Seeing someone smile is indeed a great pleasure but if you can be the reason behind that smile it’s simply amazing.
Rotaractors of the faculty of Science University of Colombo encountered such great experience during the project ‘Akhankara’ which came into life in Angunakolapelesse from the 28 th of April to the 1st of May 2016.’Akhankara’, a club’s signature project was based on supporting four under privileged schools and the community of the area.
Day one of the project comprised of a seminar session for the ordinary level students, on chemistry, physics and biology and it seemed to be quite a different approach to the contemporary learning process. The students were extremely enthusiastic to learn and question, to be more of themselves with the teachers who were just few years older than them. In parallel to the seminar sessions, gift packs were distributed among the primary students who were delighted even by the site of presents. While the parents were more relieved with the stationary items, squeals of joy from the little ones were definitely for the colorful lunch boxes and water bottles, which they couldn’t resist the temptation of using then and there.
The evening was all set for a night sky observation camp and the participation from the village was massive and beyond expectations. Gleaming in their eyes was the utter curiosity to see something that they have never experienced before.
The second day of the project was allocated for the renovations of the schools. At the end of the day the walls were smelling of fresh paint and shining as new, all because of the tireless efforts of an entire team. It would have been a pleasant surprise for the students who turned up to school on Monday to find out that they have received a proper science laboratory for the first time.
A medical camp was held throughout the final day and free medication was given to the villagers who are away from hospital facilities.
‘Akhankara 2016’ could have been a mere dream if not for the support of an uncountable number of selfless souls who found their comfort in another person’s smile. The project was not about huge amounts of gold ,it was all about giving what you can and what you have to make a simple change ‘Akhankara 2016’ proved once again that a team, together can make wonders happen and to use that potential for the betterment of humanity that all of us equally belong to.
Written by: Amaya Sathurusinghe
Photography: Warren Christopher Manuel
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