Rootcode Foundation launched to empower underprivileged children

Rootcode Foundation was launched recently with the aim of empowering underprivileged students in Sri Lanka to enter and thrive in the exciting world of technology.

Its purpose is to develop the IT and tech capabilities of lesser privileged schools across the country and empower children to pursue higher education and subsequent careers in the technology industry. Rootcode believes this is a timely initiative, as the crises pertaining to the current economic challenges have paved the way for many students to forgo higher education and, in the long run, to upskill and bridge the rising divide in the talent market and contribute to Sri Lanka’s drive of becoming a sought-after tech hub both regionally and globally.

The first project was initiated at the Sri Siddhartha Kanishta Vidyalaya in Horana on 14th January in the presence of teachers and students. Zonal Education Director J.D.L.V.K. Jasinghe, during his speech, commended the foundation’s approach, that it is different in contrast to many others, as it commits to the school and its children for a whole year, training them on technology. providing scholarship opportunities and aiding them in their IT infrastructure, such as building a computer lab and training its teachers.

This will give students of Sri Siddhartha Kanishta Vidyalaya, which has 85 students from grades one to eleven, an ideal opportunity to learn technology. By pursuing this approach, Rootcode is not only helping the short and long-term education of the children but also the nation as a whole. M.H.L. Chathuranga, the principal of the school, also expressed his gratitude to have industry specialists teach their kids the IT curriculum.

“By learning tech, I managed to change my life. Not only my life, my family’s life and possibly a generation as well. But not everyone in the country gets the same opportunities, resources, or exposure. Through Rootcode Foundation, all of us at Rootcode are going to help underprivileged students in Sri Lanka learn technology and change the course of their lives for a better tomorrow.” said the Founder and CEO of Rootcode, Alagan Mahalingam.

“Rootcode, as a company, has been especially fortunate to reach the heights that we have today. We are here because of our talented team. We believe that it is important to give back to the community, and we are grateful to be supporting the children, the industry, and the country to reach greater heights,” said Mangala Perera, COO of Rootcode.