The Embassy of Egypt in Colombo launched their ‘iBelong’ programme, a social humanitarian programme that aims to create social inclusion for vulnerable groups in society. An initiative carried on by the vision of the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Maged Mosleh, the ‘iBelong’ programme connects with various foundations, homes and welfare centres across the island for an organized day of fun activities integrated with the participation of local celebrities and volunteers to drive forward the Ambassador’s vision and mission of social inclusion. 

While the social integration of diverse communities has progressed rapidly over the years, the progress has been uneven. Rising inequality based on differences in ethnicity, race, age, gender, disability and economic status continues to exclude and marginalize certain vulnerable groups. Confronted with the realities of the effects of exclusion and marginalization, the Ambassador hopes to promote real long-term inclusion with iBelong. “It’s important that these programmes are not one-off events but rather a continuous effort to bring about true social inclusion. We hope that the team of volunteers and celebrities that join us on these programmes will continue to carry on similar work that will ultimately create a chain of continuous efforts in promoting social inclusion, protection and accessibility.” 

The iBelong programme kicked off in April 2022 with a social programme hosted for the children of Meth Sevana in Dehiwala together with the volunteer partnership of students from Colombo University and Child Action Lanka and the presence of actress Yureni Noshika. 

Having joined iBelong in May for their second programme with the children of Don Bosco Boys Home – Maggona at Zahira College, we witnessed an activity day organized by volunteers and the Zahira College Prefect Team. The children, who started their morning off with a visit to the Dehiwala Zoo, spent the remainder of their day enjoying the entertainment put together by the prefects of Zahira College, getting their face painted and doing physical activities. Joining the boys on this day were cricket legends Roshan Mahanama and Chaminda Vaas as well as musician Sanka Dineth. 

“We can’t compromise on human values and humanity. When you join with programmes like these, it’s not about the crowd or yourself, its about focusing on giving these children the opportunity to engage in the things we had the privilege to; to receive the love, attention and inclusion we got growing up” shared Roshan Mahanama before joining the boys of Don Bosco for lunch. “You can’t get this satisfaction anywhere else. Whatever we do, even in a small way, has a big impact. It’s the least we can do. What we receive, we must also learn to give.” 

Hosting the Don Bosco boys for the day, the Principal of Zahira College A.R.M Triizvy Marikkar mused on the long relationship between the Egypt embassy and Zahira College of over 100 years and the school’s involvement in the iBelong programme. “Whether you are privileged or underprivileged, at the end of the day, we are all human and it was important for our students to learn that and understand the importance of inclusivity at their age. The board of prefects took initiative and organized the entire day and we want to continue to encourage our students to organize more programmes like today and drive forward the concept of inclusivity.” 

The Fathers at Don Bosco also expressed their gratitude towards the iBelong programme and the message of inclusivity, “Today was very inspiring and meaningful because they have applied love. Love means dedication and commitment and brings unity in diversity. We are so grateful to the Embassy and the college. These children need affection and love and they have really shown that today and for that, we are so thankful.” 

The Ambassador, His Excellency Maged Mosleh who was also present for the event concluded that he was ‘very happy’ with how the programme is being carried on. “The programme is inclusion and human fraternity, regardless of nationality, religion, background – it doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters in humanity. This is the message we wanted to put forward and that’s what we demonstrated here today where people of different backgrounds – students, volunteers, celebrities and children, got together to interact. This is what we have been witnessing so far with the programme and I’m very proud of what is being done.” 

Since then, the iBelong programme also conducted a visiting programme to the Eventide Elders Center in Dehiwala with volunteers to engage in a day of music and dancing, gardening and companionship. The iBelong programme continues to plan more events in the upcoming months.