HelpAge conducts Leadership Development camp for Senior Citizens

A group of senior citizens participating in an activity 

• Participants took part in a range of adventure-based activities, including flat-water rafting, paintball, rope courses, (Burma Bridge), archery, rock trekking and team building challenges

HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL), the country’s oldest free healthcare service provider for underprivileged senior citizens,  conducted a two- day residential Leadership Development and Adventure Based Sports and Recreation Camp at Action Park, Hanwella.  

Thirty senior citizens aged between 55 and 78 from six Divisional Secretariats of Homagama, Gampaha, Ampara, Monaragala, Kothmale and Dompe attended. 

The objective of the programme was to strengthen the leadership skills of senior citizens through community leaders in Senior Citizens Committees (SCCs).

The leaders are expected to share their knowledge and skills with other elderly members in their village committees for strengthening their leadership qualities.

HelpAge Council Member and Programme Coordinator Nishantha Gooneratne commended the initiative and noted that such leadership and outdoor training programmes immensely help to develop the physical and mental well-being of senior citizens while enhancing their strength, confidence and ability to carry out daily activities. 

Participants took part in a range of adventure-based activities, including flat-water rafting, paintball, rope courses, (Burma Bridge), archery, rock trekking and team building challenges. 

According to the trainers, the senior citizens enthusiastically participated in all activities  irrespective of their age. 

Executive Director Dr. Harsha Bandara said the two-day Leadership Development Outbound Training Programme successfully enhanced the participants confidence, leadership abilities, physical and their mental well-being.