She didn’t just teach she moulded us
Tribute to former principal of Devi Balika Vidyala, Kalyani Abeysiriwardene de Zoysa, on her 90th birthday
As Devi Balika Vidyalaya completes 63 years of service to the Sri Lankan girl child, all associated with the school will meet together on May 17 to honour a great lady who contributed in laying the strong foundations of its unique culture and in formulating its far- sighted vision. She is former principal Kalyani Abeysiriwardane de Zoysa who turns 90 this month.
She joined the staff at the school’s inception in 1953, when it was called Government Girls’ College, situated in a rugged environment on Castle Street. It was left to the principal Wimala de Silva and the five teachers on the staff, to try out whatever techniques they could to build up a successful school. We look back on the school’s achievements and recall with admiration the commitment of those pioneer teachers who converted a school with 53 girls on roll, housed in two rows of unimpressive classrooms into a prestigious educational institution capable of leading young girls to the summit of success.
Mrs de Zoysa dedicated 13 years of her life to the school as a teacher and 19 years as the second principal of the school contributing towards its stability. Although she retired in 1985, the bond between her and the school was so strong that she maintained a close relationship with teachers as well as with students associated with the school through 62 years.
The teaching-learning mechanism of the school became effective and result- oriented in a few years. Mrs. Zoysa, together with the other young dedicated teachers, always taught with great enthusiasm, her teaching clear, impressive and interesting. She understood the vibrant, intelligent, mischievous girls and knew how to touch their hearts with motherly affection. The lesson material was always interwoven with cultural values, sense of dignity and self- esteem. As a result the girls who studied under her matured into womanhood with stability and wisdom, to fit into the role of wife and mother at home and diverse roles of responsibility in the country at large.
In a class one comes across children who think that school means only books and exams, while others treat school as a source of enjoyment and fun. A discerning teacher has to identify them and guide them towards the correct track. Hidden talents have to be brought out and encouraged to blossom in their manifold shades. Mrs. Zoysa empowered the girls to stand firm on their feet amidst the challenges in society.
When Mrs. de Zoysa became the principal in 1967 she used her own techniques to discipline the girls. She made them understand that all Devians should be responsible individuals with a high degree of self esteem and they must do only what was correct: They should follow all rules of the school, not because punishment awaits all wrong- doers, but because it damages their self- esteem. Wrong conduct, she said, was undesirable within the school but shameful in the wider society. Occasionally when mischief-makers were reported to her for punishment, she listened to them and invited them to suggest suitable punishments for themselves. Although these situations appeared to be amusing they brought about positive results.
From its very inception the culture of the school was built with a strong emphasis on certain social values such as personal cleanliness, orderliness of classrooms, absolute cleanliness of environment and perfect silence when school was in session. They were the unwritten but all important “subjects” to be followed.
The embodiment of simplicity and grace, Mrs. De Zoysa needed no glittering outfit to maintain her uniqueness in school or in the wider society. She possessed the courage to face all challenges in life. And that was the courage she kindled in the minds of thousands who walked through the portals of Devi.
True to her motherly love towards all sons and daughters of this country she initiated a fund in 1985 as she retired, to help the children who became fatherless due to the brutal civil war. She also extended her benevolence to provide financial help to needy Devians entering university.
In recognition of her services to education she was awarded the Sinha Gold Medal 1986-86 by the Lions Club International District 306 A.
As a principal and teacher she embodied selfsacrifice avoiding any kind of material tokens and instead of the traditional custom of “greeting cards, flowers and gifts” preferring everyone to join hands with her to venture into yet another humanitarian service programme.
In appreciation of her services, a religious programme organised by her relatives will be held at the school auditorium at 4 p.m. on May 17. All past students and those associated with the school are invited to meet together to express their gratitude.