PROJECTS
NEWS NEST
BACKSTAGE
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CLUB SERVICE
A Memorable December 5.0
Newbie Orientation of Q1 – Successfully Concluded!
Revoir ; The Evening Adieus Farewell
Uni Three
Razzle Up: An Evening of Laughter and Entertainment
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
Reachout Initiative : Empowering Mental Health Awareness
Written by: Rtr. Senuki Kavithma
To address mental health issues and foster a supportive community, the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura launched a novel project fittingly titled Reachout Initiative. Spearheaded by the Community Service Avenue of the club, this impactful project aimed to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, provide resources, and offer guidance to diverse groups; including school students, university communities, and individuals undergoing treatment. The project unfolded in four comprehensive phases, each tailored to a unique audience and designed to make a lasting impact.
Phase 1: Mental Health Awareness for Underprivileged School Students
The first phase, which took place over one and a half months, aimed to bring mental health awareness to underprivileged school students in Colombo. Recognizing that mental health concerns often begin at a young age, the project sought to educate students on mental wellness, emotional resilience, and seeking help when needed. Supported by experienced resource persons from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Angoda – including Dr. Wasana Senanayake, Dr. Ruvini Liyanage, Dr. Shashmina Ziyard, and Dr. Udara Amarasinghe, the program delivered engaging and interactive sessions in the following schools:
• Sunethradevi Buddhist College, Pepiliyana
• Herman Gmeiner School (SOS School), Piliyandala
• De Soyza Maha Vidyalaya, Moratuwa
• Uyana Kanishta Viduhala, Lunawa
• Rawathawatta Methodist School, Moratuwa
• Mahabodhi Maha Vidyalaya, Colombo Central
These sessions equipped students with valuable tools to manage their mental health, fostering early awareness and a sense of empowerment within a demographic that may have limited access to mental health resources. Through these efforts, students learned to recognize signs of stress, build emotional resilience, and understand the importance of seeking help, contributing to a foundation of mental well-being in their communities.
Phase 2: Panel Discussion on Mental Health Awareness – Beyond Stigma: Embracing Mental Health
The second phase centered around a powerful panel discussion titled “Beyond Stigma: Embracing Mental Health”, which took place on November 5, 2024 from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Sri Sumangala Auditorium of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. This session targeted university students and staff members, providing an open platform to discuss mental health challenges and break down societal stigmas associated with mental wellness. The panel featured three distinguished professionals:
• Dr. Ajay Jeyaseelan – A highly qualified family physician and psychological counselor.
• Rtn. Rasini Bandara – A renowned psychologist and international well-being consultant.
• Dr. Kavinda de Silva – A psychiatrist and psychotherapist with a growing reputation.
These experts shared their insights on the current state of mental health awareness, the challenges individuals face, and effective approaches to creating a supportive environment for mental wellness. By bringing together diverse perspectives, this panel discussion offered students and staff members practical knowledge, challenged misconceptions, and underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health in their academic and personal lives.
Phase 3: Social Media Campaign on Mental Health
The third phase of Reachout Initiative focused on public mental health, an area often shrouded in silence due to social stigmas and cultural expectations. For two weeks, the team ran a social media campaign featuring posts and video series addressing key topics like emotional vulnerability, societal pressures, and the impact of mental health on the lives of Sri Lankans.
Through personal stories, professional insights, and relatable content, the campaign encouraged men to acknowledge their mental health challenges and seek support without fear of judgment from society.
This phase played a vital role in normalizing conversations around mental health, challenging traditional views, and promoting a more inclusive understanding of mental wellness. By reaching a wide audience online, the campaign helped to create a supportive community that encourages open dialogue and compassion.
Phase 4: Entertainment Session for Patients at NIMH Occupational Therapy Unit
The final phase aimed to bring joy and comfort to patients at the Occupational Therapy Unit of NIMH, Angoda. A week-long entertainment session was organized, recognizing the therapeutic benefits of recreation and social interaction for individuals in treatment. The dedicated members of Reachout Initiative engaged with patients through music, games, storytelling, and other activities, creating an uplifting and positive environment for relaxation and self-expression.
Patients responded with immense gratitude and joy, experiencing a break from their treatment routines while bonding with volunteers. This phase underscored the importance of empathy and social support in the healing process, allowing the volunteers to witness firsthand the impact of shared joy and compassion on individuals undergoing mental health treatment.
