Overview
- RCOBA is passionately dedicated to enriching the lives of its alma mater, Royal College, and the broader Sri Lankan community through various impactful initiatives. Our projects include educational enhancements, healthcare support for children, and community development, all reflecting our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and supporting societal well-being.
- Central to our mission is the goal of providing Royal College students with state-of-the-art educational facilities, comprehensive training programs, and opportunities for artistic and sporting excellence. These initiatives aim not only to foster academic and extracurricular prowess but also to instil leadership qualities and social responsibility in students, preparing them to make positive contributions to society.
- Our efforts extend to uplifting underprivileged communities by providing essential resources and fostering opportunities for the sustainable development of our society.
- We believe that our commitment to these causes reflects the enduring values of Royal College and demonstrates the powerful impact of collective action. As we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact, we invite sponsors and partners to join us in this noble endeavor. Your support can help us continue to provide invaluable resources and opportunities that make a lasting difference in the lives of many. Together, we can build a legacy of excellence and compassion that transcends generations.
Please reach out if you wish to get involved.
Members can get involved in various projects by attending regular committee meetings and joining project-specific subcommittees. They can volunteer for roles that match their skills and interests, participate in brainstorming sessions, and contribute to project planning and execution. Members are encouraged to offer their expertise and collaborate with others to drive initiatives forward. For more details, members can contact the committee chair or visit the organization’s website.
Program Highlights
Longevity and Impact
The program has been successfully running for over 30 years, demonstrating clear benefits to the students of Royal College.
Current Support:
For the past six years, RCOBA has provided scholarships to eight students, offering them a sufficient monthly allowance to cover their educational expenses. We are committed to continuing this support indefinitely.
Expansion:
In 2023, we expanded our support by adding four additional scholarships, each committed for the next four years.
This program not only assists individual students but also strengthens the educational fabric of our community at Royal College.
Display Loyalty Pledge Scholarships
RCOBA proudly upholds its perpetual commitment to the Loyalty Pledge Scholarship Programme. Since 2017, we have supported over 50 scholarships and made a dedicated pledge to sustain 8 scholarships indefinitely.
This well-established initiative aims to assist disadvantaged students currently enrolled at Royal College by funding their educational needs and supporting projects that enhance their overall education. These scholarships provide crucial financial support to help students achieve their academic aspirations, honoring loyalty and perseverance in education.
Shakespeare Drama Program
RCOBA has supported the English Drama Society at Royal College in launching a comprehensive Drama Calendar for 2024. This program, aimed at enhancing the dramatic skills of students and revitalising drama within the school, includes weekly workshops that cater to students from Grade 06 to College Prefects. These sessions create a nurturing environment where novice students can learn from experienced seniors who have excelled in past competitions and productions. The initiative provides students with invaluable opportunities to develop theatre skills, language proficiency, leadership qualities, networking capabilities, and event organization experience in a dynamic, real-life setting. It underscores a collaborative effort between current students, alumni, and the broader Royal College community, emphasizing the sustained impact of drama on educational and personal development. The workshops also serve as a preparatory stage for students aiming to represent their College House in the Interhouse Drama Competition planned for later in the year. Additionally, they are gearing up for the prestigious Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition 2024, a major event anticipated by both current students and alumni. The project is primarily funded by contributions from RCOBA, which has committed to sponsoring the Shakespeare Drama Competition for 2024 and potentially extending this support for up to three more years.
Medical Supplies to LRHC
We have successfully completed the LRH Medical Support Project, a vital initiative undertaken by the RCOBA NSW and ACT in response to the unprecedented healthcare crisis in Sri Lanka in 2022. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our members, we have surpassed our initial fundraising goal, raising over AUD 8,000. The LRH (Lady Ridgeway Hospital) Colombo, is the largest free paediatric hospital in Sri Lanka and serves as the national referral centre for paediatric care. This hospital, with a history spanning over 125 years, is pivotal in treating children under 14 from across the country. Given the dire economic situation in Sri Lanka, the demand for medical supplies has drastically increased, impacting vulnerable groups severely.
Our project aimed to provide urgent medical consumables to LRH to prevent avoidable fatalities among children. The funds raised have been used to purchase:
- High-flow nasal cannulas for oxygen therapy, crucial for children struggling to breathe independently.
- Blood gas reagents to measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in arterial blood, helping monitor lung and kidney function.
- Levetiracetam, an anti-epileptic medication to treat and prevent seizures in children.
This initiative began with a seed fund of $1,500 from RCOBA NSW and ACT, bolstered by personal contributions from our committee members. Our call to action resonated deeply within our community, resulting in significant donations from our 450+ members. This collective effort not only reflects our commitment to supporting broader Sri Lankan community but also showcases the strength and compassion of our community in times of need. The project was closely coordinated with LRH management and supported by the Royal College Doctors Association, which provided on-the-ground oversight to ensure the effective use of funds and proper delivery of medical supplies. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this lifesaving project. Your generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of many children at LRH. This outstanding achievement not only exemplifies the power of community and international solidarity but also sets a strong foundation for our ongoing efforts to support Sri Lanka.
Royal College Research Activity Room
We have successfully completed the “Re Development of The Research & Activity Room” at Royal College, generously funded by contributions from our members. This project, which cost approximately LKR 1 million, has transformed an existing room into a state-of-the-art facility for students to engage in research and activity-based training. The newly refurbished space was formally handed over to the school on March 13, 2017. This initiative aligns with our commitment to enhancing the learning environment by providing students with access to modern facilities tailored for research and skill development. The new space is instrumental in helping students develop crucial leadership and presentation skills on the school campus. This project exemplifies the power of community support and investment in the future of our students.
Loyalty Pledge Scholarships
RCOBA is proud to uphold a perpetual commitment to the Loyalty Pledge Scholarship Programme. This well-established initiative supports disadvantaged students currently enrolled at Royal College by funding their educational needs and supporting projects that foster a well-rounded education. These scholarships provide financial support to help them achieve their academic goals. They honor loyalty and perseverance in education.
