Stone Soup Leadership Institute

YouthForce Carries on His Legacy

Niven and Tiara Ganegama were born in the United States, after their family was forced to flee their beautiful country of Sri Lanka for their safety, because it was in a state of war. Their grandfather, Dr. Ari Ayratne, led peace marches that eventually led to an end to the civil war, and the ability of Niven and Tiara to return to Sri Lanka with their parents. Now in their teens, Niven and Tiara are carrying on their grandfather’s legacy in a variety of ways, from collecting books and school supplies for children in a remote village, to helping village children learn English, to sponsoring tree planting programs through YouthForce, an organization they founded. Dr. Ari’s message has always been the same: by awakening one person, it could lead to awakening a whole family; then an entire community; and one day, even the world. “I’ll never forget my grandfather’s message,” Niven says. “Awakening, caring for others, sharing our gifts. That is his legacy.”