Airtel spreads warmth to underprivileged children in Kahatagasdigiliya, Anuradhapura

Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, recently re-opened a playground with all new facilities for the children of Kedahe Nekutunu Wewa Vidyalaya, Kahatagasdigiliya, Anuradhapura. The project which was carried out by Airtel Lanka as one their Corporate Social Responsibility projects, was declared open by Bharti Airtel Lanka CEO/MD Jinesh Hegde and Regional Education Director of Anuradhapura A.M.U.E Adhikaram. 

The school which is located in the Anuradhapura District, houses over 100 underprivileged children studying between the grades of 1-5 with little or no facilities. Airtel Lanka took on the initiative in meeting the basic needs of the primary school by constructing a new toilet with sanitation facilities as well as a playground with the aim of creating a pleasant, home away from home atmosphere to the children and parents of the area. 

Speaking at the official opening of the playground, Jinesh Hegde said, “We are delighted to be a part of this great initiative of uplifting children within such areas in the country. As such, we have made a pledge to take the responsibility in creating a better world for the youngest members of our society and as adults it is our duty to provide them with a happy and safe childhood along with the foundation of a good future and education. Airtel has always taken pride in being proactive by giving back to the society, especially the youth and children; therefore we will continue our fight in creating a better world for them.”

Airtel Lanka’s CSR projects

‘Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect’ was initiated in 2012. Under the first phase, a booklet containing forms of child abuse and neglect, ways of protecting children and advice for parents and caregivers was published under the supervision of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians. Phase two will include creating awareness about this issue through workshops, programs and seminars which are to be conducted in many organisations and schools. The refurbishment of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital was also an extension to this project.