Sihina Siththam❤️

       Sihina Siththam- Children's Day Celebration

Leo Club of University of Colombo Celebrates Children’s Day with Sri Vijaya Early Childhood Development Center, Panadura.On the 1st of October 2024, Leo Club of University of Colombo embarked on a heartwarming project to celebrate Children’s Day at the Sri Vijaya Early Childhood Development Center in Panadura. The project, named Sihina Siththam, was a day filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful interactions with the young children at the center. With around 25 children and two teachers, this initiative reflected the club’s dedication to community service and its belief in making a positive difference in the lives of the younger generation.

The event kicked off  with a warm welcome speech by one of the teachers at the nursery. The children, bubbling with excitement, gathered to listen as the teacher expressed the center's appreciation for the initiative undertaken by Leo Club of University of Colombo. The welcome speech set the tone for a day of fun, learning, and sharing, while also highlighting the importance of Children’s Day—a day dedicated to honoring the joy and innocence of childhood. Following the opening remarks, Leo Madhuka Amandi, the project chairperson of project Sihina Siththam, took the stage to address the audience. In her speech, she outlined the project’s vision and the planned activities for the day. Her passion for making the day special for the children was clear, as she emphasized the club's commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for the kids to enjoy and learn. She explained how the project was designed not only to celebrate the children but also to create lasting memories for them, encouraging joy, play, and personal connection. The highlight of the event began with a delightful dance performance by the children. Their dance was more than just a performance; it was a reflection of the innocence and happiness that makes childhood so precious. The Leo members and the teachers applauded the children’s efforts, and this set the stage for the next round of activities that had been meticulously planned. After the dance, the Leo members engaged the children in a series of enjoyable and interactive activities. These included games that were designed to be both fun and educational, allowing the children to participate in activities that encouraged teamwork and creativity. The laughter and cheers from the children filled the air, and the Leo members were actively involved, ensuring every child felt included and appreciated. Following the exciting activities, it was time for refreshments. We had thoughtfully prepared food by our own hands to ensure to give nutritious and clean food for the children and the teachers. The children enjoyed the simple joy of sharing food, while the teachers expressed their gratitude for the well-planned day. With everyone refreshed, the day continued with a singing and dancing session. This segment of the program was a huge hit, as the Leo members joined the children in a lively sing-along. The kids and Leo members were visibly enjoying the companionship and the sense of fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community in such a joyful way.

As the day drew to a close, the Leo Club had one final surprise for the children. It was distribution of gifts. Each child received a gift that was chosen with care. The children’s faces lit up with happiness as they received their gifts, adding a final note of joy to a day already brimming with positive experiences. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Leo Yashini Binthara, the secretary of the project “Sihina Siththam”. She expressed deep gratitude to our beloved Leo club members for their efforts, noting how much the children had enjoyed the day and how meaningful the interaction had been for both the children and the staff and, Sri Vijaya Early Childhood Development Center for giving the permission for conducting such event for these innocent little flowers. The Leo Club members, in turn, left the center with the satisfaction of knowing they had made a positive impact, not only by celebrating Children’s Day but by fostering a sense of community and care that will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on the young minds they touched. The project Sihina Siththam - Children’s Day Celebration was more than just a project. It was a testament to the Leo Club’s commitment to service and its understanding of the importance of nurturing the next generation. Through the joy of dance, songs, and play, the club members connected with the children at Sri Vijaya Early Childhood Development Center in a way that will surely be remembered for years to come. This celebration of childhood, organized with dedication and love, exemplifies the values of Leo Club of University of Colombo and their ongoing efforts to make a difference in the community.

Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Vijaya Early Childhood Development Center, whose collaboration and warmth made this day truly special. We are equally thankful to our fellow Leos and all the generous individuals who supported this worthy cause, whether through financial contributions or by offering their invaluable time and effort. A special note of appreciation goes to our dedicated project committee members, whose hard work and commitment were instrumental in the success of this event. Together, we have written a meaningful chapter in the lives of these children—a chapter filled with joy, care, and the spirit of giving.

- by Leo Yashini Binthara -