Rachel Dias in Dubai while preparing to send books for the ‘Books For All’ project in Sri Lanka.
PANAJI
In an initiative aimed at promoting literacy and a love for reading, the Rachel Foundation successfully conducted its ‘Books for All’ project at Imbulana Sri Sena National College in Kegalle, Sri Lanka.
Rachel Dias, a 10-year-old girl based in Dubai, founded the Rachel Foundation in May 2023 to channel her creative inclinations into social good.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of American National College, Sri Lanka, bringing together enthusiastic volunteers and community leaders for a meaningful cause. The project was coordinated by Sahan Kaveesha.
The event began with opening remarks by the Principal, Prasad Bambaragamuwa, who expressed his gratitude for the initiative. He highlighted the importance of access to books in shaping young minds and commended both the Rachel Foundation and the Rotaract Club for their dedication to supporting education. He noted that such contributions play a vital role in inspiring students to develop a lifelong love for reading.
The event focused on the donation of books to the school, with the aim of enriching the existing library resources. The books will be added to the school library, creating greater access to reading materials and helping to foster a culture of reading among all students.
This marks the second ‘Books for All’ project in Sri Lanka by the Rachel Foundation. The first initiative was carried out in July 2025, laying the foundation for continued outreach and support in the region. Building on that success, the second initiative has further strengthened the Foundation’s commitment to making books accessible to every child.
The ceremony continued with the official book handover. Students expressed their excitement and appreciation, while the presence of Rotaract members added energy and commitment to the event, as they interacted with the school community and encouraged a love for reading.
Students at Imbulana Sri Sena National College in Kegalle, Sri Lanka, browse through books from the ‘Books For All’ project.
Representatives from the Rotaract Club emphasised the importance of education, community service, and youth empowerment.
Rachel, who was unable to attend the event, said: “This is our second ‘Books for All’ project in Sri Lanka, and it holds a very special place in my heart. When we began here in July 2025, we saw how much joy and opportunity books could bring to children. Today, we are continuing that journey, with the hope that these books will nurture a lasting love for reading among students.”
Rachel is the author of the book ‘Rose never gives up’, published by Bribooks, which was released at Sharjah International Book Fair in November 2024.
She was honoured with the prestigious GESS Education Award 2025 in the UAE in the Community Award for Citizenship category, in recognition of her efforts to promote literacy and community engagement through her initiative, the ‘Books for All’ project, under the Rachel Foundation.
Incidentally, Rachel and her twin brother, Troy, are award-winning swimmers who hail from Margao and are presently studying in a British school in Dubai.
Their father, Terrence, played cricket for Goa, while their mother, Remy, was a former teacher at Manovikas School in Margao.
