Grade 6 Civic Education Textbook PDF

CIVIC EDUCATION Grade 6 Educational Publications Department To obtain textbooks in electronic medium www.edupub.gov.lk i First Print - 2014 Second Print - 2015 Third Print - 2016 Forth Print - 2017 Fifth Print - 2018 Sixth Print - 20...

CIVIC EDUCATION Grade 6 Educational Publications Department To obtain textbooks in electronic medium www.edupub.gov.lk i First Print - 2014 Second Print - 2015 Third Print - 2016 Forth Print - 2017 Fifth Print - 2018 Sixth Print - 2019 All Rights Reserved ISBN 978 - 955 - 25 - 0084 - 8 Published by Educational Publications Department Printed by S&S Printers (Pvt) Ltd. No. 49, Jayantha Weerasekara Mawatha, Colombo 10. ii iii iv  Being innovative, changing with right knowledge Be a light to the country as well as to the world. Message from the Hon. Minister of Education The past two decades have been significant in the world history due to changes that took place in technology. The present students face a lot of new challenges along with the rapid development of Information Technology, communication and other related fields. The manner of career opportunities are liable to change specifically in the near future. In such an environment, with a new technological and intellectual society, thousands of innovative career opportunities would be created. To win those challenges, it is the responsibility of the Sri Lankan Government and myself, as the Minister of Education, to empower you all. This book is a product of free education. Your aim must be to use this book properly and acquire the necessary knowledge out of it. The government in turn is able to provide free textbooks to you, as a result of the commitment and labour of your parents and elders. Since we have understood that the education is crucial in deciding the future of a country, the government has taken steps to change curriculum to suit the rapid changes of the technological world. Hence, you have to dedicate yourselves to become productive citizens. I believe that the knowledge this book provides will suffice your aim. It is your duty to give a proper value to the money spent by the government on your education. Also you should understand that education determines your future. Make sure that you reach the optimum social stratum through education. I congratulate you to enjoy the benefits of free education and bloom as an honoured citizen who takes the name of Sri Lanka to the world. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam Minister of Education v  Foreword The educational objectives of the contemporary world are becoming more complex along with the economic, social, cultural and technological development. The learning and teaching process too is changing in relation to human experiences, technological differences, research and new indices. Therefore, it is required to produce the textbook by including subject related information according to the objectives in the syllabus in order to maintain the teaching process by organizing learning experiences that suit to the learner needs. The textbook is not merely a learning tool for the learner. It is a blessing that contributes to obtain a higher education along with a development of conduct and attitudes, to develop values and to obtain learning experiences.\ The government in its realization of the concept of free education has offered you all the textbooks from grades 1-11. I would like to remind you that you should make the maximum use of these textbooks and protect them well. I sincerely hope that this textbook would assist you to obtain the expertise to become a virtuous citizen with a complete personality who would be a valuable asset to the country. I would like to bestow my sincere thanks on the members of the editorial and writer boards as well as on the staff of the Educational Publications Department who have strived to offer this textbook to you. W. M. Jayantha Wickramanayaka Commissioner General of Educational Publications Educational Publications Department Isurupaya Battaramulla. 10-04-2019 vi Monitoring and Supervision W.M. Jayantha Wickramanayaka - Commissioner General of Educational Publications Educational Publications Department Direction W.A. Nirmala Piyaseeli - Commissioner (Development) Educational Publications Department Co-ordination Dakshina Kasturiarachchi - Assistant Commissioner, Educational Publications Department Editor Board Vishaka Sooriyabandara - Senior Lecturer, University of Sri Jayewardenepura A.H.T. Thakshila Jayamini - Vice President, Ruhuna National College of Education S.V.Y. Kumari De Silva - Senior Lecturer, National Institute of Education R.M.P.A. Gunathilaka - Senior Lecturer, Siyana National Institute of Education, Palitha Aravinda Virakkodi - Assistant Commissioner, Educational Publications Department Dakshina Kasturiarachchi - Assistant Commissioner, Educational Publications Department Writer Board C.S.Jayasinha - Manager of Teacher Center - Horana Anoma Karunarathna - In Service Advisor, Zonal Education Office - Colombo M.K. Kingsli Priyantha - Senior Lecturer, College of Education College of Education J.M.M. Jayasundara - Teachers’ Service K.D.D. Percival - Retired Senior Lecturer, National Institute of Education. P.N. Nimesha Dilshni Dayarathne - Assistant Lecturer, University of Kelaniya Illustrations and Cover Page D. H. Mithila Udara - IT Unit Educational Publications Department Technical Assistance A. Asha Amali Weerarathna - IT Unit Educational Publications Department vii viii  Index Our School 01 - 39 The Region We Live in 40 - 60 A Good Citizen 61 - 91 ix  Our School 01 Introduction Apart from home, the environment that is most familiar to us is our school. The school performs an immense service in moulding us into good citizens possessing intelligence, quality and merit. The school is an institution that contributes not only to the development of the individual but also to the development of society. How much has the school influenced us in providing the competencies and skills necessary to contribute to the development of society as an active member? That is why we honour and respect the school since it produces a successful person to society. By studying this chapter you will get the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to identify your school, and work as an active, commendable member of society. Fig 1.1 for free distribution 1 Let us identify the school 1.1 History of our School Your family, your village and you have a history. Similarly, your school too has a history. History, is the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. What is meant by the history of a school is the study of its development from the day it was