A novel ‘Friend and Guide’ Scheme was launched last week by the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo. The Chief Guest was the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama.

The President of the Alumni Association, Mrs. Ramanee Amarasuriya, in her welcome address, said that was one of the key projects which the Association had planned for this year. She said that each student would benefit from the guidance, experience and advice of the friend and guide, which would assist the student to confidently face the many challenges of University life and the stress of living in Colombo. She said that it was not financial assistance that was expected of the friend and guide under this programme, but rather time, care and commitment.

The scheme was launched by linking 27 visually impaired students of the Arts Faculty, each with a Friend and Guide. The function which was held in the Senate Hall, College House of the University of Colombo, was well attended by the host families, Deans of Faculties, and Members of the Alumni Association.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hirimburegama thanked the Alumni Association for launching the project, which, she said, would be of immense benefit to the students. She said that linking students to a host family was a very good concept. The Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Amal Jayawardena said he worked very closely with visually impaired students and knew their talents, needs and feelings.

At the inauguration, the Alumni Association donated an audio tape recorder and stationery to each student to enable them to record their lectures. There was much interaction evident between the students and the volunteer ‘friends and guides.