How do you feel when you get to know that you are the reason behind someone’s smile? That feeling will lead to have a better smile on your face more than what you are seeing. To me, the greatest happiness in this world, is knowing that the reason behind a bright smile on someone’s face, is you. A bunch of youngsters with heart full of generosity, in the faculty of science, University of Colombo believes the same. They make effort to build others and to make them happy.
“Akhankara” one of the greatest initiatives carried out by the Rotaract club of faculty of science, University of Colombo in which the Rotaractors choose an under developed school to provide educational, infrastructural and motivational strength. In this year they’ve selected Godamuna Maha Vidyalaya, Pitigala, which was closed before but was reopened recently by the government due to the requests made by the teachers. There are around 150 students studying in this school. Most of them are suffering from financial difficulties because of that their parents don’t have a permanent monthly income. The complete project consisted of two stages for two days.
On the first day they spent their time with the innocent students by doing some competitions. In the morning session they did an art competition for primary students by supplying all the accessories. If they were able to pause the time, I surely know that they would live continuously on that moment. Because little smiles created a heaven on that moment. They did an essay competition for the students who were above grade five. In the evening session they accorded gifts for who won the essay and art competitions. When I looked at parents, their eyes said that how often their children got a chance to receive a gift on stage. The motivational program was also held in the evening session. It had included three speeches with the speech was done by a third year student who had grown up in the same village with same facilities. Nothing is better than a living example to motivate someone. So their motivational program was successful and it was a golden opportunity for the students.The magic show was able to give new experiences to students. Students enjoyed it a lot because their laughings were escalated through whole area. It taught me that some small things could be a reason for immense happiness. An astronomy camp was also a different experience for them with educational importance.
On the second day, the main hall and science laboratory was repaired by club members without getting any tedious feeling. They had made a better environment for students to do their studies well than before. The principal, teachers and parents yielded priceless support to make this project successful by supplying whatever the club needed. The school students who were giggling and running here and there in the school even on a Saturday was also a great encouragement for the rotaractors to work hard.
This project was mainly conducted by the third year rotaract members. There were five coordinators from first year and second year. Akhankara phase 3 was the very first project of most first year students. Now they all have positive attitudes towards rotaract club and prefer to do many things in future. Fourth year members also supported them specially on the second day by joining with them. Finally, all club members have gained happiness by helping others who need their help, learned the importance of what they have when they are comparing to Godamuna students, missed some beautiful hearts which may be won’t meet again in their whole life.
~ Written by Rtr. Anujitha Kahaduwa ~
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