Funday Times

Thinking Day
By Natasha Fernandopulle
The Girl Guides Association of Sri Lanka celebrated ‘Thinking Day’ on 21st February 2004 at the Viharamahadevi Park. This year’s theme was, “We are the Girl Children of the World”. ‘Thinking Day’ is the joint birthday of the Founder of Guiding and Scouting, Lord Baden Powell and the World Chief Guide, Lady Baden Powell.

The day’s proceedings began at 9.30 a.m., with the welcome address by the Colombo District Commissioner. The guest speaker was Ms. Kundhavi Balachandran. The Renewal of the Promise by the Guides and Scouts was then delivered. Next was the collection of the Thinking Day Coins.

Ms. Visakha Tillekaratne introduced this year’s theme. It was selected by the project committee with the objective of safeguarding the rights of the girl child. With funding being provided by UNICEF, awareness programmes have been held around the island. These awareness programmes are targeted mainly at principals, teachers, parents and of course, children.

The ‘international face’ of the Girl Child was concentrated on this year. Therefore children in different groups represented countries of their choice. They introduced each country and gave descriptions of the status of the ‘Girl Child’ in that particular country.

Different issues were performed through plays. They also suggested ideas on how these problems can be solved. Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Zambia, Japan and Sri Lanka were the countries represented in the plays. Child abuse, education, abduction, rape, cultural values, financial problems, medical services and discrimination were a few of the issues that were highlighted.

They suggested awareness campaigns and also mentioned that Girl Guides around the world should help in these efforts. After the presentations the vote of thanks was delivered and the ‘World Song’ was sung. A food fiesta followed.

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