Help write a bright future: “Pen A Life”
Without Borders' newest initiative is a fresh, innovative and fun concept that will, no doubt, pique the curiosity of visitors to the Colombo International Book Fair this September.
An undoubtedly feel good venture that will tug at the heartstrings of the visitors to the stall, this crowd writing event with a difference by Without Borders, was born in an attempt to prove that even the smallest deeds carried out with good intentions goes a long way. Spearheaded by Kavindya Tennekoon and Sakie Ariyawansa "Without Borders" needs no introduction. They have gained invaluable recognition for their social initiatives, not only in Sri Lanka, but also internationally.
With the "Pen a Life" campaign being their current focus, the Without Borders stall at the Colombo International Book Fair has been designed with comfort for the stalls visitors in mind - beanbags, lampshades and the like will help create the perfect ambience and setting for the campaign. Visitors to the stall will be presented with a book, "the sort that seems to have come from the middle ages" - a hardback with wrinkled, aged pages. The book contains an incomplete story - the story of Tharushi. Visitors to the stall are encouraged to read through her story to date, and partake in adding to it in the allotted space, thereby creating a bright future for "Tharushi". The compiled book will then be auctioned online, the proceeds of which will be used to enrich the lives of children like Tharushi.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror Life, Kavindya Tennekoon, Co-founder of Without Borders explained that “the core idea of putting together #PenALife was to bring out the idea that each and every one of us has the capacity to make a difference in the lives of others. There is an immensely diverse crowd that attends the book fair every year and we knew that this would be the ideal platform to promote the concept of service and social change. I also want to thank a very Special person Mr Janaka Inimankanda the CEO of Vidarshana Publications for giving us this opportunity and for helping us making this idea a reality.”
Ahalya Lelwala, Co-Project Chair for the event added, “We at Without Borders felt that it is the simpler things in life that make an impact worthwhile and we wanted to inspire others to see this too. "Heta Dawasa Panen" was the path we chose to do exactly that. It doesn't take a huge effort to change their lives for the better, but just spending a few minutes to write a mere sentence, you can help build and brighten their futures. I would like to thank all those who contributed to make this event possible. A big shout out goes to Mr. Janaka and the Without Borders team!”
The stall will be open to visitors from September 18-27 from 9am to 8pm at the Colombo International Book Fair. For more information and to learn how you can volunteer or donate, visit www.withoutborderslk.org.
By Rihaab Mowlana
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