Ambassador of Japan commends Surangani Voluntary Services Director

Thursday, 4 June 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador of Japan Nobuhito Hobo awarded a special commendation to Shigeko Baba, the Founder of Surangani Voluntary Services, in recognition of her dedication and commitment for the development of preschool education in under-privileged areas over 25 years in Sri Lanka at a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s residence recently.

Baba started to serve in Sri Lanka as a JICA volunteer. Owing to her interest in developing preschool education in Sri Lanka, she formed the Surangani Voluntary Services (SVS), a Non-Governmental Organisation in 1992. As the Director of SVS, her leadership enabled to start three preschools in Peliyagoda, Godakawela and Kirindiwela areas supporting the preschool education of over 160 students on a regular basis and she has trained over 450 preschool teachers covering 11 areas.

The SMILES education program has benefited more than 400 children since its inception in 2003. Given her eagerness to expand the range of services offered and address the needs of differently-abled children in Moneragala area, SVS started Little Tree Special Needs Children’s Centre in Buttala in 2011.

In 2014, she requested and received a grant from the Government of Japan under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security projects (GGP) scheme. This program gave special needs children and their families the confidence and hope to build better lives in the future.

In addition, she extended her support in conducting community awareness programs, emergency recovery programs and livelihood development programs in rural areas in Sri Lanka. Baba’s enthusiastic and outgoing personality helped her to build up a good rapport with Japanese organisations and thereby secure regular funds from Japan.

Baba completed her Master’s degree in Children’s education at the University of Pennsylvania, United States. As a prominent social worker, she made a significant contribution in improving preschool education in Sri Lanka and strengthening bilateral relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.