Miles of Smiles 5.0 – 2nd Phase - “Sihina Sawiya”

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Imagine a world bursting with vibrant colours, filled with laughter and the joy of discovery. A world where every child, regardless of their abilities, feels included, valued, and empowered. For children with special needs, accessing this world of happiness can sometimes feel like reaching for distant stars. They often face unique challenges and barriers that can hinder their social, emotional, and cognitive development. That's why, at the Leo Club of University of Colombo, we believe that bringing happiness to these special children isn't just a kind gesture, it's a fundamental need.

So, we focused on bringing happiness to the special students at the Sri Chandrasekara Special School in Horethuduwa. On February 7th, we transformed the school into a haven of joy with a program called "Sihina Saviya," the second phase of the Miles of Smile 5.0.


The day kicked off with a heart-melting performance by one of the school's little girls, followed by our music team joining in with some uplifting songs. But the real magic happened during the therapy session led by the wonderful Occupational Therapist, Mrs. Thilini Vithanage a Counsellor, Mrs. N.G.P. Ruwanara and a Community Psychiatric Nursing Officer, Mr. Sunil Gunawardane from the Panadura base hospital. They planned amazing activities, like painting and drawing, to engage the students' minds and creativity. One of our club members donated some boxes of pastels to fuel their artistic expression. After the session, Games, exercises, and dance sessions filled the air with laughter and excitement. It was truly heartwarming to see the students, our Leo Club members, and the teachers all having so much fun together. One activity that stood out was the water relay race using cups and sponges, a simple yet effective way to boost their cognitive skills, as the teacher mentioned. Also, another game which was done with coconut shells, was really effective too. 

To express our gratitude to the hospital staff for their dedication, we presented them with printed mugs as a small token of appreciation. And of course, what's a celebration without treats? We surprised everyone with delicious ice cream, and the school even returned the favor with some refreshments of their own. We are so grateful for their hospitality! 

The highlight of the day was definitely the musical chairs game. Students and Leo members alike got into the competitive spirit, creating unforgettable memories and laughter. As the day drew to a close, our music team led a grand sing-along, uniting everyone in a chorus of joy. 

The second phase of Miles of Smiles 5.0 was a beautiful reminder that happiness knows no bounds. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those special children was truly priceless. We are so grateful to everyone who supported us in making this event a success, our Leo club executive committee members, project committee members, the Sri Chandrasekara Special School staff, the hospital team, and of course, all of you!

By,

Leo Malsha Wijesinghe.

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