The first Phase of For Them to Blossom which is the signature project of the Community Service Avenue of Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura (RACUSJ) was successfully held on the 23rd of December, 2019 at Diri Daru Piyasa (MHKA) a school for kids with Down syndrome and autism situated in Kidelpitiya. The project was held under the title of “For Christmas with love”, with the objective of celebrating Christmas with the little kids.The first Phase of For Them to Blossom which is the signature project of the Community Service Avenue of Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura (RACUSJ) was successfully held on the 23rd of December, 2019 at Diri Daru Piyasa (MHKA) a school for kids with Down syndrome and autism situated in Kidelpitiya. The project was held under the title of “For Christmas with love”, with the objective of celebrating Christmas with the little kids.

The celebrations began that evening with the kids being led into the hall by their teachers. It was a heartwarming sight to see some kids clinging on to the hands of our very own club members as they were led into the hall which was colourfully decorated. The children were especially thrilled to see the magnificently decorated Christmas tree that stood at the front of the hall. Those were the first of many innocent smiles we were to see that day.

With the children seated in the hall, Rtr. Kushali Jayasundara addressed the sea of expectant faces and spoke to all the children about the joy of Christmas they would experience today. She also very specially thanked the teachers at Diri Daru Piyasa for their hard work and also the parents of the children for their unfailing love and patience shown, while promising an evening of enjoyment for the children they love.

The first event of the evening commenced thereafter, where the children, teachers, parents, and club members were treated to two spectacular dances performed by the talented children. The first dance was done by the beautiful little girl, ‘Danangi’ who twirled and swayed to the melody of ‘Devadasi’ amidst a shower of flowers. The next dance item was performed by a group of little girls and boys who were more than thrilled to show off their moves to the audience. All gathered watched with mesmerized expressions and proud smiles as the kids beheld such talent that no one had expected and the applause thundered for them unendingly.

Thereafter the children were treated to a short Christmas movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)” which they watched with rapt attention. The meaningful message of the true Christmas spirit told by this short film was explained to the children by our very own club members.

Afterwards the children rushed outside cheerfully as the beginning of games was announced. The first of the two games played that day was Hat Passing, where the kids laughed and jumped with joy as they passed a hat around trying to get it off their head before the music stops. The laughter was not only of the children, but also mingled with it was the laughter of the club members who encouraged the kids along.

Thereafter the kids played a game called Paper Santa, where they were given newspapers and sellotape to create Santa Claus’ costume. The creativity of these children had no boundaries and with the help of the club members they produced exceptional costumes complete with bobble hats and Santa’s knapsack which they paraded around proudly.

After this exhilarating round of games, the children came back into the hall to find plates of food waiting for them. They tucked in to the spread as the members of the club watched with pride and joy. The members were always ready to help them out, maybe to feed a pastry or open a cupcake wrapper or even cut open the milk packets for them. All this help given was met by a loving, “Thank you, Akki!”, “Thank you, Aiya!” by the children.

Once the food was gone and the plates cleared up, the children heard the familiar sound of the jingle of bells. The screams of joy swelled as Santa Claus himself danced into the hall and snow engulfed the children. There were smiles on every face and a bounce in every step as the children danced to the music with Santa who threw candy and treats for the children.

The arrival of Santa means one thing: presents! The children lined up with gleaming, expectant eyes as Santa handed over colourfully wrapped presents to the children. They were ever so grateful for these gifts of sweet treats and other goodies they received as they hugged Santa and even bent down to touch his feet as a sign of their innocent gratitude, which undoubtedly brought a few tears to our eyes.The arrival of Santa means one thing: presents! The children lined up with gleaming, expectant eyes as Santa handed over colourfully wrapped presents to the children. They were ever so grateful for these gifts of sweet treats and other goodies they received as they hugged Santa and even bent down to touch his feet as a sign of their innocent gratitude, which undoubtedly brought a few tears to our eyes.

Thereafter the children together with the club members danced and took some photographs which will forever be timeless.

Phase 01 of For Them to Blossom, was much more than just a project. It was a testimony of the spirit of Rotaract. The true meaning of Christmas: Love, Hope and Charity, came to that little school on Kidelpitiya that evening. It was also a moment of true interreligious harmony as club members from all religions came together to decorate the Christmas tree, sing carols and celebrate the birth of Christ. In the words of Dr. Miranda Hemalatha, founder of Diri Daru Piyasa, “The best gift we can give these Down syndrome children is happiness”, and RACUSJ believes that we did justice to that gift.

– Rtr. Ashan Kottagoda –