To celebrate the children’s day on 1st October GFF HELPS Sri Lanka coordinated, an Awareness program for parents on Child development at SANASA Campus on September 27th 2023. Ms. Geethanjali Kaluarachchi, Graduate on Psychology and Mediation Officer at Yatinuwara DSD conducted the program as the resource person. In recent times, Sri Lanka has witnessed a concerning rise in the harm faced by children, largely attributed to their addiction to mobile phones. This issue has reached a critical crisis, with five tragic cases of student suicides directly linked to phone addiction. A significant contributing factor to this problem lies in the declining parent-child relationships in the country. The role of parent in guiding and nurturing their children is vital, yet these crucial connections are weakening, leaving children vulnerable and unhappy.

At the heart of the matter is the pressing concern of worried relationships between parents and their children. This friction is causing significant interruptions to the growth and well-being of Sri Lanka’s youth. To address this issue effectively, GFF Sri Lanka coordinated an awareness program to enlighten parents about the vital importance of building strong bonds with their children. The program covered essential aspects of early child development, including mental, physical, emotional, social, language, and motor skills. It stressed the importance of nurturing discipline over punitive measures, allowing children independence, refraining from depreciating minor mistakes, and maintaining open communication for a friendly relationship. Furthermore, the program addressed phone addiction and its signs, such as anxiety, declining academics, social withdrawal, anger, reduced cognitive capacity, inattention, and disrupted sleep. To combat this issue, parents were advised to encourage alternative activities, avoid using phones as rewards, supervise usage, and set passwords.

Since October 19th was World Breast Cancer Prevention Day, GFF HELPS Sri Lanka co-ordinated a breast cancer awareness Program for rural community women on 20th October 2023. Mrs. T.N Maithreepala, Nursing Officer of Kegalle Hospital conducted the program.

The aim of our initiative was to empower the women of Ekiriyagala with comprehensive knowledge and awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection during the month of October. During the program she educated women in Ekiriyagala about the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection. She raised awareness regarding the risk factors associated with breast cancer and dispel any misconceptions. She promoted the significance of regular breast self-examinations and clinical screenings and encouraged women to seek timely medical attention if they detect any potential breast abnormalities.

A booklet on early breast cancer detection and prevention was distributed to participants with the aim of raising awareness within the broader community as well.

GFF HELPS Sri Lanka has undertaken a commendable initiative by offering free English language education for underprivileged children residing in rural areas. These educational sessions are conducted twice a week and are entirely cost-free, designed to empower these students with valuable skills that encompass listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language.

The primary objective of these sessions is to bridge the educational gap that often exists in rural communities and to provide students with the tools to enhance their language proficiency. By focusing on all aspects of language development – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – these sessions offer a holistic approach to English language learning, ensuring that students can communicate effectively and comprehend written texts.

This initiative is not only about imparting language skills but also about empowering children with the means to broaden their horizons and opportunities. English proficiency is often a valuable asset in the globalized world, opening doors to better education, employment prospects, and overall personal development.

At Akiriyagala Preschool, an innovative approach to English language learning is adopted, which includes practicing English songs and simple dramas. These activities are designed to engage and captivate the young students, with the ultimate goal of organizing an English Language Day.

By incorporating English songs, students have the opportunity to learn the language in a fun and memorable way. Singing along to songs can improve their pronunciation and vocabulary while making the learning process enjoyable.

Incorporating simple dramas is an excellent way to encourage students to apply what they’ve learned in a practical context. It not only enhances their language skills but also boosts their confidence and public speaking abilities.

Akiriyagala Preschool’s approach to English language education, through songs and drama, not only facilitates learning but also fosters a love for the language among young students, setting them on a path to become confident and proficient English speakers in the future.

GFF HELPS Sri Lanka hosts a weekly drama club as a dynamic approach to generate enthusiasm for learning the English language. This innovative initiative serves as an engaging platform for participants to explore English in a creative and interactive way, fostering a deeper interest in language acquisition.

Through drama activities, students can improve their language skills in a fun and immersive environment. They have the opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even acting out scenarios in English, all while enjoying the process. The drama club not only enhances their language proficiency but also boosts their confidence and communication abilities.

By incorporating drama into their language learning journey, GFF HELPS Sri Lanka is making English education more engaging and accessible for its participants, thereby creating a positive impact on their language development and overall educational experience.

GFF Sri Lanka’s weekly art sessions for Yusuko Ono preschool students lasting one hour have had a deep impact on the children’s creativity and their love for nature. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for young minds to explore their artistic potential. By engaging in various art activities, the students have discovered their innate creativity and developed a strong connection with the natural world. The hands-on experience of creating art has fostered a deep appreciation for the beauty of the environment, leading to greater awareness and a desire to protect it. GFF SriLanka’s commitment to these art sessions has helped instill a lifelong passion for both artistic expression and the preservation of our planet in these young students. Through this weekly initiative, GFF Sri Lanka is sowing the seeds of creativity and environmental stewardship, ensuring a brighter and more environmentally conscious future.