Human Heart: The 18th Journey of Fellowship
“#Nena_Pahana” (Lamp of Wisdom)
A Two-Day Educational Leadership, Personality, and Motivation Program
School: Laggala, Pallegama, Ranamure Junior School.
Date: June 27 – 28, 2025.
Conducted by: Human Heart Volunteer Social Service Organization.
To succeed in our life journey, we must learn to stand on our own. We must identify, sharpen, and temper the hidden excellence, skills, and talents within us. Before leading a group, a cause, or an event, one must first evoke leadership qualities within themselves. You must discover the leader within to cross the winning milestones of life. To conquer the world, you must first conquer yourself.
A student becomes first in class through their talent—but this doesn’t mean others are not talented. It simply means the first-place finisher did something more than the person in second place. Tomorrow, that can change through decisions made from the deepest parts of one’s life. At Human Heart, we touch the depths of children’s lives to plant the seeds of leadership, providing the necessary nutrients and guidance to ensure they flourish. We don’t look for failure in fertile soil; we strengthen the sprouts that have already grown. Join us in reaping the harvest of this merit-filled field!
🔴 Program Background
I first discovered this school while trekking through the Knuckles mountain range. The determination to conduct a program at this roadside school in Ranamure village has finally blossomed into reality. After coordinating with the Principal and Teacher Shalvin, we meticulously planned the logistics to address the environmental and social challenges of the area.
🔴 Organizational Efforts and Challenges
Our team covers nine distinct fields in our programs. Despite facing late rejections from some organizations for a first aid kit, we prioritized purchasing one ourselves to ensure the school was equipped.
As “Nena Pahana” is more about providing a “fishing rod” (skills) rather than just a “fish” (material goods), finding donors can sometimes be challenging compared to book donation drives. However, we believe that empowering a child’s leadership potential is the ultimate long-term investment.
🔴 Financial Contributions and Support
The journey to Ranamure (over 250km from Maharagama) was challenging. After an initial transport sponsor backed out, our dedicated member Chef Kumudu Kottegoda (working in Ireland) stepped in with a generous contribution of Rs. 35,000 to ensure the program’s success.
Our Sincere Gratitude to our Financial Donors:
🤝 Chef Kumudu Kottegoda (Ireland)
🤝 Shalinda Veerasinghe (Secretary – Human Heart)
🤝 Mithu Thennakoon (USA)
🤝 Bashini Bandara (Hong Kong)
🤝 Anushka Senevirathne (Israel)
🔴 The Journey and Experience
Our team of 12 traveled through the night, including the parents of our members Shalinda and Sri, to bring a sense of joy and inclusion to our extended “Human Heart” family. Despite logistical hiccups with our accommodation near a beautiful stream, the team remained focused.
The program featured new activities, including a campfire night—a first-time experience for many students—complete with a surprise fireworks display. The emotional conclusion of the program on the second day, involving parents and children, was a powerful moment of reconciliation and healing.
🔴 About the School and Community
The School: Located 15km inside Laggala in the Knuckles foothills, this 80-year-old school serves a 100% Buddhist village. Most teachers are alumni of the same school. The Principal is deeply committed to raising the educational standards of the region.
The Students: 73 students from Grade 7 and above participated. They are like “raw iron”—with the right tempering, they can achieve anything. Their potential is vast, but they need exposure beyond their village.
The Village: A friendly farming community. While traditional in some views (such as caste), we hope our program helped broaden perspectives. The area is known for wild elephants, though the locals coexist peacefully with them.
🔴 Resource Personnel and Sessions
Leadership & Personality: Priyanga Vishwajith
Campfire & Musical Appreciation: Navodya Chathumina & Awantha Gamage
Dreams & Goal Setting: Priyanga Vishwajith
Physical Changes & Substance Awareness: Shalinda Weerasinghe
Parental Awareness & Child Relationships: Priyanga Vishwajith
Psychological Activities: Sri Rodrigo
Coordination & Support: Sujeewa Sampath, Anil D Gamage, Randi Pramosha, Malith Silva, Miyuru Sathsara, and Shani Michel.
🔴 Special Thanks
To Mr. Ranasinghe for the initial connection.
To Principal Gunasekara and Teacher Shalvin for the invitation and local coordination.
To the parents for providing delicious meals.
To the transport team for the safe journey.
Thank you to the “Human Heart” family!
To achieve what you have never had, you must do what you have never done. We guide heroes to become the leaders of tomorrow. Even a drop of dew on a blade of grass shines brilliantly when the sunlight hits it!
Look forward to the 19th “#Nena_Pahana” program coming very soon!
Thank you!
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