The Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura recently embarked on a heartwarming initiative, Butterfly Effect 5.0, aiming to enhance the mental wellbeing of the community through a series of engaging and creative activities. This project unfolded in three delightful phases, each focusing on spreading joy and fostering a sense of connection among diverse groups. Here’s a glimpse into our journey.

Phase One: Bringing Joy to NIMH

Our first phase was a visit to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), where we organized an activity program and interactive session with the residents. A group of enthusiastic undergraduates and the Rotaract Club members from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura joined hands to make this day special. We kicked off the session with fun-filled games. Out of them one of their favorite game was the Best Design Challenge. The NIMH residents were divided into teams, and each group received an equal amount of newspapers. Their task was to create the most beautiful dress out of the givennewspapers. The room buzzed with excitement as creative ideas took shape, and laughter echoed through the halls.

But the fun didn’t stop there. We sang songs together, creating a harmonious atmosphere that resonated with joy.Thehighlight of the day was dancing. This is a moment where we all let loose and enjoyed the rhythm of the music, breaking downbarriers that existed between us. As the session came to an end, we distributed gifts, provided delicious food items, and shared tea during their tea time. The smiles on their faces were priceless, and we left NIMH with our hearts full, knowing we had made a positive impact in their heart.

Phase Two: Crafting Memories at Suwa Arana Palliative Care Centre

The second phase of our project took us to Sri Lanka’s first Palliative Care Centre for Children, the Suwa Arana Palliative Care Centre. Here, we met around 32 wonderful kids, each with their unique stories and vibrant spirits. Our goal was to bring a touch of creativity and joy into their lives, and what better way to do that than through a paper craft session?

We divided the kids into two groups – the younger children and the older ones. The younger group was tasked with creating animals out of paper. Little hands worked diligently, and soon, a zoo of colorful paper animals came to life. The older group had a different challenge in creating a paper garden. Their creations were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing their creativity and attention to detail. The garden bloomed with vibrant colors and various designs, reflecting the bright spirits of these young artists.

We also handed out small gifts, which were received with beaming smiles and grateful hearts. The session was not just about crafts but about creating lasting memories and connections with each other. The laughter and joy shared that day are moments we will cherish forever.

Butterfly Effect 5.0 has been more than just a project for us as the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura; it has been a journey of love, compassion, and creativity. Through our visits to NIMH and the Suwa Arana Palliative Care Centre, we witnessed the incredible impact of simple acts of kindness.Engaging in games, music, dance, and crafts allowed us to connect with the community in meaningful ways, breaking down walls and building bridges of understanding and empathy. The joy we brought to others mirrored back to us, reinforcing the idea that giving is as rewarding as receiving.

As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned and the beautiful memories created during Butterfly Effect 5.0. We are inspired to continue our mission of enhancing mental wellbeing and spreading joy within the community, one smile at a time. The butterfly effect teaches us that small actions can create significant ripples, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of many.

Written by: Rtr. Nithara Dias
Graphic design by: Rtr. Manushi Rathnayake