This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.
– Theodore Roosevelt
“Stand By Me” was a joint project organized by the Rotaract Club of Panadura, Rotaract Club of Colombo East, Rotaract Club of Wellawatta and the Rotaract Club of ACBT with the intention of spreading hope and joy to the children and elders at the Moratuwa School for Special Education and Home for Girls.
I’d be lying if I didn’t say that all of us were looking forward to a pleasant day, just another memory in our collection of memories, but it was so much more than that.
For starters, the event began with breakfast and a small music session which left a huge mark of cheerfulness for both Rotaractors and the members of the home. We ended up accompanying them while they sang and even danced, and it was definitely a great way to kick-start the day!
After the eventful music session, we started a game of Cricket/Elle, where we saw some talented batsmen playing some glorious shots, taking apart the bowling attacks of our fellow Rotaractors.
The next session was something I personally enjoyed witnessing, an Art Exhibition by the Girls at the Home where each and every girl got the opportunity to draw whatever they wished.
Once we got a chance to witness the beautiful drawings , it was back to yet another Music Session, which really connected all of us present that morning.
This was followed by lunch and tea which led us into the early afternoon where we took the opportunity to provide gifts to each and every individual at the home. This was definitely an eye opener to all of us present, and we were filled with great content and joy as we handed over different gifts and hugged and laughed with all of them.
After speaking with the caretakers, we were told that the home needed more donors and support towards their cause in helping the less fortunate to live their lives as normal as possible. With our help and the help of other individuals we will be able to contribute towards the betterment of this home in a small way, which would improve the lifestyle led by these women who deserve happiness and love.
I was lucky to be a part of this community service project jointly organized by the Rotaract Club of Panadura, Rotaract Club of Colombo East, Rotaract Club of Wellawatta and the Rotaract Club of ACBT and it was a privilege for me to see a smile on the faces of these beautiful women, knowing that we were able to make a change in their life in a small way.
The feeling we carried back home was indescribable. Filled with a mixture of emotions, we were content with the memories we made where, for even a split moment all of us forget about our differences, our problems, our backgrounds and lived in the moment.
This project taught us the impact you could have on a person’s life. While it might have been just another day for us – it was probably the highlight of someone’s year. Always walk a mile in someone else’s shoes – not to feel the pain and problem they go through but to realize just how strong they’ve been, to walk in those shoes for a long period of time.
What I personally felt after being a part of this joint project was that it was a well-organized project which left everyone extremely happy. While it taught us many lessons which we’d take back and incorporate into our lives – it was without a doubt a fun, meaningful and inspiring project. Definitely looking forward to more Community Service projects which gives back and uplifts society and different communities!
I conclude with the words of Jeff Warner;
We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.
Rtr. Kenneth De Zilva
Editor
RACALBS