S-SAARC: An experience of a lifetime

Two weeks ago, on August 24, 25 and 26 to be exact, a major event was taking place in Colombo. It was the children's Simulated SAARC Summit, known as S-SAARC. The venue during the first two days was the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, while the final day's proceedings were held at the BMICH.

Children who represented ten countries, eight SAARC countries and two others - China and Japan - were presenting resolutions for the betterment of the SAARC region, and adding relevant amendments to these resolutions. At last, they voted to either pass or reject the resolutions. All delegates took part with enthusiasm in the programme, which was well planned.

The S-SAARC summit was held for the second time. R.L. Ellawala, teacher-in-charge of the project, and his students from Ananda College, Colombo, organised this wonderful event.

The organising committee also comprised Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo International School, Ryan International College of India, Gateway College, and Wesley College. Students from Visakha Vidyalaya, Musaeus College, Ladies College and several other colleges took part in this, to represent the different countries.

Around ten Indian students, from Ryan International College and Amitti International College, also participated. Last time, only 100 students participated in the summit, but this year, the number had increased to around 200.

"A few years ago, I participated in a Model United Nations Summit with my students. After seeing that, I also felt like starting something similar," Ellawala explained how this event was inaugurated. He is aiming to enhance the diplomatic skills of students and to make them future leaders with excellent ambassador skills.

Ellawala is planning to make this an annual event. "I'm not happy with the response I got from schools," he added. Although he had invited schools from all over the country, only a few had responded positively.

Vijaya Lakshmi, the teacher-in-charge of the Indian students, had a completely different perspective about the summit. "I'm very happy that I could involve my students in this. We have our own Model United Nations Summit, and over 191 schools, from all parts of India as well as from other countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal, participate in that. We will participate in this summit every year," she added.

She wanted to thank the organisers for inviting them and the parents of the students who allowed them to participate, despite the current security concerns.

Shivang Raina, a student from India, who spoke to the Junior Observer said, "I'm re

I value it a lot. I'm participating in the Model United Nations as well, but it's a pity that I can't participate in this summit next year, since it's my last year at school." All schoolchildren are welcome to take part in this event and share this wonderful experience.

This year, they had students from the age group 14-18. Ellawala added, "the major problem we have is funding. This is a one million rupee project. UNICEF and the Sri Lankan government helped us a lot." They are also planning to start an organisation of S-SAARC. All the students who participated in the summits can participate in the organisation.

The programme will make the community aware, of what the delegates decided at the summit, on issues such as child nutrition and technological developments. The organisers invite all you children to participate in this and gain the experience of a lifetime. They need your help to improve this programme further.

Janani Amarasekara