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| Sunday, 9 October 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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World Post Day - October 9 : Keeping the world connected Whenever you send a letter or a greeting card to a friend, the postal service comes in handy to ensure that the item you posted reaches your friend's hands safe and sound. The postal service performs an invaluable role not only in Sri Lanka, but around the world, keeping people in touch and providing a basic service of communication. Although the postal service is generally criticised as inefficient and incompetent, it is important to recognise and acknowledge the role it plays, at least when the World Post Day is celebrated today. The theme for this year is 'The postal sector, an important partner in the information society'. Technology has improved postal services and the global mail volumes continue to increase by 2.5 per cent annually. The theme reflects these changes. In Sri Lanka, the Postal Department is the only public enterprise providing equal services to everyone in every corner of the island. Over 24,000 people, more than 7,000 of them postmen attached to 4,000 post and sub-post offices, work hard daily to bring mail and parcels to you. The department has now even undergone modernisation and automation to provide a better service to all citizens. World Post Day is organised by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to commemorate the anniversary of its establishment in the Swiss capital of Berne in 1874. Representatives of 22 countries signed the Treaty of Berne, which led to the setting up of the Union. It was declared as World Post Day at the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Representatives of postal services in many countries take part in the event with some using the day to introduce and promote new postal products and services. Most countries organise philatelic (stamp) exhibitions, special stamps and date cancellation marks while exhibitions, display of posters and museum events are also held. The UPU in association with UNESCO has been organising an International Letter Writing Competition for Young People for the past 35 years as part of the celebrations. Among the UPU's objectives are promoting and developing communication among people, aiming to ensure accessible, affordable and reliable postal services to every citizen of the world, promoting the free flow of international mail, improving the quality of postal services for customers and promoting technical assistance, when needed, to member countries. The Union now has 189 members overseeing the co-ordination of global postal services, the world's largest physical distribution network and a primary means of communication for people, organisations and businesses. Three days of fun and frolic
The BMICH came alive last week with the sound of children's laughter. The event was the Children's Exhibition and Butterfly Carnival held from September 30 to October 2 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Convention Centre to mark Children's Day. The carnival on 'Celebrating Childhood' this year was held under the theme 'We are the Future'. It was organised by the Information and Media Ministry for the second time, with the support of the Rupavahini Corporation, Independent Television Network, Department of Information, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and State Printing Corporation.
The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (Lake House) was the main sponsor.The giant wheel, merry-go-rounds, stage performances, singing and dancing items, book exhibitions and art competitions were some of the activities that the kids enjoyed. The Junior Observer art competition was part of the events on the final day of the carnival.
Forty children between the ages of five and ten took part in this competition and five emerged winners. They were N.K.A. Yasodhara (5) of Shin-yo-en Lanka School, Pamankada, Tharishka Jayasinghe (5) of Sarvodaya Pre-school, Udani Warunika (7) of Pitiyagedara Primary School, Charunya Navaratne (8) of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda and Ayal Nisitha Baddage (10) of Embilipitiya Central College. They will each receive Rs 5,000 courtesy of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (Munchee).The prize money will be awarded at the ANCL office. Details will be announced later. Helping children to share their problems It's true that our parents are always there to help us. Teachers, relatives and adults will also lend a helping hand whenever we need them. But... there are instances when we can't or don't feel like sharing our thoughts and feelings with adults. There are moments when as children, we want someone we can trust, someone who feels the way we do, especially someone of our age with whom we can share our problems and emotions. 'Save the Children in Sri Lanka', a non-governmental organisation along with the Ministry of Education and National Education Institute has organised a programme to discipline children on ways to share their problems with peer groups, as well as helping when children feel colleagues need their help to solve problems. The Peer Mediation Programme has been implemented to mark the World Children's Day that was celebrated on October 1. Most of the programmes on this day were limited to fulfilling the material needs of children. Therefore, Save the Children, this year commenced this project to lay the foundation for the long-term personality development of children. The theme for this year's Children's Day was to let children have a world of their own. In a society full of conflict and violence, children have the wisdom and ability to resolve conflict within and among themselves, family and community. Children acquire these skills through the socialisation process with family, school and peers. But unless parents and adults encourage children, they will lack the confidence to use these skills appropriately. The programme will be conducted at school level and through children's societies. So await these valuable educational programmes where you can learn many aspects of sharing your feelings and emotions with friends, as well as helping them to overcome their crisis situations! - CNK |
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