Everything else.. Needy Readers – Transforming Sri Lanka’s Future

Needy Readers – Transforming Sri Lanka’s Future

2018 Jul 1

When inquisitiveness exists, simple exploration can lead to development of the mind. Our youthful generations are bustling with talent and willingness to mature, however limited access to education resources has been hindering the nation’s future. Under a system with a lack of modern technology and impoverished access to resources, it is truly unfortunate when education cannot be furthered without the essentials of printed books.

Recognition of this dilemma establishes the primary phase of reforming the current resource supply systems. In this spirit, the Needy Readers programme fervently endeavours to revolutionise liberal access to educational resources across Sri Lanka. With the support of the International Movement for Community Development (IMCD), this initiative provides reading materials to a variety of societies, through public donations, which do not possess their own libraries or resource bases. While the programme chiefly focuses its efforts towards schools, it also contributes to other institutions, including prisons and public libraries. After all, in the realm of edification, demographics should never hinder an individual’s opportunities to grow and fuel the curious mind.


Furthermore, self-sufficiency and sustainability are crucial to the IMCD’s work ethos. Their vital motif “From the society, to the society, with the society” exploits the influence present in humanity as a cooperative coalition. Wealth gaps and resource scarcity can often be improved through an accumulation of minute efforts, during which we counter one another’s shortcomings using our own strengths. Those who enjoy privileges can transform the living standards of the less fortunate, and thus proves why harnessing the power of our Sri Lankan society is so immensely fruitful.

Every month, the programme hosts pocket donations, where 500 – 700 books, both used and new, are gifted to a selected community based on its requirements and current situation. In April 2018, the group donated to institutions in Angunakolapelassa, Hambantota, and May 2018 witnessed donations to communities in Ginigathhena, Nuwara Eliya. This myriad of events has culminated in the donation of over 105,000 books at present. Moreover, with every pocket donation, volunteers plant approximately 25 tree sprouts with the permission of the respected premises, to foster the principles of always replenishing the resources we reap.


The Needy Readers programme exhibits commendable milestones, however people’s love for reading is often an insatiable attribute. In the spirit of continual development, 2018’s second mass donation will commence this August, and it is in preparation for this that the programme calls for inflow of book donations. The books can be in either used or new condition, however textbooks officially administered by schools will not be accepted. Their collection point resides at International Movement for Community Development, 8/23, Sri Siddhartha Road, Kirulapone, Colombo 05, however the IMCD has mobilized its collection methods, and will receive your donations from your doorstep if you provide them with an address, all with a simple telephone request.


While printed books may seem outdated in our technological modernity, they still serve a veritable purpose to other worthy members of our island. Thus, with the authority to remould opportunities for progress and development, spare a thought for those dusty books inhabiting the crevices of your cupboards, and breathe vitality into them.

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