In a world that often focuses on differences, it is essential to celebrate the uniqueness and abilities of every individual. With this noble objective in mind, Rotaract in Rotary International District 3220 has been organizing Project Yaluwa each year, aligning it with World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed on March 21st. This year, on April 29th, 2023, the project took place at the Medical Faculty of the University of Colombo, bringing together 5 clubs and the Rotaract District Steering Committee to create a memorable and impactful event.
බොහෝ විට වෙනස්කම් කෙරෙහි අවධානය යොමු කරන ලෝකයක, සෑම පුද්ගලයෙකුගේම සුවිශේෂත්වය සහ හැකියාවන් සැමරීම අත්යවශ්ය වේ. මෙම උදාර පරමාර්ථය මනසේ තබාගෙන, 3220 රොටරි ජාත්යන්තර දිස්ත්රික්කය විසින් සෑම වසරකම යාලුව ව්යාපෘතිය සංවිධානය කරමින් එය මාර්තු 21 දිනට යෙදෙන ලෝක ඩවුන් සින්ඩ්රෝම් දිනය සමඟ සමපාත වේ. මෙම වසරේ, 2023 අප්රේල් 29 වන දින, කොළඹ විශ්ව විද්යාලයේ වෛද්ය පීඨයේදී මෙම ව්යාපෘතිය සමාජ 5ක් සහ රොටරැක්ට් දිස්ත්රික් මෙහෙයුම් කමිටුව එක් කර අමතක නොවන සහ ඉතා වැදගත් සිදුවීමක් නිර්මාණය කරන ලදී.
பெரும்பாலும் வேறுபாடுகளில் கவனம் செலுத்தும் உலகில், ஒவ்வொரு நபரின் தனித்துவத்தையும் திறன்களையும் கொண்டாடுவது அவசியம். இந்த உன்னத நோக்கத்தை மனதில் கொண்டு, ரோட்டரி இன்டர்நேஷனல் டிஸ்ட்ரிக்ட் 3220ல் உள்ள ரோட்ராக்ட் ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் ப்ராஜெக்ட் யாலுவாவை ஏற்பாடு செய்து வருகிறது, இது மார்ச் 21 அன்று அனுசரிக்கப்படும் உலக டவுன் சிண்ட்ரோம் தினத்துடன் ஒத்து கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது. இந்த ஆண்டு, ஏப்ரல் 29, 2023 அன்று, கொழும்பு பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் மருத்துவ பீடத்தில், 5 கிளப்புகள் மற்றும் ரொட்ராக்ட் மாவட்ட வழிநடத்தல் குழுவை ஒன்றிணைத்து, ஒரு மறக்கமுடியாத மற்றும் தாக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்தும் நிகழ்வை உருவாக்க இந்த திட்டம் நடைபெற்றது.
Project Yaluwa 2022-2023 aimed to raise awareness about Down syndrome and provide a platform for children diagnosed with Trisomy 21 to showcase their talents and abilities. The day commenced with an enlightening awareness session, featuring guest speeches that shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome. Notably, Ms. Nilshani De Silva and her mother graced the event with their presence, sharing their insights and personal stories, and inspiring everyone present.
As the session unfolded, participants and attendees were reminded of the immense potential and remarkable achievements of those with Down syndrome. The speakers emphasized the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and support, encouraging society to embrace diversity and create an environment that allows everyone to thrive.
Following the awareness session, it was time to highlight the incredible talents of the children. A heartwarming talent show provided a stage for these exceptional individuals to showcase their abilities. The audience was treated to awe-inspiring performances by these special and talented children. The children radiated joy and confidence, capturing the hearts of everyone present and proving that their potential knows no bounds.
In addition to the talent show, a medical camp was set up to provide essential healthcare services to the children with Down syndrome. Medical professionals conducted thorough examinations, diagnosed any specific medical needs, and prescribed the necessary medications and treatments. This crucial aspect of the project ensured that the participants received the specialized care they required, supporting their overall well-being and enhancing their quality of life.
As the day progressed, an arts and crafts session provided a creative outlet for the children. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of unity as the participants immersed themselves in various crafts, creating beautiful works of art.
Project Yaluwa 2022-2023 was a resounding success, leaving an everlasting impact on the children, their families, and all those involved. By celebrating the abilities and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome, the event shattered stereotypes and fostered an inclusive society. It reminded everyone of the importance of providing equal opportunities and support to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Written By:-
Rtr. Vishvi Wijethunga
(Co-Director – Community Service – 2022-23)
