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Dilan Sanjeewa stands over a desk and paints a pretty butterfly on his school wall. He has drawn a garden full of flowers and butterflies, indicating happiness. But the tattered uniform and pair of slippers reveal his innocence in the midst of poverty.

“I love drawing but most of all I love to study English,” says Dilan, an eighth grade student of Habarana Maha Vidyalaya.

Luckily in recent times, many students like Dilan have got the opportunity to learn English from a group of well-trained teachers. The six-month course which benefited more than 150 children like Dilan has become a reality due to a scholarship programme implemented by the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation together with Gateway. The second course is due shortly, with 130 students being enrolled.

On July 6, Dilan and his friends were awarded certificates at a simple ceremony at the Habarana Maha Vidyalaya, with their proud parents beaming when each child’s name was called. John Keells Managing Director Sumithra Gunesekare was the chief guest.

The children living in and around Habarana proved that English dramas are not the forte of city children, by bringing the world of Julius Caesar of Shakespeare fame to the Habarana school’s stage that day, with a breathtaking performance.

“Today the children learn English eagerly. They enjoy the subject and John Keells has provided them an opportunity to learn English. Ninety-five percent of the children here are from poor families and their parents don’t have the money to send them for tuition. Some children even come to school without having a proper meal,” said Habarana MV Principal Mangala Wijeratne, explaining that by the end of the course most children were able to read and write in English.

Three teachers from the Gateway Education Centre, Kandy, coached the children.

“The teachers had to come once a week to Habarana, but they enjoyed teaching these children as they showed much interest,” said Gateway Director Harsha Alles.

The day’s events revealed that it was not only the children who were happy but also their parents.

“Though I can’t read what’s written in the certificate, I am proud that my son can read and explain it to me. Learning English was always a dream to us but today our dream has come true. I feel so proud because my son can become a gentleman,” said Piyasili Abeysinghe with tear-filled eyes.

Another parent, Wasantha Priyangani, added, “My daughter Dilhani learned very soon. Even at home she teaches her elder sister and forces me to learn English. I can’t believe that this course has made a big difference in my daughter’s life.”

A small gesture by the corporate world has made a big difference in the lives of these humble folk in Habarana.