Programmes & Initiatives

Our Growth Mindset and critical thinking sessions at Avinya Foundation were interactive and hands-on experiences. Led by our trainer, Sachinda Dulanjana, the sessions included reflective activities and role plays that allowed participants to explore and apply the principles of a growth mindset. The reflective components encouraged self-awareness, while the role plays enabled participants to actively practice facing challenges and learning through experience. These activities were designed to help participants understand and personally connect with the impact of a growth mindset. In parallel, the critical thinking segment focused on helping participants question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. These exercises were designed to build confidence in making thoughtful, independent decisions an essential life skill.

Following this, we conducted a session on emotional regulation led by our Trainer of Trainers and curriculum adviser, Anushka Fernando, together with Tanisha Wijesinghe, a product designer specializing in human-centered app experiences. This session was filled with engaging activities and brought a sense of energy and enjoyment, while helping participants develop practical tools for understanding and managing their emotions.

On December 2, 2023, we held our first-ever paid workshop on Positive Communication at The Office, Cambridge Terrace, facilitated by Marissa Jansz. The workshop was designed to empower adolescents with key communication skills that are crucial for building healthy relationships and navigating social situations. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, role plays and activities where they learned about connection, empathy, assertiveness, conflict resolution, feedback, and refusal skills.

Through practical exercises and discussions, the adolescents gained valuable insights into how positive communication can enhance their personal and social lives. The workshop was a great success, providing them with the tools to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and interact with confidence, fostering stronger, more meaningful connections with others.

On March 30, 2023, we had the privilege of conducting a programme on Growth Mindset at the National Institute of Education, where teacher trainers from the Regional English Support Centres across Sri Lanka participated in this hybrid session. During the programme, we explored the concept of growth mindset, delved into the science and research behind it, and emphasized the transformative impact of using positive, growth-oriented language in the classroom.

We highlighted how teachers can reframe everyday language to instil hope in students, particularly through the simple yet powerful idea of the “power of yet.” This approach helps students view challenges as opportunities to grow, fostering a positive mindset that can significantly enhance their experience of school and learning, ultimately empowering them to thrive in life.

The L4LL SEL Skills Programme 2022/2023 was a dynamic initiative aimed at enhancing the social-emotional skills and overall well-being of adolescents. We conducted engaging sessions at St. Anthony’s Balika Vidyalaya-Colombo 09, the Foundation of Goodness-Seenigama, and the SOS Children’s Village-Piliyandala tailored to suit their unique needs. Sessions were held weekly at St. Anthony’s Balika Vidyalaya, monthly at the Foundation of Goodness and biweekly at SOS Children’s Village.

These sessions were filled with interactive activities, ensuring that learning was both impactful and enjoyable. The programme culminated in a graduation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the children who completed it successfully. We followed up with sessions for a second cohort at both the Foundation of Goodness and St. Anthony's Balika Vidyalaya.

The L4LL Life Skills Teacher Training Programme was a structured, three-phase initiative with a follow-up component, designed to address the unique challenges faced by teachers, students, and school management in Al Hijra Vidyalaya, Darussalaam College, and Sir Razik Fareed Muslim Ladies’ School in Colombo. Facilitated by Sumaiya Iqbal, a Technical Specialist in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Learn for Life Lanka, the programme began with a comprehensive needs assessment in November–December 2022.

Based on the findings, Phase 01 featured a three-day trilingual training held on 24th, 25th, and 26th February 2023, focusing on Effective Communication, Resilience, Respect for Diversity, Empathy, Critical Thinking, and Gratitude. Phase 02 followed with a second two-day training on 27th and 28th May 2023, reinforcing tools and techniques for life skills education. Phase 03 provided further training to a third cohort during another two-day session later in the year, all facilitated by Sumaiya Iqbal and her team.

This multi-phase programme, conducted in partnership with the Serendib Schools Development Foundation, reflects a strong commitment to equipping educators with practical tools to create inclusive, supportive learning environments that promote the holistic development of students.