege of nurturing two remarkable young achievers, Sithija Thikshana and Thisula Thirasara. Fifteen-year-old Sithija, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), joined us in 2023. He is a truly brilliant student with a remarkable talent for solving logical puzzles. This year, his intellect shone brightly as he passed his Grade 5 Scholarship Examination with an exceptional score of 132. Similarly, 15-year-old Thisula, who has autism spectrum disorder, joined our centre in 2022. He has blossomed into a talented painter and a beautiful singer, but his most surprising gift is his skill as a voicing artist and actor. His journey is a powerful reminder that when a child is given the chance to shine, unique and incredible talents wait to be discovered. Thisula at the Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition of CCCPDD The MJF Kids Programme The MJF Kids Programme is another cornerstone of our Foundation, offering essential education with a holistic approach to children from low-income backgrounds. The programme, which is now active in eight MJFCF Centres across the country, has positively impacted the lives of 852 children, many of whom have become high achievers. Among them were two brothers, Viraj and Niraj, past students of the MJF Kids Programme, who joined us at the age of 12. Eager to learn and grow, they took every opportunity to build a strong educational foundation. Their hard work paid off spectacularly at their G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examinations, where they didn’t just pass, they aced them. Viraj earned eight A’s and one B, while Niraj secured seven A’s and two B’s. Although their school, H.K. Dharmadasa Vidyalaya, did not offer Advanced Level studies, their outstanding results earned them places at a prestigious school in Colombo. Today, Viraj is an engineering undergraduate at the University of Moratuwa, and Niraj is studying for his G.C.E. Advanced Levels. Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the unwavering support of their parents, who stood by them through every challenge. And so, we believe that the kindness we strive for, much like a good cup of Dilmah, is best shared with the world. The stories of Sithija, Thisula, Viraj, and Niraj are the true flavour of that kindness, proving that a single act of support can brew a future of endless possibilities for young dreamers.

Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Development Disorders – A Centre for Excellence The profound truth is that within every one of us lies a hidden strength, a talent waiting to explode onto the world stage. In Sri Lanka, an extraordinary transformation has been relentlessly unfolding for years. It’s an initiative about empowerment. That initiative by the MJF Foundation, which has been serving and uplifting communities for a significant time, is the Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Development Disorders (CCCPDD). Cerebral palsy (CP), the most common form of childhood physical disability, results from irregular brain development or brain damage before or after birth. For too long, this has been seen as a limitation. But at the CCCPDD, they’ve flipped the script! This Centre for excellence is a resource hub providing practical education, essential therapy for children with CP, and, crucially, a training and learning base for the caregivers, teachers, and professionals who work with these incredible children. To date, CCCPDD has nurtured and supported 322 young lives, helping each child tap into their own source of inner power. The children at CCCPDD are not defined by their disability; they are defined by their unlimited mindset. Consider the facility, which houses Colombo’s first wheelchair-accessible pool! This isn’t just about hydrotherapy; it’s about freedom, movement, and the sheer joy of splashing away limitations. The curriculum is just as expansive, refusing to box the children in. Providing skills in cookery, handicrafts, vocational training, and essential education. Specialised therapy sessions are provided by physiotherapists and brilliant interns from reputed state universities, ensuring that every child gets the tailored support they need to maximise their physical capability. Imagine the moment a young person realises they can move people not just with their courage, but with their art. On 30th of July, the Performing Arts Unit was launched at the Centre. Within days, the impact was profound. Fifteen young dancers took to the stage at the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Awards of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. These young champions weren’t just attending an awards ceremony; they were performing at an event dedicated to celebrating inclusion! The stories of the students are the fuel that powers this mission. Every child at CCCPDD is born with a gift, and the Centre’s role is simply to help them uncover and understand the immense power they carry within themselves. Janitha Piyanadun, diagnosed with Down syndrome, is a gifted pianist. He doesn’t just play notes; he plays emotion. Oshen Senath, living with a spinal deformation, is a true polymath: talented in tennis, crafts, and wheelchair dancing. He also successfully passed his Grade 5 Scholarship Exam. Dulanga, also diagnosed with Down syndrome, is an enthusiastic dancer and academically well-versed, she embodies the idea that you can be brilliant in both mind and body. These children are always ready to seize any opportunity to showcase their talents, like their Annual Art & Craft Exhibition. They are a living testament to the fact that talent knows no boundaries. This year’s Exhibition took place on 27th September which turned the Centre into a vibrant gallery, where the exclusive artworks of more than 100 children shone as bold testaments to their talent, determination and imagination. This extraordinary mission is the living, breathing legacy of the late Dilmah founder, Merrill J. Fernando. He dreamt of a business that would genuinely benefit the community at large. That dream is not abstract; it’s taking place every single day here at the MJF Foundation through initiatives like this. Your challenge today is not to look at these children with sympathy, but with admiration. They are not disabled; they are differently-abled achievers. They are showing the world what happens when potential is nurtured and given a platform to shine.