started up to the present day. "The source" is the common name that helps us to identify all the things in history. Given below are several sources that help you find information about the history of your school. ³ Plaques placed at various locations in the school ³ Old documents, pictures, and photographs in the city or village library ³ Retired principals and teachers ³ Documents maintained in the school (log-books, student admission registers, mark books, census reports) ³ Chiefs of places of religious worship ³ Past students The students of Grade 6 discussed to seek information regarding their school. For this purpose present students decided to invite the first student admitted to the school to get information from him or her. With the help of the teacher the students met the school principal to get information about the history of their school. They wanted to get particulars about the first student admitted to the school. The principal gave them the opportunity to examine the old admission register of the school. This is what had been entered in it about the first student to be admitted to the school. Admission Date of Name of student Date of birth Number admission M.A. Appuhamy 1930.01.30 01 1935.01.09 2 for free distribution The subject teacher was able to bring eighty year old Mr. M.A. Appuhamy to the school, with the help of the past students of the school and parents. Mr. Appuhamy who came to the school on the invitation of the teacher was received by the students with a sheaf of betel. The principal introduced the visitor amidst the applause of the students. After receiving Mr. Appuhamy, the subject teacher explained what the students wanted to know about the history of the school. Mr. Appuhamy revealed to the students details regarding the past of the school, in an interesting manner. ''My dear sons, daughters, I felt very happy when I Fig 1.2 came to this place. I remembered the day when I, as a child like you, was admitted to this school. As my parents told me, this school had been started in 1935 as a government school. That was for the children of the village who found it difficult to go to the school in the city. Those days, there were only two schools in the city. One was a missionary school. The other was a Buddhist school. There were not many families in the village. There were only about twenty families residing here. Most of the people in the village were farmers by occupation. There were potters also. My father was a businessman.There were carters and chena cultivators. There were also children who did not attend school, in the village. The children of the rich people of the village went to the schools in the city. But it was not that easy to go to the city as now. It took quite a long time to get to the city along the gravel road, by buggy cart. Most people walked to the city. This school was first started by Mr. M.A. Bandara, on a small block of land at the end of the bazaar that belonged to my father. It was a small cadjan thatched, wattle and daub room. The teacher was Mr. Sekara Vidanarachchi. After leaving a little space for the staff room, the rest was used for the school. I was the first student to be admitted. Afterwards, about fourteen students were admitted to the school, from time to time. The small building in the distance was where the school was located at first. for free distribution 3  ''Studying along with me in the same class were Pelis, Shanmugam, Dingiri Banda, Uma, Piyasena and Cader. Later, various philanthropists donated lands and buildings. We got desks and chairs. Till then, we studied sitting on long benches. Later, more children came and the number of teachers increased. Later, our school was made a Central College. It was only after that we got large buildings, laboratory and other facilities. ''Not only children of the village, clever children from neighbouring areas too came to this school for further education. I too entered university. The school produced academics and professionals who rendered an effective service to the country. On completion of my university education, I was appointed to this same school as a teacher.'' ''On the first day, I assumed duties, the principal introduced me at the morning assembly as a brilliant student of this school. Later, I became the principal of the school. The school today is more developed than it was at our time. It will improve further in future. My request to all of you is to be one like me, who can speak with pride about your school" saying this Mr. Appuhamy concluded his speech. All the students applauded with pleasure. On the following day, during the Citizenship Education period the students discussed with the teacher what they had learned from Mr. Appuhamy. The teacher's view was that further information could be gathered from the documents available in the school. The documents were examined, with the permission of the principal. Much of the facts available were correct. The students felt really proud of their school.   Activity 1 1. Your school too has a history as the above school. Based on the sources that helped you to find the history of your school, answer the following questions. (i) What reason initiated to start your school? (ii) When was your school started? (iii) Name the pioneers who strated the school. 4 for free distribution 02. Complete the table below in relation to your school. At the beginning At Present Name of your school Land area Name of principal Number of buildings Number of staff members Number of students 03. i Write the names of brilliant students produced by your school and the fields where they excelled. ii Select one of them and write an article to the notice board appreciating the service rendered by him/her. 04. Having identified the sources that can be used to learn history, prepare an article for the wall paper regarding the history of your school. 1.2 Let us inquire on the organizational structure of the school The organizational structure of the school is the manner in which the administration and the developmental affairs of the school are organized. This organizational structure may change according to the number of students and the teachers in the school. In your school too, there is an organizational structure. Rough plan of a school organizational structure Students Class Monitors Prefects Teachers - in - charge of Grades Deputy Principal Past Students Principal School Development Committee for free distribution 5    Activity 2 1. Answer the following questions based on school organizational structure. (i). What is the main designation related to the administration of the school? (ii).Why is an administrative structure necessary for a school? Write 02 reasons. 