SPARK OF HOPE

SPARK OF HOPE

PHASE 1

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common yet least discussed developmental disorders affecting children, both globally and in Sri Lanka. Many parents still lack awareness about how the condition arises, how it affects early childhood, and how timely support can greatly enhance developmental outcomes. Seeing this gap, the Rotaract Club of the College of Chemical Sciences launched Spark of Hope – Phase 1, an initiative aimed at empowering expecting mothers with the knowledge they need to support healthier futures for their children.

A Community-Centered Awareness Session

The program took place on 19th November 2025 at the peaceful Salamulla Anandaramaya Temple, where expecting mothers from the surrounding community gathered for a warm and welcoming awareness session. Led by Mrs. Tharanga Satharasinghe, a physiotherapy practitioner and manager at the Center for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Other Developmental Disorders in Rajagiriya, the session covered the essentials of cerebral palsy, its impact on children, and why early detection matters. Mothers were guided through practical pregnancy precautions, healthy fetal development practices, and simple breathing and relaxation exercises that promote well-being during pregnancy.

Creating Space for Learning and Support

One of the most meaningful aspects of the session was the safe, open atmosphere it created. Many of the participants shared that this was the first time they had received clear, reliable information about cerebral palsy. The opportunity to ask questions, clarify doubts, and understand early developmental signs helped them feel more confident and reassured. The session also encouraged mothers to see the importance of early intervention and the value of fostering an inclusive, stigma-free environment for children with developmental challenges.

A Collective Effort Behind the Scenes

In the week leading up to the event, Rotaractors of the Institute of Chemistry gathered donations to prepare thoughtful gift packs for each mother. Students contributed essential items, which were sorted, organized, and assembled into individual bags. These were handed out at the end of the session, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the initiative. The effort reflected the unity, compassion, and willingness to support the community that defines the IChem family.

       

Meaningful Impact

The response from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many mothers mentioned that they had never received detailed explanations about cerebral palsy before and felt more confident after the session. They highlighted how valuable the practical tips, breathing exercises, and pregnancy-care guidance were for them. The resource person also praised the Rotaract Club for choosing such a meaningful theme and commended the effort to directly engage with expecting mothers in the community. This collective feedback reinforced the importance of bringing such conversations forward and affirmed the impact of the project.

Spark of Hope - Phase 1 became more than just an awareness program; infact, it marked a meaningful step toward encouraging understanding and inclusion from the earliest stages of a child’s life. By educating expecting mothers, the project helped bridge a critical knowledge gap and inspired conversations around conditions that often remain unspoken. The Rotaract Club remains committed to continuing this journey, bringing attention to topics that matter and working toward a future where every child is embraced, supported, and given the chance to thrive.

Written by: Githara Rajanakaya