The Community/Learning Center
“From across the sea, we felt your loss. As soon as we could, we came to help you rebuild. In our country, that is what we do and on that tragic day, the people of Minnesota became your neighbors. This learning Center and these 50 homes were built by the tireless efforts of the Minnesota Sri Lanka Friendship Foundation, the Government of Sri Lanka, the pennies of many children and the gift of many business leaders – only a few of whom are named here. In this place, may your families live in safe and peaceful, and your children learn to build a future filled with hope”
Dan and Kay Shimek, Apple Valley Minnesota
Minnesota’s chapter of Architecture for Humanity conducted a series of meetings to collect information and begin the architectural drawings for the Community Learning Center.
Mr. Sydney Seneviratne, a retired civil engineer, volunteered his time and resources to oversee the completion of the project. A government construction company was contracted, assuring accountability and quality of work.
MnSLFF completed and dedicated the Community Learning Center in July 2007. The center comprises of a fully equipped pre-school, a library, computer learning center, and a Medical Clinic.
The center has become the meeting place for the community activities and a training facility for the staff of Rajgama, Hikkaduwa’s Local Government council. Beginning in September of 2017, the center opened a community medical clinic offering medical services twice a week
Community members celebrate religious as well as civic ceremonies with enthusiasm giving the Center great pride in hosting honorable events that encourage unity. In these ways a harmonious and joyful environment is available for children, their families and the community at large further developing social interactions and integrity amongst all. It has been such a pleasure to see the expansion of the minds and hearts, the courage and the strength of humanity in these small ways.