by Husna Inayathullah

Michelle Obama releases star-studded charity single

First Lady Michelle Obama has released a new charity single with the help of some famous female singers.

'This Is For My Girls' was written by song-writer Diane Warren, and feature artistes such as Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Zendaya and Jadagrace.The money raised by the single will go to the Let Girls Learn Charity, which aims to encourage girls around the world to get an education.

The other singers featured on the track include Janelle Monae, Glee actress Lea Michele, Disney star Zendaya, 16-year-old Motown artiste Jadagrace, and Beyonce proteges Chloe and Halle.

Instead of accepting payment for their performances, all the artistes decided to let their money go to the charity instead.

Harry Styles to star in 'Dunkirk'

Harry Styles has reportedly landed his first film role in Christopher Nolan's war drama 'Dunkirk'. The 22-year-old singer will star in the film, according to US magazine Variety, but it's thought to be a small part.

The drama, which is due for release in 2017, will recreate the events of the World War II evacuation of the French city Dunkirk in 1940. Harry shot to fame in 2010 when he became a member of the pop group 'One Direction' on the British talent show, 'The X Factor.'

The four members are currently on a year-long break from the band, which began after they released their fifth album in March 2016.

Abacus and mental arithmetic competition - 2016

The SIP abacus, Kolonnawa Centre held its first branch competition and prize-giving at the Mangalapaya Hall, Kolonnawa recently. Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition is held at a national level annually. This is the first time such a competition was organised at a Centre level.

More than 80 children in the age group of 6 -12 years participated. The centre competition boosted the enthusiasm of the children at SIP abacus, Kolonnawa. The competition was an opportunity to demonstrate their hidden talents and improve their preparation for the International and national competition during the latter part of the year.

Students were tested on their concentration, confidence, intelligence, speed and accuracy. SIP Academy Country Manager, Rishard Raheem distributed the prizes. M. Ifham of SIP Abacus, Kolonnawa centre said that the Centre was launched in July 2010 with 10 students. Today it has 140 children following the SIP abacus program at all levels, from Level 1 to GMC Level.

The Centre achieved great milestones in 2015 by participating in the international competition in Singapore for the first time and winning the champion trophy and the 2nd-runner up.

Text and Pix: Ruzaik Farook