As parents and long-time educators, we know the potential for education to transform lives. Access to a high-quality education, irrespective of race, gender, or income-level, should be seen as a fundamental human right given that it’s a crucial prerequisite for individuals to have productive, meaningful lives.
Sadly, the current state of public education in Sri Lanka leaves this basic right unmet. Despite near universal consensus that our nation’s education system fails to provide children with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century, the lack of political consensus has held back the cause of education reform for many years.
I understand the frustration of students who question the usefulness of what they are learning in school. I believe that education should be more than just memorizing information to pass exams. It should be about empowering young people with skills and knowledge that they can use in their lives and in their communities.
That’s why I am proud to be one of the founders of Teach First, an organization that seeks to recruit and train competent individuals who can bring fresh and innovative ideas to the classroom. We believe that teaching should be effective, engaging, and meaningful, and that students should be given opportunities to think critically, problem-solve, and apply what they learn in real-world situations.
At Teach First, we encourage our teachers to think outside the box, to be creative and adaptable, and to tailor their teaching to the needs and interests of their students. We also provide ongoing training and support to ensure that our teachers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective educators.
Our goal is not only to educate the young, but to empower them to become young leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities. We believe that education is a powerful tool for social change, and that by investing in our young people, we can create a brighter future for all.
I am passionate about the potential for education to transform lives and communities, and I believe that Teach First is making a difference in Sri Lanka. By empowering teachers and students, we can create a culture of learning and innovation that will benefit us all.
In the knowledge economy, self-directed (life-long) learning is the norm, not the exception. The development of critical thinking, analytical and humanistic skills are key determinants of students’ future success. The “quality” of education provided can be assessed by examining three core elements of the learning process: teacher effectiveness, engaging/aligned curriculum, and resource input.
Learning takes place when qualified, motivated teachers engage in learner-centred instruction.
Teach First Sri Lanka’s aims to transform the current system and promote excellence in government education by directly addressing the shortage of high-quality teachers – providing opportunities for recent university graduates, impassioned career-changers and existing teachers (“yearning to be free”) to make a real difference in their community and their nation as a whole. Leveraging this young talent promises to create a multiplier effect across the entire education system.
TFSL’s leadership team is comprised of experienced educators, youth development leaders and social entrepreneurs. Our shared goal is to provide a catalyst for wide-ranging educational reform and democratize access to high-quality learning environments.