2. Prepare a chart showing the administrative structure of your school. The different roles of the school administrative structure Teachers Deputy / Assistant Principal Sectional Student Prefects Head Principal Non - Academic Staff Diagram 1.1 Responsibilities and duties of the members of school (Role of the principal) ² Act as the head of the school and pilot of educational activities. ² Admission of students, their assignment into classes and assignment of teachers. ² Preparation of time tables and organization of classroom teaching activities. ² Launching of activities related to the development and welfare of the staff. ² Implementation of the curriculum and its development. ² Supervision of teaching. ² Evaluation of teachers. ² Supervision of students' evaluation and discipline 6 for free distribution ² As the Head of the school ³ Implementation of the rules and regulations of the ministry and being responsible to the ministry about them. ³ Uplift the level of the school keeping close relationships with parents, past students, external community and institutions. ³ Acquisition of equipment and sports material necessary for the school and providing the space for their use. ² Teachers ³ Inculcating decipline and decorum ³ Provide proper guidance to students for character development. ³ Co - operation with all members of the school society and functioning with commitment. ³ Development of knowledge, attitudes and skills relevant to the subject. ³ Working in conformity with accepted norms, regulations and values. ³ Contributing to the educational and physical development of the school. ³ Conducting school term tests and submitting marks. ³ Implementing School Based Assessments. ³ Maintaining a pleasant environment within the classroom. ³ Treating all students equally. ³ Involving students in good acts and introducing them to society. ² Non-academic staff ³ Assisting the principal and the staff to implement school activities. ³ Assisting in the provision of facilities to the students for their educational activities. for free distribution 7  ³ Assisting in the maintenance of cleanliness and beauty of the school garden. ³ Assisting security activities. ³ Maintaining goodwill with students. ² Students ³ Attending school daily. ³ Diligent involvement in studies. ³ Respecting the principal and the staff. ³ Co-operating and maintaining cordial relations with other students of the school. ³ Behave to safeguard the dignity of the school. ³ Safeguard rules, regulations and.traditions and maintain discipline of the school. ³ Safeguarding the resources of school. ³ Assisting the systematic maintenance and cleanliness of the school environment. When the duties and responsibilities mentioned above are fulfilled by individuals, it will greatly help raise the quality and the development of the school.   Activity 3 Meet three of the following and write three functions assigned to each of them. I. Principal or Deputy Principal II. Sectional Head III. Class Teachers IV. Prefects   Activity 4 1) Based on the diagram below, name the various organizations in the structure of your school. 2) Give three functions performed by each of them. 8 for free distribution  School Sports Development Committee Committee Welfare Other Committee Other roles within the school Board of Scouting structure Prefects Committee Discipline Environmental Committee Religious Committee Committee Diagram 1.2 1.3. I myself enquire information regarding me As a student of the school, the facts given in the diagram will help you to identify your self correctly. My personal information (one’s identity) Obstacles and challenges I face in life My skills Good My characteristics I Weaknesses possess Diagram 1.3 1.3.1. WHO AM I? Every citizen has an identity. In order to recognize your identity as a student, answer the questions below. for free distribution 9    Activity 5 (1) Your full name :................................ Your age :................................ Your address :................................ Date of admission to school :................................ Admission number given to you :............................... (2) To confirm the accuracy of information, mark " " in the box given. 1. The way you confirmed the correctness of your full name. Father Mother Guardian Class teacher Birth certificate 2. The way you confirmed the correctness of your age Father Mother Guardian Birth certificate Class teacher A family member/relation Counting 3. The way you confirmed the correctness of your address Father Mother Family members School From the electoral register Grama Niladari 4. The way you confirmed the correctness of your date of admission Father Mother Guardian Attendance register Class teacher Attendance register 10 for free distribution 5. The way you confirmed the correctness of your admission number Class teacher Admission register Attendance register   Activity 6 1) Enter your personal information and complete the given bio-data. Bio-data 1. Name with initials :............................................... 2. Data of birth :............................................... 3. Age on January 1st this year :............................................... Years Months Days 4. Private address :............................................... 5. Telephone No. (If available) :............................................... 6. Name and address of informant in an emergency :............................................... (His/her phone No. if available) 7. Name of your school :...................................... 8. Address of your school :...................................... 9. School telephone number :...................................... 10. Date of admission to school :...................................... 11. Distance to your residence from school :............................................................................................................................ Date Signature You are an extra special individual. No one on earth is equal to you. You should be your own self. That is your identity. for free distribution 11 One's good qualities Sewwandi, a grade 6 student of Nelum class of Wewegama Junior school, wrote down her good qualities as follows. Respect others Patience Kind Simple The Good Qualities I Truthful Possess Disciplined Honest Happy Diagram 1.4   Activity 7 1. Identify good qualities you possess as shown above and write them. 2. Write the instances you really exhibited your good qualities mentioned above. eg :- Truthfulness: Telling the teacher, the true reason for getting late to school. Showing one's skills Fig 1.3 - An instance to show Fig 1.4 - A boy wining the high-jump learning as a skill event at a Provincial Sports meet 12 for free distribution  Fig 1.5 - A group of students exhibiting Fig 1.6 - A group of students preparing their aesthetic abilities. cool drinks to serve at a primary school sportsmeet. Fig 1.7 - Grade 6 students helping small students in the primary school sportsmeet   Activity 8 Create an exhibit to show your talents using left overs, clay or young cadjan leaves. Think of the points below in order to identify the talents you possess. 