The joy of caring and sharing

The phone call in November from abroad from Shevanthie Goonesekera, the daughter of a friend, invited me to a children's party to be held in Sri Lanka on December 19. I was delighted, not because the party was to be held at a five-star or super-luxury hotel or a palatial residence, but at the Grace Kumari Lama Nivasa, Katukurunda, a haven (or heaven on earth it seems) to 99 children in need of love and care.

The party was being hosted by Shevanthie and her brother Eshan, who were bringing goodies from the UK, where they are resident, having been born there.

The Lama Nivasa is one of 16 homes set up by Ms. Rita Perera or "Sister Rita", as she is affectionately known. These homes are for elders and the mentally and physically retarded, with one for the rehabilitation of lepers. Both men and women have found shelter in these homes which are located in Katukurunda, Wadduwa, Paiyagala, Beruwela, Kotugoda and Divulapitiya. From the time the first home was set up in 1983, Fr. Julian Tissera has been of immense help in running them.

Dedicated to the memory of Princess Grace of Monaco (or Grace Kelly, the popular film star of yesteryear who married Prince Rainer, the ruler of the Principality of Monaco), the Lama Nivasa is largely funded by the Princess Grace Foundation of that country, and is home to 44 boys and 55 girls. It is managed by young volunteers who are "Ammas" to the children. They are simple, friendly and affectionate. What is most astonishing to visitors is the quality of the management, as can be seen in the order, discipline and disposition of the children (they seem to be healthy, active and affable) in spite of the fact that these helpers do not hold degrees or diplomas in child psychology, child care, sociology or any other nor have had a training in this field.

Getting back to the party, I had the opportunity of taking three friends who also wished to experience the joy of caring and sharing. We were accompanied by Uncle Cyril, uncle of the duo, who had helped considerably with "backstage" requirements. The duo and their mother had been in Katukurunda in advance, to organise the event.

When we arrived at the home shortly after noon, Eshan was on the verandah painting the face of a little boy seated on his lap, while the other children awaited their turn. Some had skipped their lunch in their desire to have their faces done. At least 80 faces were painted by Eshan.

Shevanthie was arranging the eats and the gifts, with the help of their cousin Dharshan, as Fr. Julian went around making sure all was in order. Then came Sr. Rita with three-year-old Dulanjali who had no arms and also seemed unable to walk. Little Dulanjai, who had been taken into the home as an infant, seemed to be everybody's favourite.

Then the party started. There were games....musical chairs with a difference...dancing, with some children even somersaulting instead of walking to the music, "passing the parcel" at high speed. Before they got too hot and tired, the winners were given their prizes and the children's concert followed.

Two talented girls in their early teens opened the show with a dance, followed by two more dances to the tunes of toe-tapping Sinhala pops by several groups of younger children who had been trained by the first two performers. Then came the eats...a variety of cakes, sandwiches and biscuits followed by soft drinks arranged on tables beautifully done up with X'mas decorations from abroad. The hosts and helpers distributed X'mas caps and bon-bons and the children were thrilled to wear their "crowns" and pull the bon-bons. Later they were served with "chirpy chips".

Then it was time for the highlight of the day — gifts for all. Gifts which had been specially selected by Shevanthie and Eshan according to the ages and sex of the children, wrapped beautifully and labelled by name. A number of toys had also been donated by their sister Sweenie. Uncle Cyril played the role of Santa and the children walked up to the stage one by one....the smaller ones being helped by Fr. Julian.

One had to be there to believe the joy of the children as they unwrapped their presents. Time for more sweets...smarties and toffees to restore any energy they may have lost!...and finally giant bunches of gaily-coloured balloons to be tossed into the air for them to run, catch and play to their hearts' content.

The party ended...the children were in ecstacy, perhaps it was one the happiest days in their lives. The helpers too beamed with joy.

Shevanthie, Eshan and their mother Violet, their unfailing prop, no doubt had the greatest satisfaction. If only we had more young people of their calibre, would not the world be a happier place? At a time when we the older folks particularly, tend to feel disillusioned when we see the selfishness, greed and deceit of the "haves" especially, it is heartening to know that young lionhearts who care and give themselves to others still exist. That is indeed a glimmer of hope for the future!

-Therese Perera

Fashion

More Mirror Magazine

Return to Mirror Magazine Contents