Showcase of talent

They've done their school and country proud. But above all, they've done themselves proud! These youngsters from Bishop's College, who recently participated at an international event in Lucknow, India, returned with their glittering trophies. They bagged not only first place in two categories but also the overall championship in the Junior category.

The ten girls I interviewed were among an outstanding and talented group of students that represented Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, South Africa and various states of India as they all vied for medals in various competitive events at the five-day international festival of science, mathematics and computers, titled, 'Macfair International 2006' organised by City Montessori School, Mahanagar at the World Unity Convention Centre, held from August 19-23. Held every two years, the event seeks to spread the message of peace and unity and the spirit of oneness of humankind which the students had imbibed at this international science festival. The wonderful way in which the programme was organised, encouraging participants to act in co-operation and with team spirit whilst also competing with each other in a healthy way, was an example for others to follow.

Programmes like Macfair encourage the teaching of mathematics and science in an interesting manner through quizzes and computer contests. The importance of subjects like computers, science and maths has increased manifold in today's world, hence a need to a have a complete grasp of these subjects is essential.

The eight categories that the girls took part in were Maths Wizard, Speech and Drama, General Knowledge, Science Fiction Writing, Quinturtles, May Luck Be Yours – Computer Game, Cartoon Making and Art. The girls were bubbling with excitement not only at their experiences through over participation at the competition, but also at the self-development and growth this experience has given them.

"The event I took part in was the General Knowledge competition and even though some of the questions were beyond me, I gained a lot more knowledge than I imagined. The best part of the experience was making new friends from different countries. We still keep in touch with them," says Suhendrini. For Shermona, the most inspiring aspect was the thoughts and messages on peace they received. "Taking part in the Maths Wizard competition was challenging for two reasons. One is the nerves involved in taking part in the competition itself and the other was that you can never be completely prepared for what you will have to face."

Being part of a team and learning to work as one was something we all learnt, remarks Shamindri, and she found the quizmaster of her General Knowledge competition a very fascinating character, whom she will remember. As strange as it may seem, Samalka has even built a strong bond with Lucknow, so much so that she misses the place very much. "I miss the place now as much as I miss Sri Lanka when I go abroad. We were record-breaking vegetarians for eight days… and that's unbelievable!"

"The topic I chose for the Science Fiction Writing competition was The Time Machine. I prepared doing a lot of reading, researching and especially practicing timing myself since we had only one hour to pen down everything," says Sarah, winner of the Science Fiction Writing competition, despite being intimidated by a person who wrote six pages (“while I wrote only three!”). “I didn't think I would make it. But when the results were announced, I was pleasantly surprised!”

Sandaruwani, winner of the Elocution category is convinced that practice is what got her through. "Timing is also something I worked very hard at and it paid off." "Independence and self-confidence through it was something I gained from this experience," shares Charuni. "I took part in Quinturtles which is a five-part competition which includes, an impromptu speech, word jumble, folk dance, and acting. Facing an audience of about 3,500 was quite an experience. I didn't think I would have been able to do it, but my friends helped me a lot through motivation."

"At first I thought we'd be treated different. We were, but not in the way I expected. We were given a huge warm welcome which to this day I find very moving," says Thameena.

For Shabnam the experience was "marvellous." "I had the time of my life. This was the first time I was away from my parents and was weary at first. But then I grew very comfortable with the whole set-up as the hosts made us feel very comfortable."

Nadeesha says that she had a great time bonding with her friends and getting to know them more as family rather than as mere schoolmates or friends. The topic for the Cartoon Making category was Protecting Water and since we could use only black and white, creativity and imagination had to be at its peak.

Having emerged champs in a competition which has over 500 participants, the team representing their school and country are humbled by their victory and their experience, expressing sincere gratitude to their school and teachers-in-charge Geetha Dissanayaka and Malika De Silva, whom they assert were mothers to them when they were away from home.