1. What are the talents you have displayed? 2. What are the instances where you had been a winner? 3. What are the creations you have made? 4. Have you identified the talents of others? 5. What are the words you used to show your appreciation of those talents? 6. What are the abilities others feel you possess? 7. For which talent of yours do others praise you? 8. What did you feel when others praised you? for free distribution 13  Focus your attention on the life story of a great Sri Lankan who utilized his talents in his childhood, to conquer life. Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara Christopher William Wijekoon Kannangara was born on the 13th of October 1884 in the village of Randomba situated between Balapitiya and Ambalangoda. He lost his mother, at the age of six, but his step-mother treated him well. Showing many talents in his childhood, he got his primary education from Randombe Fig 1.8 Wesley Missionary School. At a prize giving of the school, little Kannangara received many prizes from the chief guest, Rev. J. H. Darel, the principal of Richmond College. When C.W.W. Kannangara was 14 years old he won a scholarship to Richmond College. He received free board and lodging with facilities for education. Being quite satisfied with these facilities he focused his attention completely on studies, utilizing the facilities to the maximum. He never expected special privileges. It might have been because of the tough experiences that he had to face during his schooling that made up his mind to bring relief to the under privileged children of Sri Lanka. Being a very clever student, he scored the highest marks in Mathematics at the Cambridge Senior Examination of 1903. He was the leader of the school cricket team and a member of the football team. He was famous as a talented debater and an actor at school. He served as a teacher at the Richmond college. Serving as a teacher at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa and Wesley College, he studied law. He joined the legal profession in 1910. While practising as a lawyer he was involved in social work and politics. In 1923 he became a member of the State Council representing the Galle District. In 1931 C.W.W.Kannangara was reelected as a member of the State Legislative Council and he was the president of Sri Lanka Jathika Sangamaya as well. 14 for free distribution  He was the president of the executive committee on education of the state council and became the first Minister of Education in 1931. He was the pioneer of free education in Sri Lanka. C.W.W. Kannangara paved the path to all children to obtain free education from primary to university level while establishing Central Colleges and vernacular education system in Sri Lanka. Thus, C.W.W. Kannangara performed a dedicated service for the betterment of Sri Lankan education. As gratitude to his devoted service he was called the Father of Free Education of Sri Lanka. One's own life experience Life experiences others possess From within the family or through social groups one represents By participating oneself with various training programs implemenated in society. Methodologies that can be Through the use of electronic media,(Video utilized for the development clips, internet, TV Programs, Radio of the abilities and talents Programmes that individuals possess Obtaining knowledge and experiences of veterans in various fields of skill Newspapers Observing the experiences of others and acting creatively Refering to and the study of books and writings relevant to one's field of abilities Diagram 1.5   Activity 9 1.Collect information on several local as well as foreign individuals who made life successful through their talents and with the help of the teacher complete the grid below by writing the fields in which they exhibited their talents. for free distribution 15 Name Field in which talent was exhibited Talent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2. Prepare a booklet containing information on the life of one of the individuals above. 3. Write your talents as a student. 4. Present to the class information on a skill of a particular friend that you appreciate. Have you identified your own talents? What should you do to develop these talents@ ³ Identify what you can and what you like to do for doing it better. ³ Display your talent where and when appropriate and thereby build self-confidence in you. ³ Understand that your talents are important for the progress of society and improving them. ³ Realize that you can get the maximum use of your skills through the awareness of the nature of life and connect them with your own skills. By excluding the things that are difficult for you or those you do not like, you can build up the aims of your life according to your talents and abilities One's Weaknesses Here are some weaknesses written down on the blackboard by the students of grade 6 '' Araliya'' class. 16 for free distribution  Teasing friends Suspicion Harassing others The story of a child who made a habit of telling lies In a certain village there was a child who herded cattle. This boy who made telling lies a habit took his herd to a lawn in the middle of a forest for grazing. One day he began to scream....."Oh the tiger is here, please save me." Some people who were cutting firewood in the forest, ran to the place where the child was screaming. Then the boy stopped screaming and laugh sarcastically, He said, "Oh! You got fooled, hoo, hoo, you got fooled!" A few days later, this child began to scream as on the previous day from the middle of the forest," screaming the tiger is here, please save me!... That day too the people who heard him came running and realized that they had been fooled once again. They felt ashamed. On another day, when this boy was grazing the cattle a tiger actually came towards him, growling. The child continued to scream....." the tiger has come,.....oh save me." Although the men who had come to the forest heard this cry they did not pay much heed nor did they go towards where the cry came from. Next day the people of the village came to know that the boy who went to herd the cattle had actually been attacked by the tiger. The one who tells lies cannot be believed even when he is telling the truth. As shown above, you too may have weaknesses. You, yourself must identify your weaknesses before others point them out to you. for free distribution 17 Actions to be taken to minimize one's weaknesses ³ Identification of own weaknesses ³ Be humble enough to accept one's weaknesses when others point them out to you. ³ Determine to minimize one's weaknesses as much as possible. ³ Take action to see that the identified weaknesses do not re-occur again.   