Sri Lanka: Palathuduwa Preschool Support

Children Participate in Traditional Procession: Q3 2018

November 01, 2018

Laknima Piyushani

Sri Lanka Initiative Reports

Walking around the temple during the procession

RMF’s Presence

Activities Carried out this Quarter

The children of Palathuduwa Preschool were taught about Esala Poya and a celebratory processional was conducted in July. The annual trip was conducted on September 22nd, during which students, parents, and teachers visited the Kelaniya Temple and Water World.

Classes and activities continued as planned, providing parents and guardians with support and advice in the proper care of their young children, and providing children with a safe environment, at least one nutritious meal a day, and quality preschool education, including health awareness, eco-awareness, diversity awareness, and basic communication technologies.

The procession was organized by the preschool’s teachers.

Procession

Community Participation

In July the Palathuduwa Preschool organized a procession for Esala Poya, a very important day for Buddhist people. This public holiday celebrates Buddha’s first sermon and the arrival of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka and takes place on the full moon in the eighth lunar month. As all of the children at the preschool are Buddhist, the teachers organized this event with the goal of teaching the children about what a procession is, why it’s held, why it’s important, and what items are in it, etc. The children participated well as they walked around the temple.

Visiting the Kelaniya Temple

Annual Trip

Learning Experience

On September 22nd, the children went on a trip with teachers and parents, and we were joined by the Chief Priest of the temple, Thera, who participated with us. First we visited Kelaniya Temple, which has a special history; historical records claim that Lord Buddha came to this temple during his final visit to Sri Lanka. While there, the children made offerings of flowers, joysticks, and oil. Next we visited Water World in Kelaniya, which exhibits different kinds of fish and birds with a name and small description on each tank. An underwater tunnel with an electric belt allowed us to see fish swimming around us as we toured the facility. This destination was very enjoyable, and the children we reluctant to leave. However, some children were unable to participate in this trip for various reasons.

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