Thou shalt educate

George
Colombo, Sri Lanka
steward

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan once remarked, “Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.”

George is a firm believer in the power of education to immensely ameliorate and empower civilization. It is his vision to bring about the same progress and development to Sri Lanka, a nation where the literacy rate has spiraled up over the years, yet still a vast population of the underprivileged have little access to the kind of education that every child deserves.

His quest into this ultimate goal of bringing quality education to his people began with his own life-altering journey to further supplement his studies. From his humble beginnings in his native Colombo where he shepherded a small congregation, George took the leap of faith and found himself in New York, where for the last eight years, he has undergone his own personal transformation.

“It was a journey of determination and motivation. And always, I tried as best as I could to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground,” George said meekly, relaying all the encounters brought about by his perusal of his Masters degree, and eventually his Post-doctorate studies. To come from a small country such as Sri Lanka, the actual move to New York was already a daunting endeavor in itself, and to complete two post-graduate studies successively in New York was a feat beyond all challenges.

No matter all the hardships and unexpected occurences, George remained fervent in his goal. Some time in April, he finally received the title of “Ph.D.” from Fordham University, an accomplishment too profound for him to put to words. But what really fulfills him above all else is the journey that lies ahead – now that he is fully equipped with the most viable training and knowledge, it is nearly time for him to make that trip back home and carry out his vision of implementing education as the most accessible right to all children and adults as well, in Sri Lanka.