I continued in Hope for Kids service, which I participated in last year and enjoyed it. In the service we draw and craft small things with children from the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. We mostly go to the hospital on Thursdays, but during some sessions we meet in the school to discuss and plan future meetings, since we have to buy the materials such as clay and markers.

Helping a child cutting out felt. Photo courtesy Nicolina Sorensen

This service teaches me how to communicate non-verbally with the children who speak Sinhala and be committed to having them enjoy and finish their own work, with the goal in mind that they enjoy the process of making it and the result. I also learn how to work together with the other participants of the group and how to plan the future sessions with them.

Making art with the children at the hospital. Photo courtesy Nicolina Sorensen

Cancer is a big concern all around the world and therefore I find it is helpful to have knowledge of the issue and to experience addressing it. Cancer is also mentally very challenging for the patients; therefore, it is helpful when everyone does their part in helping them in this difficult situation, and I feel I accomplish this by doing the service. The children are also suffering from other issues, such as not being able to live with their siblings and even have to be cautious about what they eat. Having their everyday life severely affected by this is very difficult, and I feel good by being able to make something with them they enjoy.