The second phase of For Them To Blossom which was the signature project of the Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura was successfully held at Boys Certified School situated in Makola, during the month of January 2020. This phase was conducted under the title Shatter the Silence which was a series of interactive sessions with the objective of building up a stable mentality in the mindsets of the children who are in the rehabilitation center and to empower their youth.

Boys Certified School, Makola is a rehabilitation center which accommodates 43 children who are under the age of 18 years. We understood that these victims need care and proper guidance to uplift their future life. Therefore, our team thought of building a positive mentality among those children while creating a platform to show up their own talents as well as qualities which were hidden in themselves.

All human beings are created equal and endowed by their creator with a mighty urge. Hence, we wanted to prove that none of us are different but unique from each other and also to direct the society to look upon them with respect and recognition. To attain the above objectives, we planned an interactive seminar series under four topics which may change their attitudes and thinking patterns and also guide themselves for a better future.

The first session was held on the 4th of January 2020 which was voluntarily conducted by Mr. Upul Harsha Kumara, a Youth Officer in Aththanagalla. On the very first day, we wanted to accentuate in the minds of these young children that leadership is not a position but an action. During the session, the mentees got a moment to dramatize a role play which showcased the importance of leadership skills. The session went well with the interactive activities which were done by these boys with the collaboration of our very own Rotaractors. They were thrilled to showcase their top notch performances. Later in the day all the children were motivated to step forward as a leader in their lives.

On the second day of the seminar series, all the children were enthusiastically gathered in their auditorium even without an invitation. The session was conducted by Dr. N.D.G. Gayantha – Senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at University of Kelaniya under the topic “Inspiring Youth.” Biographic videos of inspiring role models were also displayed during the session to assure that happy endings come after a story with lots of ups and downs. After an interesting session we concluded the day with loads of positive vibes.

We kick started the third day of the seminar series under the theme Peace and Conflict Resolution which was an essential theme for those children at Certified School. The session was held on the 18th of January 2020 and it was conducted by Venerable Kottiyagola Seewali Thero who is a consultant in Psychology. Mainly the session was focused on enhancing the mental stability of these boys. That day was indeed a heart-piercing day since some of those children voluntarily came forward to share their personal experiences which made us downhearted. Despite that, all the children were able to find their true selves through a practical meditation session along with music therapy.

The very last seminar was conducted by Mr. Tharidu Weerasingha a Senior lecturer in the Department of HRM at University of Kelaniya on the 25th of January 2020 under the theme of ‘Path to Success’ where the victims got a chance to showcase their hidden talents and inner qualities of them. After the completion of the session, the most awaited moment dawned. Our very own Rotaractors mingled with those children and had deep conversations about the dark life experiences that they had as individuals. Furthermore, we discussed about their future expectations and advised them on how to attain those goals and aspirations.

At the end of the session we treated them with a delicious food platter along with a sweet hamper as a gift for them. Unknowingly all four days were ended up with a lot of everlasting memories and remembrances.

Phase 02 of For Them to Blossom, was much more than a project. It was an attestation of the spirit of Rotaract. After putting much effort, we were able to blossom up the lives of those victims by helping them out to find the true souls of themselves. Ultimately what we realized was the correct guidance and care can still heal the wounds of their past. “Accepting people as they are” has the miraculous effect of helping them to improve. We, as RACUSJ believe that we did our best to improve the inner souls of themselves in order to make their lives better.

– Rtr. Amasha Sirimanna –