May 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s network of regional business chambers, the Business for Peace Alliance (BPA) has launched a scholarship programme, "Learn and Lead" designed to provide quality education in leading private schools in cities throughout Sri Lanka to bright under privileged children from regions affected by poverty and the conflict.

The BPA is implementing this pioneering programme as a public service initiative in collaboration with other stakeholders. A Steering Committee has been established to develop and guide this project.

The steering committee comprises a group of eminent persons and representatives of leading organizations including The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, BPA and the Rotary Movement.

The “Learn and Lead” programme paves the way for scholars to follow Advanced Level studies in the participating schools in cities such as Colombo, Kandy and Galle. A complete package of support services has been developed for the “Learn and Lead” scholars, with a view to developing their leadership traits and ensuring a comfortable and care free life for them.

The package of support services includes, accommodation in the hostels of the participating schools, clothing, books, stationary, equipment, medical care and insurance, special coaching for extra curricular activities, leadership development programmes, psycho-social support and mentoring by human resource specialists in the private sector, guardians and home stays. A “Teen Mentors” programme mobilizing teen leaders in the participating schools will also be developed to complement the “Learn and lead” programme.