BDS crosses a significant milestone

FNF Partner, Business Development Services Consultancy (BDS) created history in the education sphere of Sri Lanka, when they were invited by the University Authorities to conduct their signature programme “Stand on your own two feet” to the undergraduates of the Arts Faculty in the Colombo university. This was the first time that an international NGO (FNF) and a local Service Organization (BDS) were permitted to carryout an educational activity, outside the undergraduates own syllabus.

Today, two batches of undergraduates have followed and completed the programme. Moreover, six undergraduates have joined the BDS group, were trained as trainers and have commenced to extend the programme into the schools of their own hometowns.

On 6th October 2009, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo added another feather to BDS cap. She called up a meeting of the University Registrar, Bursar, and Dean of the Arts Faculty, Head of the Career Guidance Unit, Head of Economics Department, BDS, FNF and the undergraduates who have participated in the program. The Vice Chancellor announced that she is very impressed with this program that directs young people think independently and with an open mind, develop their entrepreneurial skills as well as act responsibly and moderately. She also said that, she is very happy to note that the undergraduates are making use of the opportunities available in the free market, venturing into business world and most importantly, being weaned away from welfare dependency. She gave credit to BDS & FNF for this change. She then announced that she has negotiated with the British Council to sponsor the small business modules developed by the Undergraduates.

This was a worthy recognition indeed.

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