The MAS Eco Go Beyond sustainable development education program was extended to India recently, marking the first time that a local apparel manufacturer has taken this initiative outside of Sri Lanka.
Fifteen years since its inception, the Eco Go Beyond program was launched in the Kayarambedu Government High School and the Nandivaram Government Boys School in India in partnership with MAS’ strategic business unit, Intimate Fashions India (Pvt) Ltd, a manufacturing unit of Bodyline Trading (Pvt) Ltd.
The launch permitted students to engage and learn from award-winning film maker and educator Ramnath Chandrashekar and participate in experiential learning to identify sustainability issues in their environment.
“Over 15 years ago, we recognised the need to invest in sustainable development education as a long-term intervention in creating change and we established our sustainable schools program, Eco Go Beyond, in response to this need.
“We are happy to be able to extend this initiative to India and are grateful to the wonderful educators we’ve partnered with here, who share our beliefs,” said Head, Social Sustainability at MAS Holdings, Amanthi Perera.
“At MAS, we believe that the local communities that surround our operations are a key part of the ecosystem that strengthens our business. That’s why we want to make sure that we help sustain them, just as they sustain us,” she said.
With 15 years in operation in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Eco Go Beyond program has been activated in over 120 schools across the country. The program incorporates sustainability concepts through three phases of sensitisation, activation, and reward.
The launch in the Kayarambedu Government High School and the Nandivaram Government Boys School were attended by students, educators, guest speakers, community leaders, as well as representatives from MAS Holdings, Bodyline, and Intimate Fashions India.
MAS hopes to continue its expansion of the Eco Go Beyond program in India and beyond in years to come, as part of its MAS Plan for Change commitment to create ‘thriving communities’.