The “We are with you” event was held on the 29th of November. What a fun filled day it was. Not only was it fun, but it was infinitely satisfying to be able to make some change in our world for the good. I can’t describe in words how satisfied I felt, having taken part in the execution of the event. All those countless traversal of streets in order to garner donations, transport stuff etc. seem worthwhile when you see the smiling faces of those children. The formula for success of the event was that the work was well delegated and everyone felt part of the event.
The event consisted of mainly three subevents, starting with the Art Exhibition of paintings by the students of the deaf school. This was a great opportunity for the deaf students to show their artistic talents to the world through their paintings. The Art exhibition was on show the whole day at the university and a lot of the visitors to the exhibition expressed their admiration for the creativity of the young students.
The main attraction of the day was the accompanying the deaf students to the university and letting them take part in various fun and educational activities along with the undergraduates. These events consisted of various sports events as well as a quiz competition. Also the dance presented by the deaf children and the drama enacted by the undergraduates were audience favorites. The instructors of the deaf school were on hand to support the interaction between the deaf students and the undergraduates.
The occasion was graced by a host of guests including Prof. Ranjith Perera and Dr. Sisil Kumarawadu of the Electrical Engineering Department as well as the principal of the Rathmalana Deaf school, Mrs. Wijerathna. In addition, the initiator of the event, Ms. Indunil also participated and one could see how proud she was to be participating the 10th “We are with you” event.
Speaking at the event, The principal of the deaf school said that she was delighted to see such generous gestures from the undergraduates of the Electrical Engineering Department.
“The students are very happy to leave the confines of the deaf school and take part in such events. This kind of interaction helps them develop their language and show their hidden skills to the world, so that they will be treated with the same dignity and respect garnered by a normal person” She said.
The prizes and donations for the occasion were generously offered by companies such as Unilever, Orange Electric, Maliban Biscuits, Energizer Batteries and Electro-Serv. Also the contribution by the undergraduates and the academic staff of the university towards this event is noteworthy.
The end of the day’s events was a bittersweet occasion for both the students and the undergraduates. But the bonds that they made would last for years to come, as they take part in the continuation of this event.
Hopefully this event will grow in stead and breadth as a prime example of the unbridled generosity and compassion of the undergraduates of the university of Moratuwa.
