“A MILLION BUDS“
“EMPOWERMENT AND FACILITATION CENTRE AGAINST CHILD LABOUR”

In the wake of the post-pandemic era, the world faced an unsettling truth: child labour had surged by a staggering 8.4 million children over the last four years. This alarming statistic is becoming a major concern as young souls from less privileged backgrounds are forced to abandon their dreams and ambitions, all for the sake of survival.

However, amid the darkness, it became evident that envisioning a post-pandemic world where they could heal, thrive, and pursue their dreams was not just a fleeting wish but a necessity. While the rest of the world prepared to rebuild and rejuvenate, ensuring that these young ones were not left behind, their potential stifled by the chains of forced labour was crucial.

This project showcases the transformative power of architecture in combating child labour.
It becomes a precedent, demonstrating how the built environment could bring about positive change by empowering children, providing them with education, and fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In Sri Lanka, this issue lingers, especially in the mining industry, which is often referred to as the killer industry. This is one of the most severe forms of child exploitation, and it's happening right now in Sri Lanka.

Sadly, the situation worsened after the pandemic struck.

Many children from low-income families found themselves indirectly forced into labour to help their struggling families make ends meet. These young ones had to set aside their own dreams and ambitions in order to earn some extra money for their households.

But it doesn't end there. This project that we're discussing aims to shed light on the plight of these trapped children in the mining industry, especially those from the central regions who were hit hard by the pandemic. Their dreams, like buried treasures, lie hidden beneath the soil, seemingly impossible to recover.

This project serves as a beacon of hope for these children, offering them a way out of the darkness. Bringing attention to their struggles and providing them with the support they need. The goal is to help them unearth their buried dreams and create a pathway for them to reclaim their futures.
It's time to come together and make a difference, ensuring that no child's dreams remain buried in the soil, lost forever.

The core concept of this project is to “sprout”, embrace, and celebrate childhood, equipping young people with the necessary tools to navigate the future and connect with the global community.
This project aims to create an environment where trapped young minds can grow from the harsh and rigid circumstances they find themselves in, allowing them to bud in a more nurturing and vibrant world where life is truly celebrated.

Through this project, it will be possible to bring together talents that have previously diverged, providing a platform for them to converge and inspire one another. By fostering collaboration and mutual inspiration, we can unlock the full potential of these young individuals and create a powerful force for positive change.

More than ever, it's now important to come together and build a world where the brilliance of youth is recognized and cherished, where creativity knows no bounds, and where the convergence of diverse talents leads to extraordinary achievements.

Together, we can inspire, uplift, and shape these damaged lives so they can thrive in a brighter post- pandemic future.

The Vision of this project is to break down barriers, bridge divides, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

The design should celebrate childhood, empowering these young souls to embrace their dreams and aspirations, knowing that they have the support and encouragement of a larger community.

We can create spaces where young minds can flourish and where their unique talents and perspectives are valued and nurtured while being in sync with the nature around them.

As, architecture is a celebration to all.