Ever since Sri Lanka announced its economic crisis, hundreds of Chinese in Sri Lanka and monks in China transferred donation to the president of our association, we spared 30,000 yuan to purchase solely rice bags for Sri Lankans. Because rice is the staple food on Sri Lankans’ tables, we want to ensure the locals’ diet are not affected by the rising price. We first contacted the for 500 low-income family name list in Madiwela district, then purchased 500 bags of 5kg rice from a retailer spending 15,000 yuan. The families were then informed about the event, and got a number ticket in advance (LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience).

On the 10th May 2022, we arrived at 8AM to first load the rice onto the truck, then set off to the destination, the village center of Madiwela. Even though there was a huge crowd, all the people were waiting patiently in long queues for us to unload the rice. We first offered three bags of rice to the monks in the village center, then started verifying their number tickets, one ticket converts to one bag. It was mostly seniors who came collecting rice, walking feebly with crutch, taking rest every three steps. Seeing them struggle to move but still walking with 5kg rice home, I felt the desperate need for food from them. At the end of 12:45 AM, we finished distributing all 500 bags of rice to each of the families, and started cleaning up.

This was our first ever rice-distribution service, and it still needed to improve in terms of organizing the order, increasing efficiency, and communicating with the locals (LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth). I will try my best to be engaged in those events, because the fulfillment I felt throughout was genuine. I never see what I’m doing as donations or with sympathy, but instead, I look at the locals from the same level, and try to help them with my own limited ability. Through this, I hope to alleviate the current social discrepancies and reduce hunger. (Lo6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance) (LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions).