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RECREATION AND CULTUREDance and musicOne of the best ways to forget grief and regain confidence in life is dance and music.Twice a week the teacher instructs the children traditional folk dances and modern danceand music. Visitors are often treated to an unexpected show! The children can rehearsefor weeks and the girls spend hours behind the sewing machines to design and work onthe costumes.Sports and gamesEvery week sports and activities are planned. Running matches, kite-flights, cycling,scooters, table-tennis, balloons or just simple games.Not only the kids but the caremothers and pre-school teachers also join in the fun!Library and videosThe library has lots of English and Singhalese books. Most age-groups can findsomething interesting to read. The ‘older boys’ coordinate the ‘borrowing system’ ofthe books. The recreation room frequently shows Walt Disney films. These are bothfun to watch and also, because they are not subtitled, good to improve thechildren’s English! The older children also watch the news broadcasts.Swimming and swimming certificatesInitially water was one of their greatest fears. Thus they first take small dips ininflatable pools, then walks along the beach and then a dip in the sea which is greatfun. Regularly the children play in shallow and calm water and last year 18 childrenpassed the first swimming test and received a real swimming certificate.Excursions and outingsIn Sri Lanka celebrating means sharing. Celebrating together can please everybodyat the same time.Regularly the children are invited to join outings together with their caremothers andother staff members.Traditions and cultureSri Lanka has a rich culture and folk traditions. Every full moon is an auspicious daycalled Poya day. Every newly built house or building has to be opened properly at anauspicious moment. In the building palm leaves are burned, coconut milk is boiled and itbrings good luck when the milk boils over to the East. In remembrance of the late Mrs.Somawathi Saparamadu each September an all night pirith ritual is held.Religion and way of livingIn general the Somawathi Home is a Buddhist Home The children are brought up in thisway of living. Most of the children come from Buddhist backgrounds, as 85% of the SriLankan people is Buddhist.The non-Buddhist children are raised in this tradition but are not forced to attend templeschool. They can decide for themselves once they’ve grown up which religion or way oflife they prefer.28