On July 27th, Parenthrive hosted the highly anticipated "Roots and Wings" parenting conference in Kandy, bringing together over 170 participants for a day of insightful discussions and expert advice. Roots and Wings Kandy was the first Sinhalese parenting conference to be held in Sri Lanka following the success of our inaugural english conference in Colombo earlier this year. The event was designed to support and empower parents, focusing on critical issues affecting children and young adults in Sri Lanka.
A Future Free of Child Abuse & Drug Abuse
The conference kicked off with a compelling session led by Chief Inspector Devindi Wickramasinghe, the Officer in Charge of the Women & Children Bureau in Kandy. Inspector Wickramasinghe addressed the growing threats of child abuse and drug abuse among vulnerable children in Sri Lanka. Her session emphasised the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding the future of our nation's youth. She shared alarming statistics and real-life cases that highlighted the urgent need for community awareness and intervention.
Child Welfare Protection: Awareness & Protection
Mr. Viranjan Dias Sumanasekara, the Regional Director of the Human Rights Commission of Kandy, conducted a session on child welfare rights. He highlighted the significance of empowering communities to protect children's rights and promote their well-being. His insights underscored the need for collective efforts in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all children. Mr. Sumanasekara provided practical guidelines for parents and educators to identify and address potential threats to child welfare, reinforcing the role of community support in these efforts.
Mental Health for Young Adults
Dr. Palitha Bandara Subhasinghe then took the stage to discuss the pressing issue of mental health among young adults. His session provided valuable insights into common mental health challenges faced by youth and offered practical advice for parents and caregivers. Dr. Subhasinghe's expertise shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and support systems for young individuals. He emphasised the role of early intervention and the availability of resources to help young adults navigate their mental health journey.
The Importance of Reading
In addition to the expert-led sessions, the conference featured a special segment by Methara Ashwini and Ravinsha Methuli, junior members of Pick A Book Kandy Club. They spoke passionately about the importance of reading and shared their personal experiences as young readers. The session inspired attendees to foster a love for reading in their children, highlighting the lifelong benefits of this habit. Their story of how books had shaped their perspective and enriched their life resonated deeply with the audience, encouraging parents to cultivate a reading culture at home.
Throughout the event, participants were treated to refreshments, providing a comfortable and engaging environment for networking and learning. The "Roots and Wings" conference successfully created a platform for meaningful discussions and knowledge-sharing, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
Parenthrive continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting parents and children through initiatives like this, fostering a brighter future for the next generation.
