Over 130 Principals of Government schools were given the message of caring for elders during the latter part of their lives by HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) at an educational seminar, conducted in Colombo recently.
The objective of the seminar was to pass this valuable message to schoolchildren through the Principals. The seminar was also represented by Zonal Educational Directors in the Colombo District.
“Caring for elders and creating an environment for them to live with dignity,” was the theme of the seminar, conducted with funds granted by HelpAge International through ‘Sponsor A Grandparent’ (SAG) program. HASL, Youth Education, Director G.C. Mendis emphasizing the importance of caring for elders, said, children should realize that one day we all become old and everybody likes to spend the evening of their lives with their loved ones.
He related several stories of world famous characters and said even the current United Nations Consultant Joseph Charim expressed that in 60 percent of the modern families in European countries, grandparents are vital and indispensable.
Director Mendis, quoting a famous newspaper journalist Christine Christopher, said, hundreds of elders were currently leading unbearable lives due to various issues and circumstances.
HASL, Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge said 99 percent of the elders in our country are living with their families and it is the duty of the children to look after them, considering the sweat and toil they shed to bring up their children to become good citizens in society.
He said, keeping in line with the religious and cultural background in Sri Lanka, HASL does not promote the `Elders’ Homes’ concept and requested the students through their Principals to extend love and care for parents and grandparents without isolating them in their twilight years.
Colombo Zonal Director G.N. Silva appreciated the seminar and expressed his gratitude to HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) for educating schoolchildren on the value of caring for elders in their final days.
HASL, Program Manager, Chaminda de Silva appealed to interested parties to join hands to improve the living conditions of needy elders by contacting him on 112803752/53/54.