3rd December 2009 was a special day for Lahiru Pre-school children as they rallied around  with enthusiasm to show off to a packed house at the AVIVA Community Centre what they are capable of. The day’s proceedings began as usual with kids welcoming the Special Guests Mr. & Mrs. Tennyson Rodrigo representing “Reconcile & Rebuild Sri Lanka” and Mr. Thomas of Humedica International accompanied by the Founder/Trustee of Foundation of Goodness, Mr. Kushil Gunasekera who graced the occasion with lighting of the traditional oil lamp to the sound of beating of drums and the background music of the solemn song “Danno Budunge”.

There were many dance items performed by the absolutely adorable kids, dressed in different and stunning costumes.  Little Malithi Parami being the “Star” of the day attracted the attention of the audience who undoubtedly proved that village beauty and talent is second to none or even better than the best, given the opportunity to excel in life.  Many parents who found it difficult to control their emotions witnessing their kids perform shed a tear of joy whilst others had beaming smiles.

The Annul Concert coincided with the end of yet another year, it was time for kids of upper kindergarten to bid farewell to their Pre-school after two years and this was a very sad moment for teachers, children & parents as the little ones walked up to the teachers and worshiped them showing gratitude as the teachers were visibly very emotional, hugging them.   

The 58 kids from Lower/Upper kindergarten received “Essential School Supply” packages that were very kindly sponsored by “Reconcile & Rebuild Sri Lanka” which is commendable and praiseworthy.  The joy in receiving such a gift cannot be expressed in words but can be seen in the beaming smiles on their faces to whom such supplies are a form of luxury. Through the help of kind donors such as R & R, and Humedica International who also provided a grant towards the stationery requirement of Pre-school, Foundation of Goodness is able to provide these children with continuous educational support thus developing their knowledge and skills.

Mr. Tennyson Rodrigo addressing the gathering said, “The spell cast over us by the singing and dancing of the loving Lahiru kids and the lovely day with the rest of you at Seenigama will always radiate inside us.  At this stage of our lives it has been a day of special exhilaration”.

Mr. Kushil Gunasekera speaking a few words, paid tribute to “Reconcile & Rebuild” for the extremely generous and thoughtful gesture in donating 58 Essential School Supply packages for the year 2010, to children from very remote backgrounds with their education in mind who otherwise could not have afforded these items, not forgetting “Humedica International” for the kind grant towards stationery requirement for the 2010 which is greatly appreciated by the Foundation of Goodness along with Rhythm Foundation who are the current sustainability sponsors of the pre school until mid 2010.  

-Helen Brohir, Pre School Sector Manager

“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children."
Charles R. Swindoll
“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Life, love, and laughter - what priceless gifts to give our children."
Phyllis Dryden

2009.12.21