Beacon International School

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BEACON පුංචි අපේ Ice cream දන්සල

We are truly grateful to have the support of Words speech therapy by Buddhima Samaraweera to explore and plan new strategies of AAC at our school.

One important reminder we received from Ms. Yasuri was,

"Communication is a right"

And it is our responsibility as educators to provide multiple options to safeguard this right of EVERY child.

This is an important message for our special parents. Sometimes when our lives are overwhelmed with the daily challenges, mom and dad becomes just caregivers and we forget to care for us.

But it is very important to remember who we are beyond our child, beyond the challenges, not because we stop loving our child, but because *our children need a mom, a dad who takes care of themselves first* - remember the oxygen mask on airlines; you need your oxygen first, only then your child can be saved.

And as educators, as teachers we sometimes see it in our children. We can identify a child who comes from a happy home and a child who comes from a not so happy home.
Even if they don't speak a word.
They know!
They see your hearts!
And it shows up in many ways.

So take a moment today to check up on each other. If you are a single parent, ask yourself.

How can we be there for us?
How can we be gentle with us?
How can we stop being guilty about everything and accept our situation as it is?
Then do something about it. Talk. Reach out to a friend. Take a small break for yourself. Do something you enjoy.

As a mom with a special child myself. And as a single mum, I can assure you, you will see a difference in how you handle your situations once you start loving you too. The challenges become a little more bearable.

We can do this! 🌻
-- Ms. Ruwani

We are truly grateful for our partnership with AIESEC of University of Kelaniya and AIESEC Sri Lanka, and we look forward to welcoming more student volunteers to Beacon in the future.

By opening our doors to young people from around the world, we create more than just learning opportunities — we build understanding, compassion, and awareness about special needs education among the youth.

Every volunteer who walks through our doors becomes part of a journey of inclusion, acceptance, and hope, while also helping us share the voices and potential of the special needs community with the world.