Round-table discussion on Nurturing Values and Spirituality in Early Childhood for the Prevention of Violence

Arigato International and Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement organized this event in collaboration with following stakeholders:-

1.Chinmaya Mission,

2.Global Partnership to End Violence against Children,

3.The Hindu Women’s Association,

Naleemiah Institute,
UNICEF,
Walpola Rahula Institute and
World Vision Sri Lanka

The Discussion was held Monday 18th February 2019 at Sarvodaya Headquarters, Moratuwa.

More than 90 local and International faith leaders and representatives from local, and international NGOs, Faith Based Organizations, Government Representatives, Child Rights Experts, Early Childhood Development Experts and Medical Professionals participated.

The purpose of this gathering was to engage high-level religious leaders from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam in Sri Lanka for a collective reflection on issues concerning upbringing of young children, nurturing of their spirituality and violence they experience. The session also reflected on the notion of multi-faith action for children in this context.

Discussions included explorations on questions such as …

How do Religions view young (age 2 to children?

What messages do religions offer about care and protection of children?

How do these messages relate to the notion of empowerment and agency of the child?

How are they conveyed to parents and caregivers?

Participants at the roundtable among others included …

Professor Savithri Gunasekara

Dr. A.T Ariyaratne (Sarvodaya)

Rev. Anura Perera (Methodist Church)

Swami Gunatitananda (Chinmaya Mission)

Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chikera (Anglican Church)

Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thero (Walpola Rahula Institute)