‘Our Lantern Talks’: Vesak lantern competition amongst homes for special children

Enable the Disabled, the CSR arm of The Management Club, organised a Vesak Lantern competition amongst special children from eight homes. The theme ‘Our Lantern Talks’, was chosen to convey that these kids through their creations can convey a message to society. The homes, were all given an equal amount of money to create a lantern of their choice, using their special talents, creativity, colour combination, etc. 

The results were stunning, and unexpected. Such wonderful unique lanterns were turned out by these children, most of them mentally challenged.

‘Our Lantern Talks’ competition was conducted at the Laksala Grounds on 22 May from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eight homes participated. In total more than 50 persons attended the event. 

The Chief Guest was Sadamini Perera, Guest of Honour Laksala Chairman Ali Ahlan Nawaz, Judges were Razick, Art Loft: Farha and Minna and Jegan. The sponsors were Prime Lands, People’s Bank, Laksala and Sponge. The judging criteria were: creativity, colour and neatness.

The first prize went out to Preethipura Children’s Home, Hendala. They had created a beautiful lantern using all recycled material rather than coloured paper. The second prize went out to the Dayamini Home for special children, they created a beautiful lotus that was outstanding and the third prize went to the MJF Foundation who had made up a lantern using the coconut leaves and bark.

These three homes were given cash prizes for their efforts along with complimentary gifts from Laksala and Edna chocolates.

The other homes that participated were: Chitra Lane home for special children, Kosala Dullewa School for special kids, Madiwela Home for Special Education, Moratuwa Home for Special Education and 

Sevana Lama Nivasa.

“It’s my pleasure to be part of this event and I am very glad to see your efforts on arranging this kind of program making disabled people to feel more confident in their lives ...and encouraging them. Overall, I feel very blessed being part of this event; I will surely extend my fullest support in future for Enable The Disabled events. Keep up your good work. All the very best,” commented Ali Ahlam Nawaz.

ETD, once again recognised the abilities of the disabled through a simple project, and the enthusiasm and excitement the children displayed was so rewarding.