The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation as they learned the ins and outs of operating these powerful machines.After two days of hands-on training and teamwork, the moment of truth arrived: all six volunteers passed the course with flying colours! Their hard work and determination paid off, and the sense of accomplishment was palpable.

Well done Peter and the other dedicated volunteers - this will ensure that the load doesn't just fall on one or two.

The DIK team couldn’t have been prouder. Thanks to the newfound skills of these volunteers, the warehouse now had enhanced capacity, allowing for more efficient movement of the vast array of goods. With their collective efforts, the team was poised to make an even greater impact in the community.Run by a WorkSafe expert trainer, the training was thorough and included OH&S, basics of safety using a forklft and checks prior to and postuse.

A new PhD research project funded by Australian Rotary Health and the /Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington PhD Scholarship. is aiming to equip schoolteachers with evidence-based strategies to tackle mental health problems in the classroom.

Former teacher and hD candidate Catherine Johnson knows first-hand about the impact a student’s sense of wellbeing has on their ability to learn and reach their potential.

“When I started in the classroom, my training did not prepare me for the complexity of student concerns and needs that arose, which led me to want to explore how to best provide training to teachers in supporting student mental health,” Ms Johnson said.

The partnership will capitalize on Rotary International ‘s global network along with the alumni of Sri Lanka’s leading schools to raise funds from the Sri Lankan community living overseas.

Donors can also donate through the online platform www.lifelinesrilanka.rotary.unicef.org.au to give a lifeline to Sri Lankans during the current crisis.

UNICEF will use the collected funds to procure essential medicines, medical equipment, water purification tablets, and school stationery to support vulnerable communities facing severe shortages across the country.

The partnership was launched ON 22nd August in Colombo by UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. George Laryea-Adjei and UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Mr. Christian Skoog together with Zone Director of Rotary International, Mr. A S Venkatesh, and Sri Lanka Rotary District Governor Ms. Pubudu de Zoysa.

Donations can also be made by direct deposit to:   UNICEF Sri Lanka through the bank details below.  Please note ‘Lifeline Sri Lanka’ in the description.  Please also email notification of the deposit  to: donatesl@unicef.org  

Account name: UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND

Bank name: Sampath Bank PLC                               Account number: 002960004747

Account currency: LKR                                             Branch name: Headquarters’ branch

Branch address: 110, Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo, Postal code 00200                            SWIFT BIC: BSAMLKLX