Nurturing Potentials Across Sri Lanka At the MJF Charitable Foundation, our work is not confined to a single classroom or a single skill. We are committed to a holistic approach to development, reaching out across communities to provide opportunities for growth and empowerment. Here are a few of our successful initiatives, each one a testament to our belief that a better future is built on a foundation of education and practical skills. Mastering Modern Skills for the Digital Age The world of work is changing, and so must the skills we impart. We conducted a two-day ‘Coding Platform for Beginners’ workshop, with the enthusiastic participation of 35 students. The primary aim was to provide a solid grounding in the Python programming language. With 14 Advanced-Level students from the computer science stream joining us, the sessions were particularly lively. Our participants gained a deep understanding of Python’s structure and syntax, learnt crucial problem-solving techniques, and developed the confidence to embark on their own coding projects. In a related and equally vital programme, we commenced the third batch of our ‘Digital Literacy for Women’. This initiative empowered 15 women with essential IT skills, including basic computer skills. The curriculum also featured practical advice on topics like cooking tips and accessing educational resources to better support their children’s learning. Equipping Youth for the Workplace The transition from education to employment can be challenging, which is why we place emphasis on career readiness. We held a half-day CV training session for 29 young students from the National Youth Corps (NYC) Valaichenai. The programme focused on teaching them how to draft a curriculum vitae (CV) that effectively highlights their abilities. It was a remarkable success, with all 29 attendees leaving the session with a professionally prepared CV, ready to put their best foot forward for job applications and future career growth. Our commitment to vocational training is also producing excellent results. We were thrilled to learn that of the 24 students who took part in the final assessment for Information Communication Technology (ICT) NVQ Level 3, 17 of them were awarded a Level 3 qualification, with the remaining seven achieving a Level 2 qualification. These qualifications are invaluable, providing formal recognition of their new skills and greatly enhancing their employment prospects. Leadership, Life Skills, and Community Outreach Empowerment extends beyond technical expertise; it is also about building character and fostering leadership. We conducted a highly beneficial leadership training programme for 42 prefects at Kiran Central College in the east. The sessions concentrated on developing essential leadership skills, teamwork, and effective communication. The training was interactive and engaging, with students gaining skills in time management, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate their peers. The third awareness session for this year for students of BT/KK/Vammivettuvan Vidyalayam in Kalkudah was also held recently. We enlightened them on NVQ opportunities, safe mobile/internet usage and vocational training. A total of 50 students participated enthusiastically in discussions about vocational training, NVQ opportunities, and safe mobile/internet usage. This programme strengthens our visibility in rural schools and fosters a positive interest in further learning. Our Curtiss Institute of Design Technology recently delivered a range of personal development programmes for the second batch of students at the MJF Moratuwa Centre, covering communication skills for workplace management and stress management to waste management awareness and occupational health and safety. These sessions are designed to cultivate well-rounded, responsible individuals who are prepared for the realities of modern life and the workplace. The success of each of these initiatives is a direct reflection of the values that underpin the MJF Charitable Foundation. We operate on the principle that true value lies in empowering individuals to shape their own futures. This ethos is inextricably linked to Dilmah’s founding philosophy where every single action is fundamentally driven for an ethical purpose.