Avinya Foundation

Series 3, Blog #3 – “Unexpected, But Meant to Be”

Hello everyone,

Welcome to a fresh edition of Avinya Impact! Yes, We’ve reimagined our blog with a new name, new stories and new surprises.

This issue is a special one. We invited the newest member of our educator team, Ruwanika, to share her reflections after completing her first month with the Avinya family. Ruwanika, Over to you!

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My journey with Avinya Academy didn’t begin with a job posting—it began with curiosity. I stumbled upon their LinkedIn profile one day, drawn in by their vibrant posts and the unique vision behind the Academy. Something about it spoke to me. It felt different, intentional. I wasn’t applying for a vacancy—I was reaching out to be part of something meaningful. What followed was unlike any recruitment process I had ever experienced: a series of in-depth, thoughtful interviews that were both rigorous and refreshingly human. The screening was intense and clearly designed to find not just the right skills, but the right people. When I finally walked through the gates of Avinya for my in-person interviews, the atmosphere took me by surprise. The space was green, open, and full of life—it felt like stepping into a quiet world of its own, tucked away but buzzing with purpose. Everyone I met was warm, genuine, and welcoming. Despite the formal nature of the process, I never once felt like “just another candidate.” People made sure I was comfortable,  and showed me kindness that stayed with me. At that moment, I thought to myself: This is where I want to be.

“Chalk, Talk, and Trust”

After I was selected and officially became part of Avinya Academy, I began to see what truly sets this place apart. The facilities were impressive—not in a flashy way, but in how thoughtfully everything was designed with comfort, dignity, and care. Whether it was for students, educators, or staff, Avinya made sure our needs were met, creating an environment where people could thrive. What struck me the most, though, was the philosophy behind the teaching and learning here. It wasn’t about top-down instruction or rigid formality. It was about building bonds. Educators and students shared a mutual respect that felt genuine and empowering. This wasn’t just a classroom—it was a community. Students weren’t only learning academic content; they were learning to take responsibility, to care for their environment, and to treat their space as their own. They maintained the premises with pride, a subtle but powerful way of preparing them for life beyond the Academy. As I settled in, I was met with kindness from every direction. My fellow educators guided me with patience and warmth, and the students—so full of life—welcomed me with open hearts. One moment still lingers in my mind: a group of students asked me if I had ever tried Dan fruit. When I said no, they picked some right off the tree and handed them to me with such joy. It was such a simple gesture, but it meant the world. In that small act, I felt accepted, embraced, and truly part of something special.

 

“More Than Lessons”

Stepping into the classroom at Avinya was both exciting and humbling. As someone trained in ESL, TESOL, and TEFL, I naturally began to observe and understand the varied language competencies among the students. Each learner brought a different set of skills and experiences, but what united them was a shared eagerness—a quiet, determined drive to learn. That alone was deeply motivating. No matter where they started, they were trying, showing up, and leaning into each challenge. Their willingness gave me the courage to stretch myself further, to rethink my lesson plans, and to design activities that could engage learners across different fluency levels. It wasn’t always easy—some days were more complex than others—but the students’ curiosity and understanding of why language matters in real life made it all worth it. Teaching them English and subjects like customer service has been more than a job; it has been a learning curve for me as well. I’ve come to realize that teaching here isn’t just about content delivery—it’s about adaptability, connection, and empathy. I’m not only teaching English; I’m learning how to communicate across barriers, how to listen more closely, and how to meet each student where they are.

“Together, It Works”

One of the things I’m most grateful for in this first month is the incredible team I’ve found myself a part of. From day one, my fellow educators—Ranjo and everyone else on staff—have been nothing short of amazing. Their support goes beyond the classroom or daily tasks; it’s rooted in genuine empathy and care. There’s a quiet assurance in knowing that if something were to go wrong, I wouldn’t be alone. That sense of emotional safety, of working in a place where people truly look out for one another, has meant the world to me. Whether I needed time, advice, or simply someone to listen, there was always someone ready to step in. Nothing felt rushed or transactional—it was all very human. That kind of work environment is rare, and it’s something I deeply value. At Avinya, I didn’t just find a job; I found a team that feels like home.

 

“Hope”

As I reflect on this first month at Avinya, I’m filled with a quiet sense of purpose. This isn’t just a place where students learn—it’s a place where people grow, connect, and care. From the thoughtful systems to the resilient learners and the compassionate team, every part of Avinya is built with heart. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this journey, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. For those who support or believe in the mission of Avinya, I want you to know—your support is changing lives, including mine. Thank you for helping create a space where learning is human, hope is real, and the future feels bright.

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Thank you, Ruwanika, for that heartfelt entry! On that note, goodbye for this week and we will be back with more excitement in our next week’s Avinya Impact!

 

-Geeth-