Step into their world of colour and beauty

By Tahnee Hopman

Thirty-one-year old Prashani looked up from the night dress she was sewing and smiled timidly, saying that she loves to sew and is excited at the thought of having her work exhibited. In the adjoining room, 10-year-old David grinned at me, taking a break from the row of numbers he was practising writing. His friends added their greetings and went back to their work, brows furrowed in concentration as they painted pots, made rugs, and stuffed toys.

Daya Mina was abuzz with activity when The Sunday Times visited last week, as its students busily prepared for “Our World XII” an exhibition and sale which is to be held on November 16 and 17 at St. Lawrence’s Church Hall, Wellawatte.

“Although the exhibition is a fund raiser, it also serves to encourage the students and create awareness among the public and show them that, given the right guidance and training, there is hope for these children,” explained Sr. Virginia Daniel, the directress of Daya Mina, the Embuldeniya school which caters to the needs of differently abled children and adults from the ages of 15. Daya Mina was founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity in 1989.

In the aftermath of the French revolution, Father Peter Joseph Triest, a Belgian priest, saw the need to care for those neglected by society, and founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in 1803. The Sisters of Charity first came to Sri Lanka in 1896, and established their first convent in Galle.

A hundred years later, the Congregation continues their work in society, dedicating their time and effort to many a worthy cause. The Daya Mina School for Differently Abled Young People has been in operation since 1989, and is the second of three schools for children and young adults with special needs.

Funds raised from the exhibition would contribute towards converting Daya Mina into a boarding school which has become a pressing need, especially since some students find it difficult to make the journey to school each day, and in some cases, their families have had to move house closer to the school.

The exhibition is special to these children because it is an indication of the time and trouble they have taken in order to bring their creativity and talent to the surface. They join hands with their sister schools, Meth Mihira and Supem Uyana and eagerly anticipate the support of the public in their endeavours.“Our World XII” will take place on the 16th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on the 17th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All are welcome.