Abstract, one of the main community service projects organized jointly by the Interact Clubs of Royal College and Bishop’s College took place to deliver smiles to 200 orphans on the 20th of June 2015 at the National Planetarium and the Royal College Junior Grounds. Initiated in the year 2000, this year Abstract happened for the 15th time with the catch phrase being ‘A magical escape’.

Since its inception Abstract has been organized using many different themes, though always with the ulterior motive of giving the orphans who attend it a carnival like atmosphere.

Abstract – an event dedicated solely towards the happiness of the orphans, happened this year as well in a grand scale. More than 200 orphans attended the day only to be surprised to a string of fun and games never witnessed before. The day started off with the orphans from various orphanages in the suburbs of Colombo entering the National Planetarium. The 10 O’ clock show at the Planetarium was the initial entertainment to the orphans also bringing them a sense of knowledge of extra terrestrial objects.

Right after the show the orphans arrived at the Royal College Union auditorium to enjoy a brief session of introduction and a video of what they had to look forward on the day. The hype being built, the orphans entered the Grounds for a much awaited lunch.

After a filling lunch and a refreshing ice cream, the orphans entered the games stations of the Junior Ground which was decorated much to their smile, laughter and joy. The committee consisting of 18 individuals, 9 each from Royal and Bishop’s had tirelessly worked for close to 3 months to bring this joy on to the faces of the orphans. Contrary to past years this Abstract witnessed a change never seen before. For the first time there were Carnival rides including Merry – Go- Rounds and Tea Cup rides and Train rides at the Grounds. This had been something which had been tried by many previous committees and this committee had the privilege of sorting out all the previous practicality issues, thus to bring a bigger smile on the faces on the underprivileged children. The day’s fun also included playing with Mascots such as Winnie the Pooh, Enjoying the mystery of a stilt walker, Enjoying a pony ride and also a cricket match with the Interactors for the older kids.

The games and rides brought about much joy and happiness in these young kids and the smiles which were as painted in their faces also brought smiles onto the faces of those who organized this event. As Games time came to an end much to the dismay of the orphans, it was time for a Musical Concert! The kids once again made their way to the Auditorium of the RCU Skills Center. What was at the other side of the games was almost as fun. Sarith and Surith the winners of ‘Poddanta Puluwan’ made the orphans get up from where they were sitting and to dance much to their joy. Also meanwhile, the Interactors from both schools brush in hand and all painted the faces of the orphans much to their delight. After a brief round of taking pictures with the ‘Akkas and Aiyas’ they were also handed over a photo to take home, a picture of probably their best day ever.

The concert ended with all the orphans coming on to the stage and dancing to the beat of ‘Baila’ from the DJ who was playing in the background. And then the Interactors joined the orphans in making this day the best of their lives by dancing with them.

It was 5pm and it was time for the orphans to leave. But, there was more. The Interactors presented the orphans with a goody bag and presents ranging from Toffees and Chocolates to Books and pencil cases and Water Bottles much to the delight of the young un’s. The smile which was created on their faces as soon as they entered the Grounds was Doubled and Tripled as a matter of fact, also to the delight of the Interactors who organized this event despite this event being of grand scale and organizing such an event being a daunting task. The orphans got onto their busses and waving in joy left college only paving the way thus, for another set of orphans to experience this magical day yet again next year.

Thus came to an end Abstract 2015, which brought smiles to all aspects of people concerned, those organizing it and those on the other side of it unfortunately to be called as orphans but fortunately to experience a day of such magic, joy and delight.