Since LightUp Lanka lit its inaugural lamp at Karaichchi Pradeshiya Sabha in June 2023, equipping children and young people with the confidence to express themselves has been at the heart of our mission.
What began with foundational English language, phonetic training and personality development workshops in Kilinochchi has evolved into the LightUp Leaders Youth Leadership Program. Rather than treating leadership as a title reserved for a few, LightUp Leaders approaches leadership as an everyday practice of active listening, empathy, teamwork, problem-solving and emotional intelligence.
On 29 January 2026, our facilitators brought the LightUp Leaders programme to the Good Shepherd Child Development Center in Mankulam, Mullaitivu District. Through interactive group challenges, reflective games and communication exercises, young participants stepped forward to share ideas, collaborate across teams and support one another.
Alongside earlier collaborations such as the Learn to Discern (L2D) media literacy workshop in Kilinochchi (November 2024) and annual Thaipongal talent showcases at Olirum Vazhvu Children’s Home in Udaiyarkaddu, LightUp Leaders reflects our belief that when young people are trusted with supportive spaces, they become catalysts for positive change across their communities.