Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. -Mark Twain

Dear children,

Do you know that around 15% of the world's population, or one billion people live with some form of disability? International Day of Persons with disabilities 2012 was observed early this month - on December 3rd under the theme "Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all." It is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992.

I am sure all of you treat people with disabilities with great sympathy. They face various barriers when living with other people. Sometimes they do not have equal access to services such as health care, education, employment, transportation etc. In fact International Day of Persons of with disabilities aims to promote an understanding of these disability issues and mobilize support for the rights and well-being of disabled persons. The World Health Organization (WHO) takes all necessary steps to uplift the quality of life for people with disabilities through various regional and international efforts and also to make people aware of the living conditions of such people.

Whenever you come across a person with some form of disability please be compassionate towards him/her. Remember that you can help that person lead a normal life by giving him/her moral support.

Bye for now,

Sanju
[email protected]

Sunny Stories: Christmas gifts

A week before Christmas Marshi and Hasini started to wonder what they could give Aunty Dinu, Uncle Nishan and their cousin Manu for Christmas this year. From January they will not be living next door. As Uncle Nishan was transfered to Nuwara Eliya from next year they would be moving to a house in Nuwara Eliya shortly after Christmas.

“We could make them Christmas cards,” said Hasini.

“There is nothing special in that. We make them Christmas cards every year,” said Marshi. “This year we must give them a special gift because this is the last Christmas they will be our neighbours.”

“Let us go to their place and look around. Perhaps they need a new carpet or a vase we can buy them as a Christmas present.”

“Carpets are too expensive. We might buy them a vase, but as Aunty Dinu does not like to pick fresh flowers, a vase might not be the right present either. But let us find out.”

They ran through the side gate in their garden which connected Manu's house with theirs.

Aunty Dinu was working at her desk in the sitting room.
“What are you writing today, Aunty Dinu?” asked Hasini.

“Hello, Marshi and Hasini,” Aunty Dinu smiled when she saw them. “I am writing my last children's story for the Children's page of the newspaper I have been writing to, for the past year.”

“Why do you want to stop writing the kid's story, Aunty Dinu?” Marshi wanted to know.

“That is a difficult question to answer, Marshi,” said Aunty Dinu. “I feel I need a break. But do not worry, I am sure I will start writing the kid's story again after some time.”

When Uncle Nishan walked into the sitting room Marshi told him Aunty Dinu will stop writing the kid's story from next year. Uncle Nishan laughed and said “Most writers are like that, Marshi. They do not do what normal people do. They do not listen to other people either. They only do what their heart tells them to do.”

“And most of the time it turns out right,” added Aunty Dinu.

Just then, Manu ran into the room. “Come on,” she said, dragging Marshi and Hasini by their hands, towards the garage. “Let us play with Rosemary and Pinky Binky in the playhouse. We have only a few days left to play together.”

When they reached the huge cardboard box in which the washing machine had come, which was now their very own house, Manu stared at everything around her, deep and hard.

“I want to remember everything so that when I am in Nuwara Eliya, all I have to do is close my eyes to be back here with all of you,” she explained.

When Marshi returned home that evening, she had a brilliant idea. When she told about it to Hasini, Hasini jumped up and down with joy.

The next morning when Manu had gone for her piano lessons, Marshi and Hasini went to the playhouse carrying an old shoebox. Marshi kept the box in the middle of the playhouse and waited for a few minutes. Then she shut the lid as tightly as she could. They returned home with the box and covered it with wrapping paper.

On Christmas day Manu was surprised to see the beautifully wrapped present. But before she could open it Marshi explained, “Do not open the box just now, Manu,” she said. “Once you are in Nuwara Eliya when you feel lonely and wish you could be with us again in the playhouse, open this box. It is filled with the air inside the playhouse.”

“Then you would not miss us so much,” added Hasini. “That is a brilliant present,” said Aunty Dinu.

Marshi and Hasini turned to Aunty Dinu and Uncle Nishan.

“Sorry, we have only two Christmas cards to give you Aunty Dinu, and Uncle Nishan,” said Marshi.

“That is alright children,” said Aunty Dinu. “Give us two hugs each and we will be happy.”

Marshi and Hasini laughed. They gave their Uncle and Aunty two big hugs. Aunty Dinu, had the last word. “ A hug is the perfect Christmas gift, one size fits all and it costs nothing.”

-Aditha
[email protected]

Myself

My name is Janudi.
I am nine years old.
I am in grade 4.
I study at Southlands College.
My favourite colour is red.
My favourite drink is faluda.
I like to read books.

G K Janudi Onethra
Grade 4
Southlands College
Galle

Kiddies concert at St. Anne’s English Medium College

Annites' family get-together and the kiddies concert of St. Anne's English Medium College, Chilaw and Wennappuwa was held recently at the college premises of Wennappuwa under the patronage of Rev. Bro. Clinton Perera, the former Principal of Maris Stella College Negombo. Here are some highlights of the event.

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda (2008) will be screened on December 29 at 3.30pm at the American Centre, No 44, Galle Road, Colombo 3. (Running Time: 90 minutes)

In the Valley of Peace, Po the Panda finds himself chosen as the Dragon Warrior despite the fact that he is obese and a complete novice at martial arts.

Please contact the American Centre at [email protected] or at (011) 2498100 with any inquiries.