Recognising talent
Diriya Daruwo - uplifting destitute and needy
children
by Chanuka Mannapperuma
 'A
Child's psychology is deep as the depth of a swimming pool' observed
Janaki Hill, Director of the 'Diriya Daruwo' at a two day workshop held
recently at Matale for the uplift of destitute and needy children.
Janaki Hill, the wife of SriLankan Airlines CEO Peter Hill, who has
devoted much of her time towards the betterment of the children said
"the hidden talents of children emerge at school level. They could sing,
dance, deliver speeches, act and possess good creativity", she claimed.
The students during the workshop displayed their talents with much
self-confidence. Janaki stressed, the need to change our system of
education to enable children to choose their path without being dictated
to follow what was impossible. This workshop will help them to bring out
their talents, she expressed.
So far Janaki has been able to take the workshop to Kandy, Ingiriya,
Walala, Kurunegala, Galle, N-Eliya, Arakawita and Ratnapura.
 Explaining
about the workshop she said, "what we do at this work shop is we select
school children from different schools at district level and divide them
in to five groups, with a mix of both girls and boys. After that we
start our activities. From that stage we can see their competition.
Another thing is that after the workshop we give prizes and awards to
the best student, best group, to encourage them".
She had observed the willingness of children to participate and
display talents at these workshops. "Our main objective is to recognise
such talent," Janaki noted.
As future plans she said, she hopes to widen the scope of these
workshops islandwide. This new concept is to be funded by Sri Lankan
Care which is always willing to empower education, health and clean
environment.
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