Mrs. Priyanthi Seneviratne, Principal of Asian International School speaking at an Interact Club forum held recently said, "Through the years, the AIS Interact Club has made a significant and palpable contribution to society and I know, will continue to do so in the future. On behalf of the school, I am deeply grateful to the Rotarians, particularly those of the Rotary Club of Colombo West, who have helped and guided our young interactors to achieve what they set out to and inspired them to reach towards the more valuable and sublime goals in life - i.e. service to help, serve and benefit others even through sacrifice of self interest. I am also grateful to Ms. Sharon Rajendra, our teacher-in-charge for her unflagging energy in guiding our club and constantly encouraging our students.
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| Mrs. Priyanthi Seneviratne, Principal of Asian International School |
The word "service" can have several very different meanings. For some, it is the job you do and get paid for. For some others, it means a stint in the armed forces. For yet others, it can be some work they promised to do for someone else. But for Interact members, it demonstrates an opportunity to learn about the power of altruism and to have an altruistic purpose in what they do. Let me reiterate - service to help, serve and benefit others even through sacrifice of self interest.
During this past school year, the Interact Club of Asian International School undertook a host of projects, the more important of which were the 'Humanity' Health Camp, the Ranaviru Sevana, the Blood Drive - 'True Blood', the project for the differently abled children of Preethipura, an International Understanding Evening, the donation of 200 dictionaries to the Maradana Police Station and 'Help Me Learn' - the teaching of English to under-privileged children from ages 6 to 12 in the vicinity of the school.
'Interact' is for teenagers who are truly passionate about making the world a better place. It is also for understanding what leadership really entails. You learn that charisma, initiative, and being receptive to new ideas - not just responsibility - are all essential qualities that are needed in any leader.
It takes an amazing group of students to be able to give up their holidays or weekends in commitment to 'interact' service; and to be willing to give up interval time at school for meetings and take on the initiative to plan all of the events we have had this year. Interact would definitely not be the same without the passion and drive of its members.
At this point, I would like to stress on the importance of being faithful to these sublime and altruistic goals of interact, and of never wavering towards the achievement of material goals. Accolades and awards for being the best club or the best interactor should never be your goal - that recognition should be incidental. Your goals and your rewards should be the good results you see in the lives of those who you have helped.
I have no doubt that the AIS club will continue to flourish and inspire other potential members to involve themselves in service towards others without hope of personal gain which is the intrinsic worth of 'interact'." |
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