Art Beat at Village Heartbeat Centre - Udumulla

The Village Heartbeat Centre in Udumulla, near Hikkaduwa, was established as a model for rural community development by the Foundation of Goodness, thanks to generous support from around the world following the devastation caused by the Tsunami.

Today, the centre is flourishing, providing English and IT classes, women's empowerment, a library and community centre as well as the Children's Goodness Club. The centre benefits approximately 400 people from the surrounding area, including 200 children.  The Children's Goodness Club is a great source of inspiration, with imaginative ideas to inculcate the spirit of goodness and to empower and engage the local children and youth in positive activities to tackle poverty and rebuild the community.

On the 28th February 2009, children, parents, staff and villagers were invited to gather in the beautiful Udumulla village for a Children's Goodness Club Handicraft Exhibition, to witness for themselves the creativity and flair of local children..

The event was opened by RENU GIDOOMAL , celebrated singer and performer from Rythm Foundation who has dedicated her life and art to humanity. Her songs brought smiles to the faces of all present while also giving a powerful message that “the more you give the more you will have to give”.

The lighting of the traditional oil lamp was a wonderful sight. Local children struck a pose while balancing oil lamps in their open palms while guests lit the wicks, so dispelling darkness and bringing light to the proceedings.

The audience was then amused by plays and wowed by dances, each underpinned by messages of the value of goodness, as the Children's' Goodness Club members displayed their understanding of the need to work together and to respect all people even while having fun and bringing laughter to their community.

Finally, the art work was displayed. Parents and their children proudly showed their creations, to the admiring comments from guests, which included Kushil Gunasekera, Founder and Trustee of the Foundation of Goodness, who had this to say regarding the event:

“It is so heartening to see that the children of this village are dedicating themselves in such a creative and lively way to the betterment of their community. It is through participation in events such as these that local people can be empowered to realise their potential. Every moment that is spent with the family or with friends, in such positive activities, is a moment well spent, and will live with these children as happy memories forever. It is by providing such opportunities and encouragement for our children that we can inspire the future leaders of our communities and bring  hope for the bright future of our country.”

If such opportunities could be made available for all children in rural villages throughout the world, we might have hope for a bright, peaceful and more equal future.

Story submitted by Quen Geuter, Development Management Volunteer for the Foundation of Goodness, who has been working with village staff since May 2008.

2009.03.30