පියවර 2.0 - KDU WIE STEM WORKSHOP
October 15, 2026 · 3:00 AM - 7:45 AM @ Kurunegala, Sri Gamini Central College
Description
The IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Student Branch Affinity Group of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) successfully conducted “ පියවර 2.0,” a community service initiative promoting STEM education and career awareness, on 15 October 2026 at Sri Gamini Central College, Kavisigamuwa. The programme aimed to enhance Advanced Level (A/L) students’ subject knowledge, encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and provide guidance on future educational and professional opportunities. The event brought together 170 A/L students, 35 IEEE members, and four school staff members, reaching a total of 209 participants. The workshop featured three subject-based learning sessions in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Science for Technology (SFT), and Physics. The ICT session, conducted by Pamindu Karunadasa, Theekshana Umayangi, and Sunera Samuditha, focused on logic gates to strengthen students’ understanding of fundamental computing concepts. The SFT session, led by Dinushi Sewwandini, covered Pythagoras’ theorem and basic mathematical concepts, while the Physics session, conducted by Ushan Rashmika and Kawmini Attygalla, focused on a lesson related to light. These sessions provided students with additional learning opportunities to strengthen their understanding of key subject areas. A significant highlight of the programme was the Future Pathways session, conducted by Mrs. Dharani Abeysinghe. The session encouraged students to identify their interests and strengths, explore career opportunities, and make informed decisions about higher education and professional development. It also emphasized the importance of setting goals and building confidence to pursue future ambitions. The successful implementation of පියවර 2.0 was made possible through the collective dedication and collaboration of the organizing committee, resource persons, volunteers, and the school community. Their commitment, teamwork, and coordination played a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of the programme and achieving its educational objectives. As part of the closing ceremony, the team presented a Bluetooth speaker and donated books to the principal of Sri Gamini Central College, Kavisigamuwa, contributing towards the school’s learning environment. Through පියවර 2.0, IEEE WIE KDU reaffirmed its commitment to educational empowerment, community engagement, and the promotion of STEM education. The initiative highlighted the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration in inspiring young learners to explore new opportunities and pursue their academic and career aspirations with confidence.
Agenda
Time Duration Activity Description / Target Participants 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM 30 minutes Welcome and Introduction Welcome address and introduction to WiSTEM and IEEE WIE 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM 1 hour 30 minutes Session 1 – ICT ICT seminar exclusively for A/L ICT students 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM 30 minutes Refreshment Break Refreshments for students participating in both sessions 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 1 hour 30 minutes Session 2 – Physics and SFT Physics session for Physical Science and Biology students, and an SFT revision session for Technology stream students 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM 15 minutes Mentor’s Address Motivational and guidance session 12:45 PM – 1:15 PM 30 minutes Feedback and Closing Ceremony Participant feedback, closing remarks, and group photograph