Activity 10 1. Complete the following grid with the guidance of your teacher. One's own weaknesses Action that may be taken to minimize them. 1 2 3 4 5 2' Write out the disadvantages you faced because of these weaknesses. Obstacles and Challenges you face As a student, you may have faced challenges when involved in your educational activities. These may be various challenges such as economic difficulties, failure of others to respect your identity, failure to get leadership, failure of others to accept you, pressure from rebellious students etc. Every individual has to face challenges in life. You should believe that every challenge can be converted to strength that promotes success in life. Individuals who overcome challenges have become successful individuals, in the world. 18 for free distribution Let us focus attention on information regarding an individual who faced challenges and conquered life. Senaka Bibile, born on the 13th of February 1920 A.D. made Kathaluwa Ahangama in the district of Galle, his home. He, who entered Trinity College, Kandy for his basic education faced a childhood full of wants and needs. On completing primary and secondary education he entered Fig 1.9 the medical faculty of the Colombo University. Being an extremely clever student he won the gold medal for medicine and gold medal for surgery, a rare achievement for a student. In 1954 he became the head of the pharmacology department setup for the first time at the faculty of medicine. He was the first professor of pharmacology. His main objective in life was to offer low - price pharmaceuticals to patients. In order to achieve this objective he became the founder of the State Osusala. His policy was to import the pharmaceuticals with the help the government and distribute them through the State Osusala. He emphasized the importance of using the original name of the drug instead of its commercial name. The drug policy he introduced was highly recognized and appreciated by the World Health Organization. During the latter part of his life, while on a trip to popularize his principle of providing essential drugs to patients at affordable rates in third world countries, he passed away in Ghana. for free distribution 19    Activity 11 1. Identify the obstacles/challenges, you face. Write out what kind of action you would take to overcome them. 2. Considering the example given below, complete the following table. Challenges How you Its outcome you faced faced them To you To the To your members of school your family e.g: Failure Inculcating Developing Be proud of Be diligent to become leadership self yourself to be a class qualities confidence student monitor in you with real leadership qualities You should know that there are different ways to face the challenges and should understand to follow them. Opportunities provided by the school for one's development Knowledge, attitudes, skills and habits you acquire in school are of immense help to exist as a good citizen. The school provides you with subject knowledge and awareness. Similarly, while providing you with opportunities where such talents can be exhibited, it trains co-existance. 20 for free distribution Opportunities provided by the school for your development. Fig 1.10 Fig 1.11 Involvement in a Shramadana campaign Involvement in classroom learning Fig 1.12 Fig 1.13 Engaging in free activities under A felicitation ceremony for teacher guidence teachers   Activity 12 Answer the questions below based on the pictures given above. (Get the assistance of the subject teacher for this purpose.) i. What are the advantages you get as a student by participating in the above functions? ii. Write an article to a wall newspaper about the contribution made by your school for the development of your character as a student. iii. On the topic "The school is like a mother protecting us", write a few verses or an article to the school magazine. for free distribution 21  As a student you should have noble objectives for your success in life. It is very important that these objectives are good and fruitful. Inculcation of wholesome aims contributes not only for you but for the social progress as well. What types of wholesome aims should you possess for the success of your life as a Grade 6 student? ³ Obtaining over 80 marks in each subject. ³ Cultivation of leadership skills. ³ Getting the opportunity to participate in sports on behalf of your school. ³ Development of the ability to use second languages in addition to mother tongue. ³ Development of the ability to use the computer. If it is difficult to achieve these goals, alternate paths should be used where necessary. When one path is closed, another path will open for you. What you should do is to be vigilant in that regard. Sometimes, when pursuing goals, we may encounter challenges or make mistakes. In order to face such situations it is necessary that, we develop qualities such as self-confidence, will power, interest, commitment, as an interest in minimizing our weaknesses. Actions that can be taken to achieve your goals ² Read supplementary books related to subjects. ² Watch educational programmes. ² Proper use of textbooks. ² Exchange knowledge and experience. ² Improve inborn talents by engaging in sports and co-curricular activities. 22 for free distribution 1.4 Let us work to a plan Planning is essential for life. Planning is the implementation of segments of tasks within a time-frame in order to carry out the task more effectively. Learning to perform one's tasks orderly and systematically, is very important for a student both at home and school. What can be done to getting up in the morning and going to school at the proper time? e.g - Before going to bed, arrange the books according to the time table, keep the school uniforms ready and get up early. Realize Save time objectives Facilitate task Ensure Advantages happiness derived through planning and Minimize organization problems Develop self Use resources confidence frugally Reduce mental stress Diagram 1.6   Activity 13 1. Prepare a timetable of your daily tasks which help you as a student to get the maximum use of time available. Given below are the characteristics of a student who is systematic and those of a student who is unsystematic. Systematic Unsystematic Works systematically Neglects essential steps Makes maximum use of time Habitually late Achieves one's goals Possibilities for regret Free from mental stress Works under mental stress Wins challenges easily Difficult to face challenges for free distribution 23 Assisting planning and implementing of cleanliness of the school and classroom. Given below are some points which you should pay attention to. Prepare a program that can be carried out in order to keep the classroom tidy and orderly. ³ Survey of the material available for use in the classroom. ³ Identify and make a list of shortages. ³ Collect suggestions to maintain proper cleanliness and order. ³ Prioritize suggestions. ³ Programme and implement the suggestions.   