Bridging Worlds with Lots of Heart: OSC’s Cultural Exchange Service Group Celebrates a Year of Connection and Friendship
View(s):In a heartwarming finale to a year brimming with laughter, learning, and cultural discovery, the Cultural Exchange Service Group at The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) hosted its final celebration on the 8th of May 2025 – a joyful gathering of over 60 students that stood as a powerful testament to unity, compassion, and shared humanity.
The celebration welcomed more than 30 OSC students and 30 children from three partner schools: Hewavitharana MV, Roman Catholic Tamil School Rajagiriya, and St. Joseph’s College Kolonnawa. Having connected throughout the academic year, this final event was a chance to reflect on the bonds they had built and the lessons they had learned from one another.
The afternoon kicked off with a vibrant Avurudu-style cultural games carnival in the OSC gymnasium, entirely planned and led by the Cultural Exchange students. The gym echoed with laughter and joy as barriers of language and background faded in the spirit of play, inclusion, and meaningful collaboration. Adding to the community spirit were students from other OSC service groups – Care for Paws, SOS Village, Justice and Equality, and Gecko Inc. – whose participation made the event even more memorable.
-
- Students from partner schools receiving their certificates from OSC Principal, Mr. Jason Grandbois
-
- Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Damiano Francovigh addressing the gathering
-
- Students from partner schools receiving their certificates from OSC Principal, Mr. Jason Grandbois
-
- Mrs. Priyangika Walpolage, Deputy Director of Education for the Western Province sharing her views
After the games, students, teachers, and guests gathered in the PMPR for the final ceremony. The atmosphere shifted from playful to poignant as speakers shared touching reflections on the impact of the programme.
Mr. Jason Granbois, Principal of OSC, opened the ceremony by emphasising the importance of inclusive opportunities and the profound mutual benefit this exchange offers to all involved. “This programme exemplifies how meaningful learning happens through relationships,” he noted.
Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Damiano Francovigh, also spoke, reflecting on the urgent need to build cultural bridges in today’s world. “What I saw today gives me hope – young people learning from each other, celebrating differences, and forming lasting connections.”
Mrs. Priyangika Walpolage, Deputy Director of Education for the Western Province, highlighted the value of such initiatives in breaking down social and economic divides. “Even though we come from different communities, we are all human – with so much in common. Thanks to OSC, these students not only improve their language skills but also gain new perspectives, share ideas, and celebrate diversity together.”
Mrs. Deepthi Molligoda, Principal of St. Joseph’s College Kolonnawa, shared an emotional tribute to the programme. She spoke of the many students who come from deeply challenging backgrounds and how this experience – akin to a study-abroad opportunity – exposed them to new ideas, resources, and hope. “This programme has not only empowered our students but also inspired our educators. It’s truly transformative.”
Throughout the year, students participated in regular sessions where they used English as a common language to explore a range of meaningful topics – from family traditions and festivals to hobbies and day-to-day experiences. Structured activities soon gave way to heartfelt conversations, laughter, and lasting friendships.
“The true success of this programme lies in the friendships we’ve built,” said Aran Eassuwaren, Service Group Leader. “We started with the goal of helping students improve their English, but what we gained in return – insights into different ways of life, values, and beliefs – is beyond measure.”
Alessandro Nereo Francovigh, also a Service Leader, echoed this sentiment. “These human connections – built through shared experiences and cultural exchange – are what make this programme so special. We’ve broken barriers and built bridges that will last far beyond this year.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, the room filled with smiles, hugs, and hopeful farewells – a powerful reminder that empathy, curiosity, and shared stories can unite even the most different of worlds. Bridging gaps. Strengthening bonds.
“Our goal was to make every student feel truly welcomed into the OSC community,” said Service Leader Malaika Perera. “Beyond teaching English, this programme is about the exchange of beliefs, knowledge, and culture. That’s what makes it so powerful – bringing together young people from different walks of life to create something meaningful.”
OSC’s Cultural Exchange Service Group didn’t just celebrate diversity – they exemplified it. And in doing so, they’ve planted seeds of understanding and global citizenship that will continue to flourish long after the final applause.
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!