Empowering Young Minds with Mindfulness and Digital Wisdom
In an era where the minds of children are increasingly burdened by both internal pressures and external influences, Sureki Hetak 8.0 launched its second phase with a visionary purpose “මානසික මට්ටමින් ශක්තිමත් දරුවන් පිරිසක් බිහි කරනු වස්!” This initiative wasn’t just a program; it was a movement toward building inner strength and digital responsibility in the hearts of young learners. Focused on Dhamma school students above Grade 6, the phase began with a serene yet powerful session on meditation and mindfulness, led by Chief Incumbent Atiyawala Sugunadhamma Thero. In a world that frequently pulls children in numerous directions, the session provided a moment of stillness, a gentle invitation to breathe, pause, and be present. Through carefully guided practices, students learned how to manage anxiety, recognize their emotions, and center themselves during moments of stress. It was more than just a lesson in relaxation; it was a life skill, one that laid the foundation for mental resilience and self-awareness.
But building strong minds also means preparing children for the realities of the digital world they are growing up in. With smartphones and social media becoming constant companions, digital safety is no longer optional—it’s essential. The second phase took this challenge head-on by including a dynamic session on cybersecurity awareness, conducted by Ms. Madara, a passionate law student working under the guidance of Lawyer J.A. Arundi Jayasinghe. Unlike traditional lectures, this session came alive with real-world examples, interactive discussions, and scenario-based learning. Students discovered the importance of protecting personal information, recognizing phishing scams, and setting strong passwords. They were taught not just how to use the internet, but how to do so ethically, safely, and consciously. What made the session truly impactful was its relatability—students could connect the advice to their daily lives, be it gaming, social media, or chatting with friends online. It was a much-needed bridge between knowledge and awareness, transforming passive internet users into informed digital citizens.
To tie it all together, Sureki Hetak 8.0 did what few initiatives manage to do—it turned learning into playful discovery. The Leo members brought energy, enthusiasm, and heart into the program by organizing knowledge-based games and interactive activities that perfectly complemented the day’s themes. These moments of laughter and teamwork weren’t just fillers; they were crucial in reinforcing the day’s lessons in a way that resonated with the students. From quiz competitions that tested digital safety know-how to mindfulness-inspired group challenges, every activity was designed to engage both the heart and the mind. The result? A room full of children who were not only educated but also empowered—ready to face the world with calmness in their thoughts and caution in their clicks. This phase of Sureki Hetak 8.0 wasn’t merely about raising awareness; it was about planting seeds for a future where children grow into mindful, emotionally intelligent, and digitally responsible individuals. It was, in every sense, a celebration of potential—a gentle yet powerful revolution beginning in the minds of our youth.
- By Leo Sanduni Tharushika -
Comments
Post a Comment