Changing family bonds

Winner:

When we compare family bonds of the past and present it is evident that very poor family bonds exist in the present. One of the main reasons for this is the rising cost of living. In the modern world family bonds are getting eroded as family members drift apart.

Both father and mother have to go to work to supplement the income and so they have no time to be with their children. The competitive system of education has also contributed to weaken family bonds today. As a result of having to attend numerous tuition classes, children don’t have time to be with their parents and family, like in the past.

In fact, they have no time to play with their siblings and friends any more because they are overloaded with homework, tuition and extra curricular activities. Poor family bonds lead to a lot of problems in society. Neglected children tend to go astray and are sometimes abused too. They get addicted to liquor and immoral acts.

Children are more valuable than money. So parents should care enough about their childrens’ welfare more than earning money.

They should spend quality time with children. Then the family will become strong and there will be love and unity among family members.

P. B. Kumesha Naveeni,
Grade 11,
T.B.M.H. Isuru College,
Ragala.

I live in the zoo

Winner:

I am a deer in the zoo. I live in a cage with my friends. I am an innocent animal. I am a herbivore. I have beautiful horns and skin. There are white spots on my fur. I have meals on time. Many foreigners come to see me at the zoo. Children love to watch me. Zoo keepers give me food and protection. Some visitors take photographs of me.

I am a popular animal. However, I don’t like to live in the zoo. I like the jungle very much, because I can meet my parents, eat what I like and roam everywhere in the jungle. I hope to go back to the jungle some day.

K.R. Sadeesha Thisarangi Jayathilaka,
Grade 7A,
Devi Balika Vidyalaya,
Colombo 8.

Value of scouting

Winner:

Scouting is an international movement established about a century ago. The global scout movement was founded in 1907 by Lord Baden Powell. The prime aim of the world scout movement is to develop the character of young people so that they become good disciplined citizens of the world.The motto of this movement is ‘Be prepared’. Scouts are taught the value of discipline, self-reliance, co-operation, self-help and the importance of helping others especially the needy irrespective of caste, class or creed.

Scouts are ready at all times to do their best for those who require their assistance.

The scout movement got underway in Sri Lanka in 1912. The first Boy Scouts group was started by F. G. Stevence, a District Engineer of the Works Department, Matale.

There are scout troops in almost every school in Sri Lanka. Scouts receive a training that moulds their character. They are trained to lead exemplary lives.Boys scouts are bound to obey all the scout laws. These laws teach them to love, serve and be loyal to all. Scouts have the strength to face any difficult situation and challenge in life.

Scouts should always be pure in thoughts, words and deeds. Scouts know how to use a map, put up a tent and also to cook a simple meal. They also know how to climb trees, row a boat, swim and also save someone from drowning. Scouts also know how to give first aid to someone in an emergency.

The Sri Lanka Scouts’ Association works together with the World Scouts’ Bureau.

Scouting is a valuable movement that can bring the world together. Today there are over a million of scouts in more than seventy countries around the world.

Mohammed Umair Fazil,
Grade 7,
Crescent School International.

Through my Aththamma’s eyes!

Winner:

My maama and family reside in Denmark and recently my aththamma and seeya paid them a visit.

They all had visited many countries in Europe and I was so intrigued when she related her experiences to me.The Scandinavian countries - Denmark, Sweden and Norway are beautiful. I too had the good fortune of seeing them, when we visited Denmark a few years ago.

They had crossed the seas by ship to Germany, and from there maama had driven them to Belgium. They had stayed in a camping site at Belgium.

As it was Summer, the people had been enjoying themselves basking in the sun.

There had been mobile and stationary caravans, makeshift camps and cottages for the holiday makers.

They had visited many places of interest including the beautiful church of Bove and St. Xaviours’ Cathedral. They had also been to a castle where they saw an ancient torture chamber. Visiting Bruges - the oldest and largest medieval city in the world had been an experience. Aththamma didn’t forget to buy nangi and me the famous Belgian chocolates!

Their next destination had been France where they had gone to Disneyland.

Aththamma called me from there and how envious I felt! She says there were breathtaking rides which she didn’t attempt! She had gone on the ride, seeing the dolls of different countries - all singing. ‘It’s a small world’. It had been fantastic! She was sad not to see any dolls from Sri Lanka.

The pageant which displayed all the characters we read about in the fairy stories had been a glittering spectacle.

So had been the fabulous fireworks display which was the finale for the day.

I wish maama would take nangi and me there one day!

Their next destination had been the Netherlands. The place they stayed in was a peaceful area, with the emphasis on cultivation and dairy farming. It had been a beautiful sight to see the well nourished cows going to be milked.

They had walked in a line, like school children. Aththamma spoke of the dams and windmills they had gone to see.

The people in Netherlands had been very tall while those in Belgium had been rather plump.

The women of Paris had been the smartest she had ever seen.She said that the people in all the countries they visited, were very particular about keeping the environment clean.

Shanali Wickramasinghe,
Grade 9 (London Section),
Musaeus College,
Colombo.

Failure - the key to success

Winner:

We are willing to accept victory at all times but not prepared to accept failure at any time. But it is said that “Failures are the pillars of success.” This proverb emphasises that we can build our success even through failure. Actually we become more determined and resolute when we face failure in our life. However, we should always work hard to achieve success and enjoy it.

We should keep in mind that failure teaches us important morals in life. We experience both success and failure in life. We shouldn’t worry and lament when we face failure. Instead we should work hard and have the determination to face whatever challenges that come our way. If we are able to face challenges, then we can become winners.

Through failures we can learn that it is never too late to correct our mistakes. Otherwise we would have to regret our mistakes our entire life. It’s a great test and it is in our hands to face and accept failure whenever we face it.

Shahani Razzak,
Grade 9L,
Ilma International Girls’ School.

My best friend

My best friend Sesadi Thiyumila lives in Horana. She is in Grade Five in Taxila Vidyalaya. She is ten years old. She has three sisters.

Her mother is Manori. She is an engineer. Her father is Saman. She is thin and tall. She like to eat fried rice. She does not like to eat bread. Her hobby is reading books. She likes to play badminton.

Her favourite subject is environment. Her favourite colour is pink and the rose is her favourite flower. Her favourite drink is orange juice. She can play the organ well.

She is very kind and smart too. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

Gimasha Gangadari,
Taxila Junior College,
Horana.

A trip to Bopath Ella

It was on Christmas eve, (the night before Christmas) last year that we decided to go on a trip. We considered many places but finally decided on a trip to Bopath Ella Falls.

On December 25, Christmas Day, I woke up early in the morning and got ready for the trip. I was eager to leave on the trip. And by about 9.30, we started on our journey. We travelled by van. Some of my relations also joined us. On the way we ate breakfast. We enjoyed ourselves a lot while travelling - singing, dancing, joking and sharing our views.

When we arrived at our destination it was 11.30. I was anxious to see the Falls. We took our towels and necessary items from the van and first crossed a small water path to reach the Falls. It was an amazing place; so very beautiful to see. It is in the shape of a bo leaf. We bathed there and took many photographs. We finally came out of the water around 5.00 p.m. and commenced our return journey. We enjoyed ourselves a lot and were very happy. This is an unforgettable day in my life.

Fathima Fazla Azmi,
Grade 6,
Mukarramah International School.