School Project at Dombasgaswinna Sabaragamuwa

On Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, the MH-Foundation visited Dombasgaswinna School, bringing joy and valuable lessons to the children. Despite the recent inclement weather, we seized a brief opportunity to engage with the students, holding an exciting coloring contest focused on educating them about safely interacting with the many stray dogs found throughout Sri Lanka.

With the incredible support of Mr. Sheahan Arasaratnam and Mr. Himash Malaka, our loyal veterinarian Dr. Chamila from PetVet, was on hand to share important knowledge in Sinhalese, ensuring that the children understood how to act around these animals. We are thrilled to be collaborating with cartoonist Sabine Grootes (@sabine_illustreert) to create engaging coloring pages that convey essential messages about dog safety.

In addition to the educational activities, we provided each student with two sets of undergarments and an umbrella, making sure to support the teachers as well. This generosity reflects our commitment to the well-being of the entire school community.

Originally scheduled for October 14th, the event was postponed due to travel warnings from local authorities. However, we were determined to proceed when the weather improved, and we are grateful for the efforts of everyone involved, including school principal Mr. Pradeep Priyantha, the dedicated teachers, and the supportive parents.

The MH-Foundation’s initiatives are made possible through the financial contributions of our supporters. It is vital to understand that without vaccinating stray animals against rabies and spaying them to control the population, we cannot effectively address the challenges posed by stray dogs. Our discussions with various municipal commissioners over the past few months have laid the groundwork for future projects aimed at education and animal welfare.

Donation of a Raban to Dombasgaswinna School

In addition to our educational activities, the MH-Foundation proudly donated an original Raban, a traditional drum instrument, to Dombasgaswinna School. Principal Mr. Pradeep Priyantha had expressed his desire to acquire a real Raban for months, recognizing its importance in teaching the youth about their cultural heritage.

The donation was met with great enthusiasm, and we were honored to witness a beautiful performance featuring not only the talented schoolchildren but also the dedicated teachers and two esteemed members of the local community.

Their rhythmic melodies brought the spirit of the Raban to life, showcasing the significance of this instrument in fostering community connection and cultural pride.

At the MH-Foundation, we believe in enriching educational experiences through the arts, and we are thrilled to support the school’s efforts in preserving and promoting traditional music. Thank you to everyone involved for making this occasion so memorable!

Contest Winners and Special Community Participation

At the end of the coloring contest, the committee (comprised of Mr. Pradeep Priyantha, Mr. Sheahan Arasaratnam, and Mr. Rob Heijtink) faced the tough task of selecting the winners. After careful consideration, they announced six prize winners, each receiving a reward aimed at nurturing their creative talents.

The crowd, consisting of enthusiastic family members of the schoolchildren, was also invited to participate in a special contest. This added an extra layer of excitement to the event! The winner from this group received a beautifully crafted Dutch Delfts Blauw statue of a dog, symbolizing the connection between art /culture and the meaning of the MH-Foundation.

This engaging experience not only celebrated the children’s creativity but also brought families together, reinforcing the spirit of community and collaboration.