#VoiceItwithSLYO

#VoiceItwithSLYO is a platform developed by SLYO UK Chapter to discuss issues and topics considered taboo. Mental Health may be considered a weakness to some, thus the aim of the mental health project was to shed light on the issue and create a platform for people to reach out and seek help. The Chapter wanted to be able to help people and direct them to resources that can support them.

Colourism, the daughter of racism has defined beauty standards in Asia and Africa for a long time. A piece of colonialism and slavery that was left behind, which international companies such as Unilever exploited. SLYO UK chapter uses the VoiceItwithSLYO platform to fight it back.

The Black Lives Matter segment was #VoiceItwithSLYO’s first segment of the series. SLYO UK wanted to start a project that would create a space for youth to voice their opinions. This was called #VoiceItwithSLYO. The program started by talking about the Black Lives Matter movement. Featured guests were Mo Hasan and Natalie Acheampong. The beauty of this discussion was that in addition to discussion of racism against the black community, racial biases within the local community were discussed. The committee hopes that by opening this conversation, people will be more open to making a change and to talk about issues within their own community. Latest Events SLYO UK | Mental Health – #VoiceItwithSLYO 2020 SLYO UK | Mental Health – #VoiceItwithSLYO 2020 SLYO UK | Colourism – #VoiceItwithSLYO SLYO UK | Mollipothana Jr. School Library Project 2016 SLYO UK | Feed the Homeless 2015 info@slyo.org

The SLYO UK shared the news that the Mollipothana Junior School (Trincomalee) project has been completed. The committee raised money last year up to our Eclipse event. The funds went to the school library project. The project was originally started by the Intake 22nd of Kotalawela Defence University (Old Boys of Ananda College) however due the the lack of funds the team was not able to complete the project. Thanks to the community and for the contributions, the Library at Mollipothana Junior School (District-Trincomalee) was officially opened on the 6th of October 2016. On behalf of team SLYO UK, the committee sends thanks to those who made this project possible.

The SLYO UK Chapter understands the importance of combating hunger and of providing people with the basic necessities of life. During the Spring of 2015 the chapter along with volunteers, prepared food parcels for distribution to less privileged members of the community. Their initiative illustrated the importance of helping and supporting others during a time of need.

The SLYO UK Chapter participated in the ‘Run For Their Lives’ 2014 event in aid of the National Cancer Institute of Maharagama. This event was organised by the Rotaract Club of Colombo Upton and held for the second time in London by SLYO UK Chapter. The committee appreciated the contribution of those who donated and to those that participated in the event.

This school project held during the summer of 2014 in Sri Lanka represented the first project done by SLYO UK and SLYO IE. The committees send thanks to Team IE for their meaningful contribution. Irosha L and Team SL were particularly helpful in assembling the project and for providing guidance and direction. The committee finally thanks everyone who participated.

The SLYO UK chapter felt privileged to support the Alzheimer’s Society – Leading The Fight Against Dementia mini marathon in 2013. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting around 496,000 people in the UK. The term ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms which can include loss of memory, mood changes, and problems with communication and reasoning. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens, the symptoms become more severe. The SLYO UK Chapter understands the impact degenerative diseases have on community members both in their personal and professional lives and believes in taking such necessary steps to helping to alleviate these challenges in order to help build a better life for them.