Friends
We know that there’s strength in numbers.
While the school system is still vital, a grassroots learning network is our best chance to compliment our current education system with innovative tools and ideas necessary for our future.
While we work in Colombo, we know there are others all around the island who are using their skills to build learning networks all around the island. We admire and value this network of friends: other organizations that strive to create equitable education opportunities, whether it be through technology, design or making to all corners of the island, especially to those in marginalized communities. We wanted to introduce them on our website and mark out their locations on a map as our network grows.
Without Borders
Without Borders designs innovative learning tools for local classrooms and teachers with the vision of grooming a generation of critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. Beginning in a small run down shed in Deraniyagala in April 2014, Without Borders now has operations in over 5 districts and uses tools from LBGT across their training centers and programs.
Yarl IT Hub
Yarl IT Hub (YIT) is a not for profit social enterprise which strives towards inspiring, supporting and fostering Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the community. It’s an organization by the community for the community. The Yarl IT Hub community consists of all those who share the dream of making Jaffna in to the next Silicon Valley and abides by the core values of the organization. They have been a great source of mentorship and strength to the Let’s Build Great Things! program.
The Pearl Protectors
The Pearl Protectors main initiative is to create awareness of the imminent threat posed to the marine life, sea area and the beaches of Sri Lanka. The project also advocates to safeguard the marine habitat of Sri Lanka while promoting sustainable, eco-friendly behaviors and initiatives to reduce the human impact on the marine habitat. They are fondly remembered for their Eco-Brick workshop, where students also learned to filter micro-plastics from beach sand.
LSEG Foundation
The corporate charitable trust of the London Stock Exchange Group, LSEG Foundation, with a core mission of enriching communities and wider society, works with a range of charity and NGO partners to deliver programmes across the globe and create opportunities for those in need to participate in education, employment and enterprise. In Sri Lanka, LSEG and the LSEG Foundation have been actively engaged in supporting youth, education, gender equality and entrepreneurship through numerous programs while also providing opportunities for staff volunteers to actively contribute and engage with our communities. Since 2022 Let’s Build Great Things has been greatly supported through the time of many employees at LSEG who wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of volunteerism.
Local Maker Studio Workshop
Led by Kanil G. Dias Abeyagunawardene, Local Maker Studio is a hands-on workshop space that celebrates the joy of making. After visiting our 2025 exhibition, the studio hired one of our past students as a resident maker. Through access to digital fabrication tools, mentorship, and production opportunities, We believe they are crucial participants in building a creative ecosystem that values alternative pathways to learning and work.
Geoffrey Bawa Trust
The Geoffrey Bawa Trust has been a valued partner of Let’s Build Great Things!, hosting several of our workshops and supporting opportunities for children and communities to engage with architecture and design. The Trust is also the forthcoming publisher of Let’s Build Great Things!, helping bring the project’s ideas, activities, and learning experiences to a wider audience through publication.
Everystory
Everystory is a Sri Lanka-based feminist collective using storytelling and knowledge sharing to advance Gender Justice. Grounded in intersectional feminist principles, we aim to create a space in Sri Lanka and South Asia that is reflective of our histories, traditions, and cultures while looking towards a more equal and equitable future.
Ocean Theory
Ocean Theory Pvt Ltd is a Sri Lankan game design studio and social enterprise that creates board games, card games, comics, and interactive learning experiences inspired by Sri Lankan culture, history, and storytelling. Ocean Theory has conducted special workshops with children in Let’s Build Great Things!, introducing game design as a creative tool for imagination, problem-solving, and learning. Their work demonstrates how play can become a powerful medium for education, creativity, and cultural exploration.
We are especially thankful to our individual supporters; friends who have contributed their time and resources to join us!
Isaac Smith
Sam Soundy
Jeff Bourke
Manitha Weerasuriya
Deepthika Weerakoon
Shahrazad Odayar
Dan Cohen
Nina Barbuto
Lavanya Kumaran
Maggie Simon
Omal Jayatillaka
Hasanji Ellawala
Sahan Gunasekera
Kavin Gunasekera
Vyjayanthi Rao
Nushelle de Silva
Muditha Katuwawala
Vishwajith Devaraj
Mayanthi Jayawardena
Balathasan Sayanthan
Irushi Tennekoon
Thilini Pereira
Holly Fielder
Maddie Symons
Sharmini Pereira
Sanath Herath
Shazad Synon
Anurangi Mendis
Charith Bathiya
Jonathan Edwards
Charith Wijesundara
Pramodha Weerasekera
Kanil G. Dias Abeyagunawardene
Shahdia Jamaldeen
Emily Baskin
Rachel Barnard
Sabrina Yusoof Foundation
Rhadeena de Alwis
Stanford.d.School’s ‘Design for Social Impact’ workshop