The recently concluded first ever Pre-school English Day event proved beyond doubt that kids are a true gift when 61 little girls and boys aged 3 to 5 of the Seenigama “Lahiru” Preschool, sponsored by RYTHM Foundation, gathered together to display their talents to a packed house filled with parents and families.  They were so eager to witness the events performed by the little ones, all in English, at the AVIVA Community Centre.  The Chief Guest Mrs. Kanthi Wettimuny, Director – Stafford International School who sponsored this noble project for three years, accompanied by the Founder Trustee Kushil Gunasekera graced the occasion and were warmly welcomed by the cheerful kids.

The day’s proceedings commenced at 9.30am with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and 4 year old Malithi Parami welcoming the guests with a lovely speech in English that brought a sweet smile to those watching. 

The rest of the program began with the performance by a group of kids from lower and upper kindergarten relating the story of “Old MacDonald” joined by yet another group to recite the poem “Mulberry Bush”.  The dance acts performed to the tune of “Barbie Girl” & “Brown Girl in the Ring” were just brilliant and exciting.

What caught the attention of the audience was the event that represented eight nationalities (France, Spain, Australia, England, USA, China, India, Japan and Sri Lanka).

 Children dressed in their respective national costumes, introduced themselves and the entire group joining together to sing “We are the World, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day”.  It was absolutely beautiful, especially when the kids ran up the stage shouting “We are from Sri Lanka” greeting the audience with a throw of jasmine flowers.  FOG Volunteer Mr. Neil Edwards who worked closely with the staff and kids in adding value to this item sadly had to leave Sri Lanka in completing his 3 month volunteering stint prior to the event.

Last but not least, in a show of unity of the staff of Foundation of Goodness who worked closely with Helen Brohier, Sector Manager Pre-school and Champa Samanmalie, sector coordinator and the team of teachers from Pre-school, the theme song “Song for the Children” was sung to the kids by Dilhani Tennakoon, Sector Manager for housing, backed by Manaram of Diving Sector in making their English Day a resounding success.

Kushil Gunasekera in his speech said “I am so touched and delighted to witness an event of this nature taking place for the first time in a rural village like Seenigama where English language is not spoken amongst villagers, but the little kids proving themselves to be equal to most other kids of same age living in the city. Kushil explained the values in recognizing the importance of learning English and the birth of "Lahiru" Pre-school by the Foundation of Goodness being the first of its kind established in a remote village that serves as a model in the region with an emphasis on learning English.  He paid his gratitude to the committed staff who together with him works dedicatedly to provide a better tomorrow to many disadvantaged kids.

Finally, the head teacher delivered the ”Vote of Thanks” extending gratitude to all concerned and  as a token of appreciation, gifts were distributed to all kids, who looked pretty exhausted by that time and were treated to a little tea party as a reward for their efforts.  The day’s program ended with everybody rising up to sing the National Anthem.

-Helen Brohier, Foundation of Goodness

 “To bring up a child in the way he or she should go, travel that way yourself once in a while” 
- Josh Billings
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“Your children need your presence more than your presents” - Jesse Jackson

“Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you” - Robert Fulghum

“The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable” - Lane Olinghouse

2009.10.26