A Lesson in Compassion

I’ve been thinking a lot about a particular day, August 16, 2022, to be exact. It was a day that reminded me of the profound impact a school can have beyond just teaching math and science. It’s about how they shape a child’s character.

I saw something that truly warmed my heart. As the students were getting their lunch, I noticed them doing something remarkable. Each one of them, without being asked, was taking a small portion of their meal and setting it aside. Not to save for later or to trade with a friend, but to give to the animals that live around the school.

It was just a mouthful, a small gesture, but the meaning behind it was immense. It wasn’t just about sharing food; it was about empathy, a fundamental understanding that every living creature deserves kindness.

What a school! This isn’t just a place of learning; it’s a place where they’re cultivating compassion and responsibility. The fact that this act was a natural, habitual part of their day speaks volumes about the values being instilled.

What discipline! This wasn’t about rigid rules or stern commands. This was a deeper form of discipline—the self-discipline that comes from a place of genuine care. It’s the kind of discipline that creates good people, not just obedient students.

And what love! The simple act of a child setting aside a bite of their own food for a stray dog or a bird is a powerful display of affection. It shows that they have been taught to see the world not just through their own needs but through the needs of others, big and small. This memory has stayed with me because it highlights the best of what education can be. It’s not just about what’s taught in textbooks, but the lessons of the heart. It’s a reminder that a truly great education teaches us how to be human.

By Dr. Kiloshini Hendawitharana: Pirunu Kusak – Pirunu Hisak”