The Intake 41 law students of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Faculty of Law, successfully executed a series of impactful community projects as part of the Communication Skills course unit, offered by the Department of Languages. These projects focused on supporting children in need while fostering small group communication, leadership, teamwork, and societal engagement among students.
The culmination of these efforts was the Student Symposium, Fusion 2024, held on 3rd of October 2024 organised by the Department of Languages. The symposium, titled Strengthening Leadership and Communication Skills through Service-Learning, provided a platform for students to reflect on their service-learning experiences. During the plenary session, students showcased three-minute video presentations, highlighting their project journeys, challenges, and how these obstacles helped them grow and adapt, ultimately enhancing their communication and leadership skills.
The symposium also featured a rigorous evaluation of the community projects based on innovation, social impact, and relevance. Group A’s project, අකුර (A Holistic Approach to Student Awareness and Education), was recognized as the Best Community Project, a testament to its exceptional impact and execution.
Highlights of the Community Projects
Group A implemented the award-winning project අකුර at Lanka Sabha Junior Secondary School, Dandugama, Ja Ela. Focused on enhancing students’ knowledge in History and Sinhala, the project also raised societal awareness through lectures on traffic rules and drug prevention. A combination of educational sessions, mini-games, and entertainment activities ensured meaningful engagement. Fundraising efforts at KDU enabled the donation of essential school supplies, leaving a lasting impact on the students.
Group B carried out a community project initiative at the Maharagama Child Development Center, engaging children aged 6 to 18 through age-appropriate activities. From games and sports to career guidance and drug prevention sessions, the project aimed to promote growth and happiness among the children. The day concluded with a celebratory event, creating warm memories for all involved.
Group C organized Arunalu, a leadership program for 60 students at Janajaya Maha Vidyalaya, Moratuwa. The project included sessions on leadership, a drug prevention program, and group activities designed to enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills. The program ended with an entertainment session, fostering unity and joy among participants
Group D conducted their project අත්වැල (A Helping Hand) at Kandawala Maha Vidyalaya, Ratmalana, focusing on leadership and communication skills. Presentations on leadership concepts and examples of influential leaders were complemented by engaging activities like karaoke and leadership games. A token gift of a plant symbolized the project’s aim to nurture growth and leadership. Group D also earned recognition for the Best Poster Presentation at Fusion 2024.
Group E implemented සෙනෙහසට අරුතක් (A Meaningful Act of Kindness) at Noguchi Child Development Center, supporting the educational and emotional growth of children aged 6 to 16. The project included tutoring sessions, life skills workshops, recreational activities, and donations of educational materials, dry rations, and plants for a plantation program. The initiative created a nurturing environment for personal development and community building.
Fusion 2024: A Platform for Reflection, Research, and Growth
The symposium, Fusion 2024, was not only a celebration of these projects but also a reflection on the transformative power of service learning. The process of collecting and analyzing reflections for poster presentations gave students a chance to develop their research skills, including designing questionnaires, gathering data, and synthesizing insights. This hands-on experience in research complemented their academic and practical learning.
The success of these initiatives underscores the importance of integrating service learning into academic programs, as it provides students with real-world experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Fusion 2024 showcased the students’ dedication and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on both the university and the communities they served.
