Berendina commenced its annual children scholarship programme in Puttalam recently. Hundred and two students received scholarships and they are part of 703 such children from nine districts that Berendina will give scholarships this year. In addition another 300+ Grade Five children will also receive educational scholarships. The programme leads children’s right to employment or higher studies.
Berendina Employment Center (GTE) Ltd District Manager Supun Tharaka initiated the event with the welcome speech and GTE General Manager Hemantha Harischandra followed him via giving brief an introduction of the origin and services of Berendina.
In addition, the video documentary of ‘Give to Sri Lanka’ was presented to the audience, which presented the entire vision and the current progress of the programme. E.A. Wasantha Bandara, Director Peace Education–Puttalam District gave an interactive speech on ‘How society can contribute to the education of the nation’. The event was decorated and completed by the dancing performance of Saliyawewa Model School, which was appreciated by the audience. 
One of the earlier Grade Five child scholarship beneficiaries, Dinuka Madushan explained the advantages he obtained from ‘Bright Student Scholarship’. During his speech, he included personal experiences and barriers which he faced when doing his A/Ls and he concluded explaining how Berendina supported him to overcome them. He is an orphan and he is living with his aged grandparents. 
Participated students were honoured by providing certificate for their achievement and the event concluded with the vote of thanks by Berendina District Manager M.A. Yasir Arsath. Meanwhile, the entire programme was moderated by Project Officer M.S.F. Aashifa.
The event cannot be accomplished successfully without the support of Fathima School, which provided a hall with the arrangements for the event, and VOICE Area Federation which assisted with transportation, projector, generator and the cash sponsorship worth of Rs.10,000.