“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
– Charlemagne
English is the most helpful language globally, and its “Universal Language” status proves that fact. It can be considered as an essential language needed to grab valuable opportunities. But unfortunately, many children from different parts of Sri Lanka do not receive the opportunity to learn English and develop their communication skills. Most of the time, they are hesitant to step into society and move along with people due to their lack of knowledge in the English language.
Our International Service Directors, along with the organizing committee of the project My ABCs, came up with the idea of giving the gift of English knowledge to students in an underprivileged school with the collaboration of the Rotaract club of Chhindwara RID 3040.
We conducted three English teaching sessions on the 29th, 30th and 31st of March for a group of children in St. Sebastian’s Girls’ School, Moratuwa. And Rtr. Piravena volunteered to conduct the English teaching sessions for the students. All three sessions were full of joy and wonderful memories. It was so nice to see their interest and passion for learning English. They were given the basic knowledge of English along with several activities that improved their creativity. The sessions were well organized, and these lovely kids actively participated in all of the sessions. We were excited to see their smiles everyday. At the end of each session, we saw their development in both writing and speaking English. There was so much hidden potential within these students, but they still have not been given the opportunity to develop them. They were quick learners, and we were able to achieve our objective of improving their English knowledge, creativity, and mental well-being too.
We held an art competition on the theme of India as a gesture of gratitude. After teaching the students a bit about India and its symbols, such as the Indian flag and the Taj Mahal, etc. On the final day, which was March 31st, we were able to end the last English teaching session with a surprise. They were gifted with stationery items and other school equipment as a donation. Their happiness at that moment can not be expressed in words.
With the completion of these two phases, Project My ABCs completed its long trip with a slew of insights, experiences, emotions, and gratification that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Through developing their English knowledge and providing the necessities required for their education, we were able to make an impact on their lives.
They were inspired to be leaders in society one day and to serve the community in order to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate, just as we did through the implementation of Project My ABCs.
