Crisis leadership training for schoolchildren hopes to build leaders of the future
Schoolchildren in rural Sri Lanka are being taught the skills and confidence to lead through adversity thanks to a pioneering crisis leadership training programme, which could be rolled out to other developing communities across the globe.
By Helen Breese | Published on 15 October 2025
Categories: Press office; Research; Nottingham Business School;
Led by Dr Ramani Gallellalage, senior lecturer at Nottingham Business School, alongside a range of partners, the initiative is in response to the challenges faced by young people in Sri Lanka - a country grappling with economic hardship, political instability, and the long-term effects of crises such as the 2004 tsunami and the COVID-19 pandemic.
These conditions have disproportionately affected children in rural areas, limiting access to education and opportunities for personal development.
The training, delivered under the theme “Believe in Me”, encourages young people to trust in their own potential and become agents of positive change in their communities. It aims to create a ripple effect; whereby trained students are encouraged to pass on what they’ve learned among peers in their own and neighbouring schools.
The programme was developed in collaboration with a diverse group of contributors - including educators, human rights advocates, and retired military leaders - and is designed to equip students with practical skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, empathy, and adaptability.
It involves a diverse range of children to ensure that those who are often marginalised can gain tools and confidence. So far, 180 secondary age students from Ambulugala Maha Vidyalaya school and Mayurapada Central College in Mawanella, Kegalle District, have taken part.
Sessions include role-playing exercises, group discussions on crisis scenarios, and activities focused on emotional intelligence and leadership mindset. Feedback from students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting increased confidence, a stronger sense of purpose, and a desire to support others.
One student said: “You taught us how to dream about the future and how to become ambitious without worrying about the past. Thank you for advising us like this.”
Another added: “I felt freedom in my mind after this program. I learned how courage, sacrifice and trust have become the strength of true leadership. If we have all these above, we can do anything. If we believe in ourselves, nothing will be impossible for us. This will be a good start for my life.”
The team plans to expand the programme to reach more schools across Sri Lanka and potentially other developing countries.
“In Sri Lanka, children have faced extraordinary challenges, from natural disasters to economic and political instability,” said Dr Gallellalage.
“Our goal is not just to teach leadership, but to nurture resilience and empower young people to become the ethical, adaptable leaders their communities need. This programme helps them recognise their own strength, build critical life skills, and see themselves as future changemakers.
“Our aim is to grow the programme so that more students can benefit in future rounds and to build a network of young leaders who can make a positive difference by fostering resilience and leading their communities through future challenges - hopefully becoming national and global leaders in the future. By investing in these young people today, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and hopeful tomorrow.”
Professor Julienne Shields, director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the Tabor School of Business, Millikin University (US), added: "One of the most striking things I found was with the age group of students. The youngest students were as passionate and interested in the topic as the older students were.
"There was just something about how thoughtful and joyful they were throughout the process. I feel very confident that this is something that is going to impact their lives a great deal as they go forward."
Mrs Chulani Senevirathne, Training and Development manager at Noratel International (Pvt) Ltd in Sri Lanka, said: "It was a pleasure conducting the leadership programme for young school children of Kg/ Ambulugala Maha Vidyalaya, guiding them to unlock their potential, build confidence, and nurture the values of teamwork and responsibility under the theme Believe in Me.”
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