Project Care Gen - Phase 01

                Care Gen – Phase 1: Heal Art

            “A Step Towards Healthier Futures”

The Leo Club of the University of Colombo launched the Care Gen project to promote community well-being through health awareness and creative expression. The first phase, Heal Art, took place on February 19, 2025, at Sri Medananda Maha Vidyalaya, Deepangoda, gathering 400 students, teachers, and parents for a day of learning and engagement.

The event began at 8:30 AM with a welcome speech acknowledging the school principal, public health inspectors, doctors, and nurses. A medical clinic in the main hall provided essential health screenings for students, measuring height, weight, and BMI, with further evaluation by doctors when necessary. Vision checks were also conducted. Simultaneously, a special clinic for mothers focused on breast cancer awareness, offering blood pressure checks and risk assessments, providing personalized medical advice to those in need.

A session on non-communicable diseases, led by A.B. Neshan Mahatge and Mrs. K. D.N.D. Manoji, educated mothers on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and the dangers of alcohol. Meanwhile, an art exhibition in the main hall showcased students’ creative expressions on nutritious eating and healthy living. The best artwork was awarded a special prize, with all participants receiving certificates of appreciation.

Adding a cultural touch, attendees were served traditional belimal herbal drink with jaggery, fostering camaraderie among students, parents, and facilitators. The event concluded at 12:30 PM with the Leo Club President, Damith Kaushalya, presenting prizes to key contributors, including the school principal. Chairperson Hansaka Susantha extended appreciation gifts to dedicated supporters, followed by heartfelt vote-of-thanks speeches from Nishadhi and Yashika. Heal Art successfully imparted knowledge and strengthened community unity. With this phase completed, the Care Gen project continued its mission to educate and uplift individuals, paving the way for a healthier and more informed society.

-By Leo Upeksha Bhagyani-