Activity 14 Taking the above points into consideration, prepare a program to be implemented in order to maintain the front area of Grade 6 classroom in a pleasant manner. By working according to a plan, on various occasions, in the school or in the classroom, that task can be performed with greater success and minimum oversights. Form into several groups, select one of the topics given below and prepare a suitable plan. ² At a sportsmeet ² At a felicitation ceremony for teachers ² At a prize-giving ² Children's Day commemoration ² At a concert School Culture The rules and regulations, traditions, customs and emblem representing the school are part of the school culture. 24 for free distribution  Reasons for the need of rules and regulations to a school ³ To build a good learning environment in the school. ³ To administer the school systematically. ³ To make disciplined students. ³ To safeguard the rights of the school community properly. ³ To safeguard the identity of the school. When taking the above into consideration, you will realize that the rules in the school are there for your own benefit. In order to conform well the rules of the schools, you have to master them. Loyalty will safeguard your dignity. As a student you are entitled to numerous rights. To enjoy the rights properly and to perform your duties with that regard safeguarding the rights of your fellow student, you are to adhere to the rules and regulations of the school. If you are law-abiding it contributes to the well-being of the school. A few rules and regulations of the school regarding students ² Attend school regularly. ² Arrive at school in time. ² Dress in the school uniform. ² Stay in school during school hours. ² Follow the time table during studies. ² Be obedient to the principal and teachers and respect them. ² Be obedient to leadership. ² Safeguard the traditions of the school. Traditions observed in the school Customs and conventions that have existed in the school systems for a long time are considered traditions. Traditions, rules and regulations in the school are very important. Therefore, you should be aware of the traditions that are followed in the school. You should be familiar with these traditions. There are traditions unique to your school followed at the morning assembly and at the end of session. for free distribution 25  There are traditions observed from a long time on the tailoring of the school uniform. At school prize giving, at inter-house sportsmeets, there are traditions unique to each school. Discuss with your subject teacher, and understand the traditions that are followed in your school. Importance of safeguarding traditions ² Building discipline in students. ² Producing a group endowed with self respect. ² Safeguarding the identity of the school. ² Handing them over to the future generation of students.   Activity 15 ² Write down two rules and regulations and two traditions of your school. ² Prepare a code of rules suitable for your class. Emblems representing the identity of the school Motto The motto of the school is designed as an example in moulding the lives of students. Discuss the meaning of your school motto. Make your school motto an example for your life. It will serve you to make your future a success.   Activity 16 ² Write out the motto of your school. ² Explain its meaning in brief. School Crest The school crest is important as a symbol representing the identity of the school. 26 for free distribution  and car Symbols and colours are used for the school are e Sh crest. Symbols like the oil lamp, the sun are included in most school crests. Pay attention to the colours and symbols in your school crest. Discuss them with your teacher. Vid a ya lay Nike ya thana Vid Situations where the school crest is used ² School uniform ² Stationery of the school ² Books and publications of the school ² To imply the ownership of the school ² To denote the identity of the school   Activity 17 ² Produce a model of your school crest using material easily available to you. ² Explain what the colours and symbols in it stand for. ² Trace instances where the crest of your school had been used. School Flag The school flag is another symbol that an represents the identity of your school. The iketh a Vid aN school flag comprises of various colours ya y id la V ya and symbols. You may have seen that certain school flags are designed including the school crest and motto. Fig 1.14 The colours and symbols in a school flag have been used in order to represent various ideas. Inquire from your teacher what the colours and symbols in the flag of your school represent. for free distribution 27 Situations when the school flag is used. ² At the morning assembly of the school. ² At the inter-house sportsmeet. ² At other functions held in the school. The way to postures when the school flag is raised. ² One should face the flag standing at attention. ² Raise the school flag with dignity. ² Everybody should join in singing the school anthem. As the school flag is a symbol representing your school, it should always be the focus of your respect.   Activity 18 ² Draw your school flag. ² Name the colours and symbols in it and describe in short what they represent. School Anthem Every school has a school anthem. It is a symbol that denotes the identity of the school. The mission of the school anthem ² Generate views in the minds of students regarding the service rendered to the nation by the school. ² Develop respect, pride and love for the school. ² Depict the identity of the school. Recall your school anthem and its meaning. In most school anthems it can be noticed that the school is addressed as '' Mother ''. Instances where the school Anthem is sung ² Commencement of school. ² On special functions of the school. ² At inter-house sportsmeets. Recall instances where the school anthem is sung in your school. 