Songs of gratitude: How Ladies’ College alumni are giving back to their teachers
There is a certain kind of magic in music. A single melody can transport us back in time — to classrooms filled with laughter, to corridors echoing with chatter, to the steady voices of teachers who shaped our lives. And for the alumni of Ladies’ College, Colombo, music is now becoming the bridge between their cherished memories and a noble cause: caring for the very teachers who once cared for them.
On October 18, the halls of Ladies’ College will ring with familiar tunes in a concert titled ‘Songs We Grew Up With’. Behind the harmony lies a deeply human mission: to raise funds for a newly established medical fund for retired teachers, many of whom are facing challenges in their twilight years.
The idea took root within the Association of Former Teachers of Ladies’ College, a body that has quietly served its members for years. When its new president Mrs Fathima Aziz took over earlier this year, she was confronted with a sobering reality: many retired teachers, some living alone or in care facilities, were struggling to cover even basic medical expenses.
“Nominal costs they could manage,” she explained. “But when it came to something larger — scans, tests, specialist visits — that’s where the gap was.”
The association had only a modest amount in its account. Determined to make a real difference, she set an ambitious goal: raise Rs. 1 million to create a proper medical fund.
What happened next exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Alumni across oceans
As news spread through the global Ladies’ College network, alumni from Australia, Canada, and beyond stepped forward. They opened their hearts and their wallets. In a matter of months, more than the projected Rs.1 million was raised from overseas contributions alone, far surpassing the original target.
“They all have fond memories of their teachers,” Mrs Aziz said with a smile. “Even if they couldn’t be here for the concert, they wanted to give back.”
Local alumni, meanwhile, in addition to the funds they have donated, are showing their support too. Already, 300 tickets have been sold for the 644-seat hall, with the rest expected to follow as the date draws closer.
A concert of memories
The concert itself is a carefully curated act of love. At its heart are the renowned Lanerolle Brothers, who will be joined by six Ladies’ College alumni, some of whom have gone on to become professional singers — all offering their talents free of charge.
“This is about more than entertainment,” said Mrs Aziz. “It’s about gratitude. About saying thank you to the teachers who gave us so much in our youth.”
‘Songs We Grew Up With’ will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Ladies’ College Hall at 6 p.m. Box plan and tickets are available at the Hall foyer on every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are priced at Rs 5,000, 4,000 and 3,000.
Beyond the bank account
But raising money is only the beginning. Already, plans are underway for a medical camp in early 2026, bringing together alumni doctors, members of the Parents Teachers Association, and even medical professionals with no formal ties to the school.
The vision is both practical and compassionate:
- Morning sessions with general practitioners to conduct basic health checks — blood pressure, diabetes screening, cholesterol, and more.
- Afternoon consultations with specialists, ensuring that those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes receive proper follow-up care.
The first camp will be for the association’s roughly 200 members,open to anyone who is in need of medical support. But the dream is to make it an annual event — a sustainable model of care for those who once shaped countless young lives.
| How to help | |
| The Association of Former Teachers of Ladies’ College has set up a dedicated bank account for the medical fund. For alumni and well-wishers who wish to contribute, details can be obtained by writing to the association’s secretary at formerstafflc@gmail.com. Contributions could be made via bank transfer directly into a dedicated account held at the Commercial Bank, Reid Avenue for the Medical Fund of the former staff of Ladies’ College Account Number 8026504632 Swift Code CCWYLKLX; Bank Code 7056; Branch Code 116 Please note that the fund is for all retired Staff of Ladies College, so even support staff in addition to the teachers are entitled to apply. |
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