Children’s Day began on the second Sunday of June in 1857 by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard, pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts: Leonard held a special service dedicated to, and for the children. Leonard named the day Rose Day, though it was later named Flower Sunday, and then named Children’s Day. In Sri Lanka, we are celebrating children’s day on October 1st in every year. So we did celebrate this year children’s day with cute little fellows in Sri Vijayarama Viduhala, Udahamulla. We got this great opportunity as a request by our member, Rtr. Sangeeth Gimhana, who is a first year engineering undergraduate in SLIIT.

The day started with an opening ceremony at the beginning. Principal of Sri Vijayarama Viduhala, delivered a great speech on children’s day at the end of the ceremony. At first, our members played some fun games with our little buddies to give a little warm up to the cute sleepy faces. Then we showed them a beautiful children’s movie called ‘Thaala’ and they got served by some sweets offered by us, while they were enjoying the film. At the short movie break, parents and teachers gave our Rotaract members a small treat. Their faces were full of bright Smiles seeing their kids enjoying the day.

After the movie we had to struggle a lot to make our playful buddies gather at one place to take the group picture. Finally we managed to capture everyone with beautiful grin on their faces.

After that, cricket fans in our club got the chance to play cricket with those little kids and you know what?! We lost to them.

After the little break we gave small presents to each of them and they really loved it. It was a really emotional moment to all when the principal gave her vote of thanks to us with tears of joy in her eyes. She was the happiest person on that day and those kids are really lucky to have her as their principal. As per her kind request, we got the opportunity to paint the walls of the school and contribute in building an open study area for the school.

Our members did a great job with the painting task throughout 4 days since the morning to the night. Sometimes little kiddos joined us with the painting and they really enjoyed it. And it wasn’t an easy task as we thought. We had to face sudden rain falls and mosquito bites all day. But our non-stoppable members (Specially Rtr. Nishali) managed them somehow and finished the task with a colorful style. At the end, all of us were happy and proud and those memories we got will never die. The feeling that come in to our minds when remembering those kids are going to enjoy this beautiful study area, is priceless.

Not only October 1st is a children’s day. Every day is a children’s day and they deserve happiness all the time. We are really proud and happy with what we did and it’s our responsibility to make this world a better place for those innocent souls. This is just an end of an episode. More episodes are coming soon to fulfill more kids this way. Come on guys! Let’s make them smile!

Written by –

Rtr. Lasandara De Silva

Member 2019/20