HelpAge highlights value of elders
The message of looking after elders with care and giving them a mental relief during their old age without isolating them in elders’ homes was highlighted by HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) at seminars conducted in 14 Government schools in the Western Province during the past year.
The objective of conducting these seminars were to create awareness among schoolchildren of the value of their parents, grandparents and other elders, and prevent isolating them and keep them under their protection during the latter part of their lives.
Nearly 10,000 schoolchildren attended the seminars conducted by HASL Youth Education Programme (YEP), Director G C Mendis.
The seminars were conducted in schools including Pinnawala Central College, Sri Wijayarama MV, Dehiwala, Hindu College, Ratmalana, Blind and Deaf school, Ratmalana, Soysapura MV, Moratuwa and Nalanda Boys and Girls Schools, Minuwangoda.
Director Mendis said in addition to schoolchildren, teachers and principals also attended the seminars and expressed their gratitude towards HelpAge for conducting the seminars and educating the youth on the importance of looking after elders with care, considering the invaluable service and contribution rendered by them to society in the past.
Director Mendis advised school children to treat all elders alike without any discrimination as elders are an asset to a country.
HASL Executive Director Samantha Liyanawaduge said the objective of the seminars was to improve the quality of life of elders and to strengthen family structures.