Reflecting on the Success of Project Reachout Initiative
The project Reachout Initiative conducted by the Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura stands as a powerful testament to the importance of mental health awareness and community-driven support. Each phase was meticulously crafted to address the unique needs of its audience, from school students to university communities and patients in care. The initiative succeeded in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering a culture of empathy, education, and mental health support.
By addressing various facets of mental health through informative sessions, open discussions, online campaigns, and therapeutic activities, Reachout Initiative created lasting change within the community. Through dedication and compassionate outreach, this initiative has not only enriched the lives of participants, but also set a foundation for a more inclusive and mentally healthy society.
Graphic Design by : Rtr. Manushi Rathnayake
Monthly Gathering – July 2024
Written by : Rtr. Manushi Rathnayake
“Fire is a strange power. Men who have never seen it, who have only heard of it, can be consumed by it. Let’s harness our collective fire to light up the world!”
The Monthly Gathering of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, for the month of July was held on the 25th of July 2024, from 5.00 pm onwards, at the university premises. The theme for the gathering was based on “House of the Dragon” which is a prequel to “Game of Thrones” that explores the history of House Targaryen, focusing on the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. It highlights the devastating consequences of power struggles and familial conflicts. The series underscores the importance of unity, communication, and strategic alliances, showing how internal divisions can lead to downfall and how effective leadership requires balancing ambition with the well-being of the group, which we as a club hope to follow through with throughout the year. The monthly gathering for the month of July was organized by the Community Service Avenue, led by the co-directors of the avenue, Rtr. Manushi Rathnayake, Rtr. Nithila Kaveesha and Rtr. Burny Zaneeta.
The Monthly Gathering was officially called to order by the Vice President of the club, Rtr. Pethmi Ranawaka. Followed by the Rotaract formalities which were presented by Rtr. Manushi Rathnayake.
Thereafter, the President of club, Rtr. Akila Weerasuriya addressed the gathering. He spoke of the importance of having genuine passion towards the work done through the club and went on to acknowledge the depth & importance of member engagement in club activities and meetings, and encouraged members to keep up their enthusiastic participation. Followed by which, the Secretary of the club, Rtr. Nithara Dias presented the meeting minutes of the Transition meeting of the club which was held on 13th of July, 2024. During the avenue announcements, a director from each Avenue/Committee gave updates on the projects lined up for the Rotary International year, along with their progress.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Rotaractor of the Month & Directors of the Month for the month of July, which were bestowed upon Rtr. Mihitha Hapuarachchi from the Club Service Avenue and to the Joint Directors of the Membership Development Committee Rtr. Prabhani Rashmika and Rtr. Jayasi Jayodya (respectively). All those present at the gathering appreciated their commitment towards the club.
Next, a small game session was carried out, where all those present at the gathering got together to play quite a competitive game of “Head, Knees, Shoulders and Cup”. The participants were lined up in two rows with a cup placed between each pair. The moderator of the game session, Rtr. Nithila Kaveesha explained to the participants how the game was to be played, which was that the winner of each round would be the first of the pair to get ahold of the cup placed between them, when the word “cup” was announced by the moderator, along with the words “head”, “knees” and “shoulders”, for which the participants had to grab their heads, knees and shoulders respectively as the words were said out. The game was carried out for 4 rounds, from which Rtr. Renish Perera, was crowned the winner. All participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the game.
The day came to a close with the birthday celebrations of Rtr. Nelani Gunawardana, Rtr. Nimesh Fernando, Rtr. Hafsa Omar, Rtr. Prabhani Rashmika and Rtr. Jayasi Jayodya, all of whom celebrate their birthday in the month of July.
As organizers of the Monthly Gathering for the month of July, our aim was to bring together as many members as possible for the physical gathering and ensure that we as a club would be able to achieve our goals in the upcoming year, by fostering new connections, building teamwork and developing passion towards a common goal, as this was the first monthly gathering to be held under the new Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the RI year 2024-25, as well as the first to be held following the university non-academic staff strike, due to which the university was closed for a period of about two months.
The Monthly gathering for the month of July was successfully concluded by taking a group photograph, and the crowd dispersed among promises of meeting again, very soon!