28 for free distribution The way and the posture to sing the school anthem ² Singing the school anthem to the tune. ² Singing the school anthem in a manner to show pride and respect. ² Standing at attention. ² Not to be involved in any other task when singing the school anthem. Train yourself to sing the school anthem to tune, standing at attention.   Activity 19 ² Write the meaning of your school anthem, in simple language. ² Quote the words in your school anthem that imply good qualities like unity, service rendered by the school to society. ² Collect the anthems of two of your neighboring schools and discuss their meanings with the help of your teacher. Vision of the school Given below is the vision of a school. Read it well. Try to understand its meaning. Vision of our school Gifting to society a set of students, endowed with wisdom and abilities. Discuss with your teacher the ''Vision'' of your school and try to understand its meaning. You will realize that the ''Vision'' expresses its aims it proposes to achieve in the future. When you complete your education well and enter society as a good citizen, the ''Vision'' of the school is achieved. Mission Statement Consult your teacher and find out where the mission statement of your school is displayed. Read the mission statement well and note it down in your exercise book. Get the help of your teacher for its meaning. for free distribution 29  It is you, students who receive the service of the school. The mission performed by your school for you is expressed in the mission. When that mission is successful, the ability to gift good citizens to the country is achieved. The service rendered by the school to society is immense. Given below is a statement highlighting its value and importance. '' The opening of a single school results in closing one prison'' This expression states that the school gifts good citizens to society.   Activity 20 ² Extract the vision of your school according to the instructions of your teacher and note it in your exercise book. Inquire about its meaning. ² Inquire from a friend of yours studying in another school about the ''Vision'' of that school and note it down in your exercise book. Inquire about the meaning. School Uniform The school uniform is very important because it represents the culture of the school. A uniform is used by all students in schools. Every year the government provides material free to students for their uniforms. Each school has a uniform specific to it. And also, it helps represent the identity of that school. Tailoring of the uniform according to proper standards is not only the identity of the school but it is also the law. Similarly, it not only represents the identity of the school but also displays an appearance of uniformity among students. What the uniform expresses is the identity of your school. Therefore, once you are dressed in the uniform of your school, you have to safeguard its honour. 30 for free distribution    Activity 21 ² Draw a picture of your school uniform. 1.6 Let us do our duties and accept our responsibilities while enjoying our rights As a member of the school community, everybody in the school takes action to ensure that you get the rights below. These are your rights as a member of the school. ² The right to education. ² The right for the development of one's talents. ² The right to security. ² The right to equality. ² The right to express one's ideas. ² The right to associate with one's peers in school. ² The right to safeguard one's identity. As a student you have the right to be provided with all facilities necessary to carry out your educational activities. The government provides additional things to safeguard your rights and for the development of your abilities. Here are some examples. ² Provision of free education. ² Provision of free school textbooks. ² Provision of free uniform material. ² Provision of laboratory facilities. ² Provision of sports materials. ² Provision of library facilities. ² Provision of computer facilities. ² Provision of language labs. While enjoying your rights, you should pay attention to meeting your responsibilities. Meeting your responsibilities in this manner results in further confirmation of your rights. Education is a right of yours. Being properly involved in your educational activities, being disciplined, being law-abiding, working on par with other students, are your duties. Similarly, acting so as to for free distribution 31 safeguard the rights of other students, is one of your duties. Prevention of your friends from involvement in undesirable activities is not only your duty but also your responsibility. Similarly you are expected to protect the school properties as it is your duty. Being obedient to teachers and respecting them are responsibilities of yours. While you have the right to security within the school, it is your duty to safeguard that rights of other students. Contributing to the protection of the environment you live in is a duty of yours. You should take interest in keeping your classroom clean and tidy. Similarly, you should contribute to the maintenance of a clean school environment. The school community is a diverse community. The school society is made up of students of various age levels. There are students who are older than you as well as students who are younger than you studying in your school. Similarly, there will be students who belong to different ethnic groups studying there. There could be students of various religions studying. It is most important that you consider them as children of the same mother and treat everybody with a sense of brotherhood. In spite all such diversities, all the members of the school community are entitled to equal rights. Acting in a manner that safeguards the rights of everyone is a duty you have to carry out.   Activity 22 ² Complete the table below with the guidance of your teacher. (An example of a duty related to a right has been provided.) Your rights as a student Duties related to these rights Presenting one's views Respecting the views of others. Receiving education....................................... Being secure in school....................................... Improving one's abilities....................................... 