Dunuri Rodrigo

Dunuri is a passionate 21-year-old woman who loves to bake. Butter cake, cupcakes, biscuit pudding you name it - she will whisk up delightful desserts in no time. She is one among the many young entrepreneurs who were supported by MJF Foundation.

“I thank Merrill J. Fernando - for giving youth with disabilities the means into further education and employment, which enables them to transition themselves into independent adulthood. 8 years ago, I came to the MJF Centre with my daughter Dunuri - who has Down Syndrome. For years, we were struggling to find her a school that allowed her to explore her creative interests and be in an environment that is safe and welcoming. Dunuri who was 13 years old at that time was impressed with the Centre and its surroundings. She was glad to finally meet people like her. My son was following a diploma in Graphic Design at the Curtiss Institute of Design during this time. As a working mother, I was able to carry on with duties with a sense of relief, knowing that Dunuri was having a good time at school where she felt safe and happy.

Under the guidance of her Culinary Instructor -Gratian Fernando, Dunuri mastered her baking skills that paved the pathway for her future. The training and hands-on experience she received at the programme motivated Dunuri to experiment with different ingredients & perfect her skills. Today, Dunuri takes cake orders for weddings, parties and cooks for family occasions.” says Dunuri’s mother.

When Dunuri was born, I left my job as a Technologist in the Clothing Industry Training Institute and stayed at home, looking after her until she was 5. My husband who was a chef back then and sacrificed much of his time to give Dunuri the best possible life. Dunuri has
grown into a beautiful young lady. She is prim and proper. A speck of dust at home would make her uncomfortable. She’s very particular about keeping our home neat and clean. Dunuri spends a typical day, gardening, cleaning and dedicating her evenings for activities like playing the violin or sewing which makes her creatively engaged. We are happy that she’s doing well in her life.


"Dunuri has grown into a beautiful young lady. She is prim and proper. A speck of dust at home would make her uncomfortable."