Sri Lanka: Proud to be Save the Children

In Sri Lanka a staff Summit was held to celebrate our achievements over the last 35 years.  This was the third Summit of this kind and the theme for this year was “Proud to be Save the Children”. A team led by my colleague Angelina Hermon organised the event for nearly 120 staff members from all over Sri Lanka.

All district teams presented their work showing what makes them proud to be Save the Children. Strict instructions were given NOT to make power point presentations.  A session was held on conflict resolution, which gave staff the chance to display their acting talent. A majority of us can make it to Bollywood, or even Hollywood. A separate talent show was held. The Save the Children Super Stars were crowned at the end.  In the Commonwealth, no event is complete without a game of cricket. And yes, we had a tournament of ‘ Limited (5) Over Cricket”.

For me, the proudest moment was when staff who have completed over 10 years were given medals. This year was my tenth year with Save the Children. I was called to the stage and a beautiful citation was read about my service over the last 10 years. I kept my hand over my heart and listened, with my eyes moist with happy tears. The Country Director Prasant Naik, placed the medal on me. For me it was much bigger than winning an Olympic gold or an Oscar. It meant so much more. I felt truly valued by my colleagues and the organization.  I kept looking and admiring my medal where my name was etched. What a moment.

Each staff member was also given a post card with faces of all the team members. On the back of the post card a beautiful message was  written.

Mine read;

Dear Menaca – an inspiration to many…

‘ No one stands so tall as when they stoop to help a child’ – Anonymous.

You have made Save the Children stand very tall. Our founder Madam Jebb would have been very proud to have you on her team. Thanking you on behalf of all Sri Lankan Children. – Save the Children

You are truly special.

Reading such notes, what else can I be, but very proud that I am part of this great big organization for children.