John Keells Foundation (JKF) commenced awareness creation on gender-based violence in State Universities in collaboration with Career Guidance Units as part of its ongoing commitment to combatting gender-based violence through education under its flagship Project WAVE (Working Against Violence through Education). The awareness sessions are part of a wider programme of soft skills education and awareness offered by JKF to State Universities with the approval of the University Grants Commission.

The first awareness session on gender-based violence (GBV) was organized for undergraduates of the Technology Faculty of the University of Ruhuna on 8th October 2021 with the participation of 268 students. The session was conducted by independent consultant Indika Dayarathna and John Keells trainer Gnanasooriyam Dhuwaarathan. Dr. Thusitha Gunawardena, Director Career Guidance Unit, Mrs Champika Jayaweera, Lecturer of the Technology Faculty and Academic Career Adviser and Mrs Kumudu Mallawaarachchi, Career Guidance Counsellor, graced the session.

Following a request from the of Sri Jayawardenepura, another awareness session on GBV was organized for 30 undergraduate students from the Arts Faculty on 23rd October 2021. Mr. Sameera Jayawardena, Career Advisor at Career Guidance Unit of the University made the opening address while Imani Perera, Co- Champion of Project WAVE addressed the audience on behalf of JKF. The session was conducted by John Keells trainers Ilmu Sariffodeen, Gnanasooriyam Dhuwaarathan and Imesha Jayasooriya.

John Keells Foundation is pleased to partner with universities to educate students on the important topic of preventing and addressing gender-based violence and wishes to acknowledge the active support of the UGC through its Vice Chairman and Standing Committee on Career Guidance to the cause of preventing gender-based violence through education.