පියවර (Piyawara) - An Educational Outreach and Mentorship Programme

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“පියවර” CSR Project was an educational outreach and mentorship initiative organized to support and guide school students during a critical stage of their academic and personal development. The programme specifically focused on students in Grades 06 to 11, aiming to help them gain clarity about their future pathways while building self-confidence and essential life skills. Through a series of interactive sessions and mentorship activities, the initiative encouraged students to recognize their potential, set meaningful goals, and make informed decisions regarding their education and personal growth. The programme also created a supportive and engaging environment where students felt comfortable asking questions, sharing their thoughts, and exploring opportunities beyond the classroom.

The event was successfully held on 22nd January 2026 from 08:45 AM to 01:30 PM at Adikarigoda Sri Gnanissara Vidyalaya, bringing together enthusiastic school students and dedicated mentors from the IEEE Women in Engineering community of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. The programme was designed to inspire young learners and help them take meaningful steps toward a confident and successful future.

The mentorship session played a vital role in the programme, focusing on the personal and professional development of the participating students. Important topics such as building self-confidence, developing communication skills, and improving decision-making abilities were discussed in an engaging and practical manner. Students were encouraged to actively participate, share their opinions, and reflect on their strengths and aspirations. The session was conducted by MS. D. V. Dharani Abeysinghe, MR. H. L. D. P. De Silva, and MS. A. T. Theekshani, who shared their experiences, real-life examples, and motivational insights. Their guidance helped students better understand the importance of self-belief, determination, and continuous learning.

Following the mentorship discussion, an interactive group activity was organized to reinforce the concepts shared during the session. Students were divided into small groups and encouraged to collaborate while participating in a series of engaging activities. This allowed them to practice teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in a practical and enjoyable setting. The activity created a lively and supportive atmosphere where students could freely interact with each other and with the volunteers. It also helped build strong connections between participants while boosting their confidence and encouraging them to express their ideas openly.

Another key highlight of the programme was the future pathways session, which aimed to broaden students’ understanding of the educational and career opportunities available to them after completing their school education. The session provided valuable insights into higher education opportunities such as university studies, vocational and technical training, professional qualifications, and other alternative pathways that students can pursue depending on their interests and abilities. The session was conducted by Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya, who shared important guidance on planning academic journeys and building successful careers. Her discussion emphasized that success can be achieved through multiple pathways and encouraged students to remain confident and open-minded while making decisions about their future.

At the conclusion of the programme, a prize-giving ceremony was held to recognize the participation and enthusiasm of the students and to express appreciation for the speakers who contributed to the success of the event. Souvenirs were distributed to all speakers and participating students as a token of gratitude and remembrance. This gesture brought excitement and joy to the students and served as a memorable ending to the programme.

The event was further enriched by a special and inspiring address delivered by MS. Wishma Samaraweera, the IEEE Counsellor. Her speech encouraged the students to believe in their abilities, remain determined in the face of challenges, and make responsible decisions that will shape their futures. Her motivational message resonated strongly with the students and reinforced the importance of confidence, perseverance, and self-development.

Overall, the “පියවර” CSR Project was a highly successful and meaningful initiative that created a positive learning experience for both students and volunteers. The students gained valuable knowledge, improved their life skills, and developed a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them in the future. At the same time, the volunteers experienced the satisfaction of contributing to community development through mentorship and guidance. The programme successfully achieved its objectives and left a lasting impact on the students of Adikarigoda Sri Gnanissara Vidyalaya, further strengthening the commitment of the IEEE Women in Engineering Affinity Group of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University toward creating sustainable and impactful community service initiatives.

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PIYAWARA_1		528.29 KiB
PIYAWARA_2		161.25 KiB
PIYAWARA_3		552.69 KiB
PIYAWARA_4		454.94 KiB

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