Written by : Rtr. Gimhani Jayasekara

“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” – Robert Greene

The Public Relations Committee of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura recently hosted Design Warrior 5.0, a two-day digital skills workshop aimed at equipping students with vital graphic designing and video editing skills. The event was held at the NFC 5 Hall in the Faculty of Applied Sciences of University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and the event brought together both Rotaractors and non-Rotaractors eager to explore creative digital tools and bridge the digital gap.

The first session, led by Ms. Rovinsha Fernando, offered an in-depth introduction to the basics and advanced techniques of graphic designing using tools like Photoshop and Canva. Through hands-on practice, participants learned to create visually compelling graphics, logos, and promotional content. Ms. Rovinsha’s teaching went beyond software skills, empowering students to confidently express themselves creatively in the digital realm.

This training in graphic design directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, which advocates for accessible, equitable education and lifelong learning. By providing practical learning in digital skills, the event reduces educational barriers and prepares participants to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The workshop also encouraged participants to think about creative and professional applications of these new skills.

The second day’s session, conducted by Mr. Sachin Weerasooriya, focused on video editing, another critical skill in today’s media landscape. Using Adobe Premiere Pro and other popular editing tools, participants learned video production essentials. Mr. Weerasooriya emphasized the importance of storytelling through video, a skill that enhances the ability to convey impactful messages across industries.

This workshop also supports SDG 4: Quality Education by equipping students with knowledge in an area that is increasingly essential in diverse fields. By learning video editing, participants gained the ability to create digital media that will be valuable across multiple career paths, whether in education, marketing, or social activism.

Beyond individual skill development, Design Warrior 5.0 addressed several Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring the event’s impact on participants’ personal growth and professional potential.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Offering free, high-quality training promotes equitable education by reducing financial barriers to learning. Events like Design Warrior 5.0 allow students from all backgrounds to access skills that are typically costly, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to acquire critical digital competencies.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The event helped bridge the digital divide by providing students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with access to quality training. By reducing inequality in digital literacy, the Rotaract Club is helping to level the playing field and providing participants with skills that will enhance their confidence and employability.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By teaching practical skills in graphic design and video editing, Design Warrior 5.0 directly supports students’ readiness for jobs and entrepreneurial ventures in high-demand fields. These workshops not only prepare students for potential careers but also contribute to economic growth by building a skilled and digitally aware workforce.

The success of Design Warrior 5.0 lies in its ability to provide skills that will continue benefiting participants long after the event. Attendees left with a toolkit of competencies they can apply immediately across various contexts, from personal projects to academic work and professional portfolios. Many students left feeling confident about their ability to explore digital design and media further, seeing these skills as valuable assets for future endeavors.

The Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has once again demonstrated its dedication to uplifting the community through inclusive, skill-building initiatives. Design Warrior 5.0 stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to preparing students for success and contributing to a future where everyone has access to quality education and the means to bridge the digital gap.

Looking ahead, initiatives like Design Warrior 5.0 underscore the importance of empowering young people with relevant skills and fostering creativity in an ever-evolving digital landscape. As Robert Greene aptly stated, “The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways,” and thanks to this event, that future is now more accessible than ever.

Graphic Design by : Rtr. Malsha Dharmatilake