Graphic Design by: Rtr. Manushi Rathnayake
Rise Up Sri Lanka 4.0
Sri Lanka, amidst its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, this island nation once divided by conflict, is now emerging as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Various ethnic groups are collaboratively forging a path towards enduring unity, exemplifying the power of the human spirit and cooperation. Central to this transformative journey is “Rise Up Sri Lanka,” an ongoing project led by the Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
“Rise Up Sri Lanka” was launched in 2020-21 and has since gained momentum, continuing into 2023-24 as “Rise Up Sri Lanka 4.0.” The project’s core objective is to foster an environment celebrating Sri Lanka’s ethnic diversity. It aims to inspire individuals to cultivate respect and support for one another, forgetting social and ethnic differences. Aligned with Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention focus areas and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the project aspires to create a harmonious and equitable society.
Despite the current economic crisis, the community service avenue of RACUSJ remains dedicated to making a positive societal impact. Recognizing the crucial role of promoting peace and unity, the project focuses on raising awareness about the importance of harmony among ethnic groups, particularly during challenging times.
The first phase of “Rise Up Sri Lanka 4.0” involved publishing an engaging e-magazine featuring creative works by school children and undergraduates. This initiative provided a platform for young talents to showcase their artwork, poetry, essays, stories, and photography centered around fostering unity among ethnic groups. By amplifying youth voices, the project celebrated their creativity and unique perspectives, promoting dialogue and understanding about the significance of unity in Sri Lanka’s diverse society.
On April 28, 2024, a counseling session was organized at Methsevana State House Of Detention, a juvenile detention center in Sri Lanka. Led by Rev. K. Vineetha Thero of the Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and this session provided psychological support and counseling services to inmates, promoting peace and unity among different religious groups while enhancing their mental well-being. This effort fostered ethnic peace and addressed inmates’ mental health needs, creating a supportive environment and instilling hope and resilience.
The third phase, “Unity in Diversity: Promoting Donations through Faith,” was a social media campaign highlighting the shared values of generosity and compassion in Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, and Hinduism. By focusing on donating to those in need, the campaign featured teachings from religious scriptures, community leader discussions, and visually appealing graphics. The campaign successfully increased awareness, encouraged community participation, and fostered a sense of unity and mutual respect among different ethnic and religious groups. (Link for the post series: https://cutt.ly/teueJPOB)
On May 30, 2024, inspired by the “Unity in Diversity” campaign, the “Food for Hope” initiative was launched. This outreach effort involved distributing food packets to needy and homeless individuals throughout the country. By providing immediate relief and raising awareness about food security, the initiative fostered community solidarity. Volunteers organized and distributed nutritious meals, engaging with recipients to understand their needs, significantly raising awareness and receiving positive feedback from both recipients and the community.
The final phase, “Celebrating Sri Lankan Tamil and Hindu Culture,” is a social media campaign highlighting the unique aspects of Tamil and Hindu culture in Sri Lanka. Through engaging articles, the campaign promotes peace, unity, and pride within the community while fostering understanding and appreciation among the broader population. By showcasing vibrant traditions, festivals, cuisine, and historical significance, this phase instills a sense of belonging and cultural identity, contributing to social cohesion and the nation’s cultural tapestry.
“Rise Up Sri Lanka 4.0” embodies a comprehensive approach to promoting unity and peace in Sri Lanka. Through its various phases, the project addresses immediate needs and challenges while fostering a long-term commitment to harmony and understanding. By celebrating diversity, promoting education, and encouraging individual responsibility, “Rise Up Sri Lanka” paves the way for a future where all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka can coexist peacefully and prosper together.
Written by: Rtr. Mahima Yasas
Graphic design by: Rtr. Mahima Yasas
Page Turners
Imagine a school where the rustle of fresh notebooks fills the air, where brightly colored pencils dance across paper, and where young minds are ignited by the spark of knowledge. This wasn’t just a dream; it became a reality through a groundbreaking project that combined the power of giving with the fuel of learning.
At Even Page Turners, our passion for reading goes beyond turning pages. We believe in the power of stories to ignite imaginations, fuel knowledge, and create a brighter future. That’s why we recently wrapped up a two-phase initiative, a heartwarming story of a donation drive that equipped students with the tools to succeed, intertwined with a captivating seminar series that ignited their thirst for knowledge aimed at empowering young minds in underprivileged schools!
The Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our inaugural “Page Turners’ ” initiative! This ambitious project aimed to achieve two important goals: equip underprivileged students with essential school supplies through a donation drive, and ignite their passion for learning with a captivating seminar series. This project marks the exciting premiere of a program designed to enlighten the future of Sri Lankan underprivileged students for years to come.
Phase 1: Stocking the Shelves for Success
Our journey began with a mission to provide essential learning tools.We reached out to our community, our friends, and even strangers, asking for their support in filling backpacks with the tools needed for academic success. The response was overwhelming! Boxes piled high with notebooks, pencils, crayons, and sharpeners flooded our donation. Witnessing this outpouring of generosity was truly heartwarming. It solidified our belief that even the smallest act of kindness can have a significant impact. The response from our community was phenomenal! Thanks to your generous contributions, we were able to deliver a mountain of high-quality supplies to DalupitiyaVidyachandra Vidyalaya Kadawatha.
Our project wasn’t just about collecting supplies; it was about empowering students. The brightly colored notebooks and smooth writing pens weren’t just tools – they became instruments of creativity, exploration, and self-expression.Imagine the smiles on the students’ faces as they received brand new notebooks, ready to be filled with knowledge! This donation will not only ensure they have the resources they need to succeed academically, but also demonstrate the power of community support.
Phase 2: Beyond the Basics: Igniting a Love of Learning
Education goes beyond textbooks. To provide a more holistic learning experience, we followed the donation drive with a seminar series specifically designed for O/L students. This series was held at Udupila Weera Wijayaba Maha Vidyalaya and Batapotha Sri Sudarshana Vidyalaya. These sessions were conducted by our fellow members who are experts in teaching.
The interactive sessions were met with enthusiasm! Students actively participated, asking insightful questions and soaking up the knowledge offered. This exposure to different perspectives and career opportunities planted seeds of ambition and opened their eyes to the vast possibilities that lie ahead. This series wasn’t just about imparting information; it was about equipping students with the tools to become lifelong learners.
This two-phase initiative wasn’t just about physical resources. We aimed to cultivate a love of learning, build confidence, and equip students with the tools they need to reach their full potential. By providing essential supplies and engaging seminars, we hope to make a lasting impact on their educational journey.
From the fertile ground of ideas to the blossoming results, this project wouldn’t have bloomed without the wonderful support of our community. A heartfelt thanks to our generous donors whose kindness provided the essential tools for learning. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who volunteered their time, and participated in the seminars. A special shout-out to the dedicated team members who navigated every challenge with grace and determination. Together, we’ve shown the power of collective action in making a difference for young learners.
With the foundation laid by your contributions, we’re excited to continue this project in the years to come. We look forward to empowering even more students, providing them with the tools to learn, grow, and chase their dreams. This is just the beginning – stay tuned for future updates as we build upon this success!
Together, we’re fostering a love of learning and creating a brighter future for education. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!
Written by: Rtr. Jayani Wickramasinghe
Graphic design by: Rtr. Hafsa Omar
Spreading Smiles with Butterfly Effect 5.0
The Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura recently embarked on a heartwarming initiative, Butterfly Effect 5.0, aiming to enhance the mental wellbeing of the community through a series of engaging and creative activities. This project unfolded in three delightful phases, each focusing on spreading joy and fostering a sense of connection among diverse groups. Here’s a glimpse into our journey.
Phase One: Bringing Joy to NIMH
Our first phase was a visit to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), where we organized an activity program and interactive session with the residents. A group of enthusiastic undergraduates and the Rotaract Club members from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura joined hands to make this day special. We kicked off the session with fun-filled games. Out of them one of their favorite game was the Best Design Challenge. The NIMH residents were divided into teams, and each group received an equal amount of newspapers. Their task was to create the most beautiful dress out of the givennewspapers. The room buzzed with excitement as creative ideas took shape, and laughter echoed through the halls.
But the fun didn’t stop there. We sang songs together, creating a harmonious atmosphere that resonated with joy.Thehighlight of the day was dancing. This is a moment where we all let loose and enjoyed the rhythm of the music, breaking downbarriers that existed between us. As the session came to an end, we distributed gifts, provided delicious food items, and shared tea during their tea time. The smiles on their faces were priceless, and we left NIMH with our hearts full, knowing we had made a positive impact in their heart.
