Author: Shakila Ifham
A Unique Holiday Therapy Programme
Spending your holidays with a purpose is the best way to get the most out of it! We did just that with our Rainbow Horizons at the fun-packed holiday therapy programme at the MJF Moratuwa Centre. Our Rainbow Horizons (RH) programme is an award-winning initiative, providing holistic education and skills learning for children and youth with developmental disabilities. The three-day programme was filled with fun and enriching activities for children, youth and parents with a focus on inclusive and special education to suit different abilities. Day 1 began with a nature walk before getting “crafty” with some hands-on activities. The most meaningful part of the day was an open and inclusive discussion with the parents of the RB kids and youth before closing with an open-air sing along session under the open sky. The second day was all about fitness and food. The RB primary kids engaged in yoga and zumba, while the youth focused on physical training. Later, both groups learned to whip up some tasty dishes in a cookery session. The final day was a grand celebration! It began with a motivating speech for the kids and their parents. Our MJF Preschool children joined in for a special book reading and storytelling session – adding more vibrance to the day. It was also a day filled with dance and fun pool activities. The day’s happenings concluded with a Holi-style activity together with water games. Parents, Rainbow youth, and preschool kids all actively participated in those activities. This wonderful programme isn’t your typical corporate CSR activity. This is because it is not simply CSR at Dilmah; we believe in kindness in every action. The programme resonates with Dilmah’s deep-rooted philosophy of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. A massive shoutout goes to the volunteers from the Kotelawala Defence University and the University of Kelaniya for their incredible support! If you’d like to volunteer or get involved, please connect via Volunteer with Us | MJF Charitable Foundation, Sri Lanka
Tea Inspiration for Future Chefs – Students of our Empower Culinary School visit Dilmah
The Dilmah head office was alive with a special kind of energy as students from our Empower Culinary & Hospitality Schools in Moratuwa in Sri Lanka’s west and Kalkudah in the east embarked on a day-long journey into the world of tea. Far from a typical lesson, this was a hands-on adventure designed to immerse them in the science, artistry and appreciation of tea, a journey that went from the history of a global brand to the spicy, aromatic notes of a perfect cup of chai. From Roots to Brews The morning kicked off with an insightful introduction into the Dilmah story, led by Jerome Auvity, Head of Brand Experience. It was a narrative of passion and purpose, showing the students how a single cup of tea can carry a legacy. Following this, Menura Rathnayake, Head of Dilmah’s Tea Department unraveled the fascinating manufacturing process of the simple leaf into the fragrant tea we know and love. A Symphony of Flavours and Pairings At our Tea Department, Angelo Jansen, one of Dilmah’s senior tea tasters, introduced the students to a vast array of teas available, explaining the art of grading and nuances of different types of teas. The highlight of this session was an inclusive talk by Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman & CEO of Dilmah Tea, and his son, 3rd generation tea grower Amrit Fernando. Dilhan shared his profound knowledge of tea, while Amrit introduced their latest addition – Dilmah Ceylon Cinnamon, sharing its unique qualities and health benefits. The day continued with a delightful food pairing session led by Yoshana Premarathne – Regional Manager, Dilmah Tea. She demonstrated how the right tea can elevate a meal, guiding the students as they paired a mini chicken burger with English Breakfast tea and a chocolate cake with Moroccan Mint green tea. This was an eye-opening experience, revealing the potential of tea as a culinary partner. The Ultimate Chai Challenge The grand finale was the highly anticipated chai-making session. Ajith Samarasinghe, the mixologist at Dilmah t-Lounge, captivated everyone with a classic demonstration of preparing the perfect chai. The students, divided into five teams, then put their new-found knowledge to the test, crafting their own unique versions of the chai. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of cinnamon and cardamom as each team worked, vying for the top prize. This session was a showcase of teamwork, creativity and the simple joy of sharing a cup of tea. The day concluded with an inspiring and informative session by Subramaniam Kamalanathan, General Manager of the MJF Charitable Foundation, who spoke about the Foundation’s mission and impact. The mini School of Tea was an experience that wove together engagement, teamwork and the promise of success, all brewed in a cup of exceptional tea. It was a day where the students of the ECHS connected with the heart and soul of the company that is making a difference in theirs and countless other lives.
Where Every Kid Shines, Paints and Explores…
At the MJF Foundation, our mission goes beyond support, it is a fostering ecosystem where every child’s unique abilities, can flourish and thrive. Step into MJF Moratuwa Centre’s preschool, a branch of our Rainbow Programme, which supports over 3,500 differently abled children throughout the country, where you will witness our Founder’s philosophy in its purest form. Just recently, a heartwarming scene unfolded, where our differently abled children, hand-in-hand with their peers, dove into a water painting activity. Endless laughter and joy mingled with every swirl and splash of each paint drop, collectively making their canvases masterpieces. These aren’t just art classes, they’re the foundation for lessons in empathy, understanding and the beauty of teamwork – sowing seeds for a truly inclusive future In the meantime, the Rainbow Youth, a group of talented young adults, mastered the art of preparing and serving refreshing lemonade. On the very same day, another group of Rainbow Youth learned to prepare delicious ulundu vade under proper guidance. A truly interesting highlight was the recent re-opening of the Dilmah Butterfly Garden at the MJF Foundation Centre Moratuwa. Twenty-five children from our Rainbow Programme embarked on a specially curated tour, led by Narmada, an environmental education specialist. Their faces lit up with wonder as they discovered the intricate world of butterflies, connecting with nature in an ever-marveling way. These moments, from children painting together, youth learning new skills, or exploring the wonders of nature, are living examples of the Dilmah Family’s deep-rooted commitment towards sharing kindness with people and the planet. We are inspired by the sheer potential within each child and young adult, proving that when we focus on what unites us, the possibilities are limitless. The Dilmah Butterfly Garden is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m