Leading fashion retailer Fashion Bug recently concluded two successful career guidance programmes in Kandy and Matara, in a bid to serve students with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge in career guidance. Fashion Bug under its educational CSR platform launched the 'Sisu Dirimaga' campaign in order to benefit schools across the country demonstrating the company's laudable service as a corporate citizen.

Director Fashion Bug and Founder of the Sisu Dirimaga programme, Shabier Subian attributed the success of the platform to the company's clear, coherent and long term objectives of establishing a unique CSR identity. "Fashion Bug has always been a responsible corporate citizen. We take pride in the fact that our CSR projects have made our very own consumers the contributors to a sustainable cause, where we mould the futures of the next generation," Subian said.

“The impressive numbers of participation at each programme held across Sri Lanka stands testimony to the retail clothing giant’s accomplishments,” he added.

The first programme held at Dharmaraja College, Kandy was organised in partnership with the Kandy Zonal Education Office, where 550 students from diverse communities participated in the event. The programme was conducted for Sinhala medium students by Lecturer at the Department of Psychology of the University of Peradeniya, Asanka Jayarathne. The exclusive workshop provided the young adults present with much needed support, motivation and guidance in devising the path of their chosen vocation.

The second career guidance programme hosted by Fashion Bug was held at St. Servatius College, Matara which saw the participation of over 550 students. The unique workshop benefitted students representing many schools in Matara including students from St. Servatius College, Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya and St. Mary's Convent. The conveyor for this programme Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya of the Department of Sinhala at the University of Colombo enlightened the participants on ways of effectively mapping out their future. The challenges which were addressed during both programmes included how to prepare for and face crucial examinations successfully, balancing education and extracurricular activities as well as effective time management.

The Sisu Dirimaga platform is a sustainable CSR initiative which has been successful in supporting a number of educational programmes in the country, with Fashion Bug's long term strategic objectives coupled with the retail giant’s commitment to service. The company's expenditure in millions annually serves various CSR initiatives that reach all corners of the country, ranging from sports and education, health, public service and beyond.

Their latest efforts in Kandy and Matara are a part of a major drive towards uplifting Sri Lankan youth through the Sisu Dirimaga programme.  The award winning CSR initiative carried out by Fashion Bug, has fruitfully benefitted over 13,100 deserving students, and will continue their relentless efforts until the company achieves a goal of engaging with 120 schools and over 100,000 students across the island.

The company has also developed its own scholarship programme as part of its signature CSR initiatives. Furthermore Fashion Bug was the pioneer in introducing the first ever peer counselling concept to school children in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Fashion Bug commenced its operations since 1994 as a partnership business with 4 partners and a staff population of just 15. The company today possesses over 17 stores throughout the country with a workforce of over 1250 employees, and stands among the leading clothing chains in Sri Lanka catering with the fashion motto of ‘changing lifestyles’.

Photo caption: (Above) A section of the large number of students who participated and (below) Fashion Bug officials along with the Zonal Education Representatives