Phase Two: Crafting Memories at Suwa Arana Palliative Care Centre
The second phase of our project took us to Sri Lanka’s first Palliative Care Centre for Children, the Suwa Arana Palliative Care Centre. Here, we met around 32 wonderful kids, each with their unique stories and vibrant spirits. Our goal was to bring a touch of creativity and joy into their lives, and what better way to do that than through a paper craft session?
We divided the kids into two groups – the younger children and the older ones. The younger group was tasked with creating animals out of paper. Little hands worked diligently, and soon, a zoo of colorful paper animals came to life. The older group had a different challenge in creating a paper garden. Their creations were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing their creativity and attention to detail. The garden bloomed with vibrant colors and various designs, reflecting the bright spirits of these young artists.
We also handed out small gifts, which were received with beaming smiles and grateful hearts. The session was not just about crafts but about creating lasting memories and connections with each other. The laughter and joy shared that day are moments we will cherish forever.
Butterfly Effect 5.0 has been more than just a project for us as the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura; it has been a journey of love, compassion, and creativity. Through our visits to NIMH and the Suwa Arana Palliative Care Centre, we witnessed the incredible impact of simple acts of kindness.Engaging in games, music, dance, and crafts allowed us to connect with the community in meaningful ways, breaking down walls and building bridges of understanding and empathy. The joy we brought to others mirrored back to us, reinforcing the idea that giving is as rewarding as receiving.
As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned and the beautiful memories created during Butterfly Effect 5.0. We are inspired to continue our mission of enhancing mental wellbeing and spreading joy within the community, one smile at a time. The butterfly effect teaches us that small actions can create significant ripples, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of many.
Written by: Rtr. Nithara Dias
Graphic design by: Rtr. Manushi Rathnayake
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Venture Voice (V2)
YES ’24
Scholastic Coach 3.0
Be Professionally Equipped 6.0
Vanguard
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INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
Monthly Gathering of September 2024
Food Fusion
Voices Unveiled
Health A plenty 3.0
Literato Chapter 6
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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE
The Climate Clock is Ticking; Are We Running Out of Time?
International Day of Clean Energy – 2025
Monthly Gathering – November 2024
Conserve Nature, lest we forget! – World Nature Conservation Day
Build Green 2.0
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FINANCE
A Memorable December 5.0
Monthly Gathering – October 2024
Unleashing Creativity – Meraki 2.0
Respawn 4.0
SPENOFIN
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MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Monthly Gathering – January 2025
The 14th year of excellence begins!
Newbie Orientation of Q1 – Successfully Concluded!
Cinema Galore: A Cinematic Journey of Knowledge and Passion
EUREKA
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PUBLIC RELATIONS
Design Warrior 5.0
Unleashing Creativity – Meraki 2.0
Spotlight
Someone’s Daughter Volume 06
Design Warrior 4.0
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SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL
Path-Venture: A Thrilling Hike to Bathalegala
Triunfo 3.0
4 score 6.0
Sports Fiesta
Unleashing Adventure and Camaraderie: Amigo 2.0
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DISTRICT & OTHER CLUB INITIATIVES
The 34th Rotaract District Assembly – RACUSJ marvels us yet again!
RYLA 2023-24
Igniting Hope and Empowering Youth: The 33rd Rotaract District Assembly
32nd Rotaract District Conference
RYLA 2022-23
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International Day of Clean Energy – 2025
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Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: A Tribute to Teachers
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International day of Non-Violence: The Politics of Ordinary People
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World Environmental Health Day: The Importance of Environmental Health
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International Day of Peace
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Milad Un Nabi: A Reflection on the Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad
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World Suicide Prevention Day
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The family we choose – International Day of Friendship 2024
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Women in STEM
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An Ode to Love
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What About Us? – Poverty & Social Inequality
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It Ends With Courage: Love & the End of Cyclical Abuse
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Navigating Media Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
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Monthly Gathering – December 2024
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Monthly Gathering – November 2024
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New Year, True You: Embracing Growth Without Limits
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Beyond the Books: The Mental Health Struggles of an Undergraduate
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Monthly Gathering – October 2024
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