Together As Humans 8.0 Phase o1 : Bringing Quality Education to Life

 

Together As Humans 8.0 Phase o1: Bringing Quality Education to Life

Education is often talked about in textbooks, exams, and marks but rarely in experiences that make learning tangible, exciting, and practical. The first phase of Together as Humans 8.0, under the theme of Quality Education & Literacy, aimed to change that narrative. On Wednesday, 28th January, a group of enthusiastic school students from Gampaha Bandaranaike Vidyalaya stepped into a world where theory met practice and curiosity met opportunity.

The students visited the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NAARA) Negombo Research Center, a center dedicated to aquatic innovation and research. Mostly from Advanced Level Biology and Bio-System Technology streams, as well as Ordinary Level Aquatic Bio Resources Technology, the students got a firsthand glimpse of how their classroom lessons translate into real-world applications. From understanding aquatic biodiversity to exploring bio-resource technologies, the day was designed to show that learning isn’t just about memorizing facts, it’s about connecting knowledge to the world around you.

Guided by NAARA research unit members, who served as resource personnel for the day, the students explored laboratories, witnessed live demonstrations, and participated in practical activities. The goal was simple yet powerful: to encourage practical thinking, beyond the constraints of examination-driven education. As the organizers from the Leo Club of the University of Colombo noted, the traditional education system often revolves around tests and evaluations, leaving little room for hands-on experiences. Today, these students got a rare opportunity to bridge that gap to connect what they learn in school to real-world applications.

Adding another layer to the initiative, resource packs and library materials were provided to the school, giving students and teachers lasting access to the knowledge explored during the visit. Beyond the visit, these materials aim to spark curiosity, inspire projects, and build awareness about academic and career opportunities in aquatic biology a field many students didn’t even realize existed within the local university system.

The impact of such initiatives isn’t just immediate; it’s long-term. By exposing students to practical applications, local research opportunities, and career pathways, the project aligns with sustainability and quality education goals. It’s not only about learning facts but also about inspiring a generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who can make informed decisions about their future.

During the day, NAARA resource personnel shared fascinating facts about aquatic resources and research and praised the Leo Club for their unique and proactive approach. According to them, such initiatives are rare and long overdue and seeing students engaged, asking questions, and exploring beyond textbooks was rewarding for everyone involved.

For the Leo Club members and project committee, the experience was equally fulfilling. Coordinating the event, guiding students, and witnessing their enthusiasm reaffirmed the purpose of the project: to create meaningful, lasting educational experiences that go beyond exams.

Together as Humans 8.0 is more than just a field visit it’s an attempt to reshape education, one hands-on experience at a time. And for the 50 curious minds who walked into NAARA’s research center that Wednesday, it was a day where learning truly came alive.

 

Vihangi Uswatte