32 for free distribution 1.7 Implementing duties between teachers and students The existence of cordial relations between teachers and students greatly influences the success of the education of students. Your commitment in the implementation of your duties by your teachers contributes to the maintenance of teacher-pupil relations at a level of excellence. Your duties by your teachers ³ Involvement in your studies with commitment. ³ Helping and supporting when and where necessary. ³ Accepting the advice and instructions of your teachers and acting accordingly. ³ Behaving decently. ³ Respecting and being obedient to the teacher. Duties and responsibilities of teachers by their students Functioning with commitment to provide you with a good education is the most important responsibility of your teachers by you. Making all of you good, virtuous students is the duty and responsibility of teachers. For this purpose, your teachers would be giving you a lot of advice. The objective here is the development of the skills necessary to spend a wholesome and good social life in the future. Your teachers will also take action to ensure your security and safety. Your conformity to such action will ensure your safety and security. Similarly, your teachers will take action to provide you with guidance and advice in the solution of the problems you face in your day to day life. It is possible that in your pursuit of activities related to your education you have to face certain problems. Similarly, even in the pursuit of your day to day activities in life, there can arise situations that are problematic. Even in such situations, your teachers will provide you with guidance and advice on how to face them and overcome them. for free distribution 33  It is your teachers who spot out your talents and make a tremendous effort to sharpen them for you and introduce you to society. Therefore, it is your duty to determine to safeguard the honour and dignity of your teachers, avail yourself of their services and become an effective individual for your country. The responsibilities of students by their peers in school As a member of the school community, you should pay attention to perform your duties and responsibilities by your peers in school. Co - operation, equal consideration for the others, engaging in good deeds, helping in need, caring for the younger students and maintaining good behaviour as a model for them are your main responsibilities.   Activity 23 ² List the duties that you have to carry out for your teachers. ² Make a list of responsibilities you owe to your colleagues. 1.8. The bond between the school and society The school is considered an essential institution that takes action to satisfy the needs anticipated by society. Various relationships that exist between the school and society Diagram 1.7 34 for free distribution  There are various groups of people and organizations that maintain good relations with the school. The school maintains good relationship in numerous ways with these groups. The diagram above contains such relationships. When mutual relations are maintained between the school and society, service is rendered by society to the school and by the school to society ³ Producing good citizens ³ Improving literacy of the public ³ Training of future leaders ³ Providing education to children and guiding them to lead a good life ³ Transforming children into law-abiding individuals ³ Exhibiting children's talents ³ Giving messages to the community ³ Providing resources in the school for the needs of society Importance of sending children to school Learning to observe health habits The messages conveyed to the neighbouring Observing good habits community by the school Importance of proper nutrition Importance of safeguarding the environment Diagram 1.8 Services rendered by society to the school ³ Assisting in the development activities of the school. ³ Safeguarding the property of the school. ³ Getting the services provided by the neighbouring organizations. for free distribution 35  ³ Participating in the various festivals of the school. ³ Taking action to have the cultural heritage and social values introduced to the school curriculum. ³ Educating the school on good hygienic methods and modern technological techniques. Let us learn about ways in which the school maintains relations with the community Action is being taken, under the ongoing school development programs to get the other people associated with the school to join the internal staff for the development of the school. Their goals are as below: ³Provide a good education to all ³Inculcate the positive feeling of ''School is ours'' among the students, teachers, principal and the community. ³Optimum use of resources. ³Identify the particular needs of every student. ³Ensure flexibility of the activities of the school (School Development and Management Committees have been appointed to achieve these goals.) School Development Committee This committee comprises, the representatives of past students, parents, academic staff and a representative of the zonal education office. The principal is the presiding member of the committee The objective of this committee is to develop the school through receiving and using necessary resources. This provides opportunities to build up relationships between the school and the community and share the experience among all. The issues prevailing are resolved by self - motivation and self-direction by all. Past student’s society and well-wishers It is essential for the development of a school that it maintains constant relations with its past students. Through this, close relationship 36 for free distribution is developed between the principal, staff and the present students. Past students can be useful to the school in numerous ways like in obtaining school buildings and equipment, provision of mid-day meals for students, advisory services, obtaining support for festivals held in the school etc. As such, every school takes an interest in the development of these relations. Parents, past pupils and well- wishers make a contribution for the development of the school by providing contributions and involving in tasks like shramdana campaigns, assisting in the maintenance of the cleanliness of the school, its beautification and repair of the premises. All these relations are mutually useful to the school and the neighbourhood community. Maintaining relations with representatives of the public Funds necessary for the sections of the school that require improvement and acquisition of equipment are released by the Central Government and the Provincial Council on the recommendations of the people's representative. By getting people's representatives to associate with the school the opportunities for the development of the school increases. Service rendered to the school by society Fig 1.15 Fig 1.16 A shramadana campaign A medical clinic conducted in a school in a school. for free distribution 37 For the school - community relations to continue well, the school should remain open to society. For example, ² Use of the assembly hall of the school, grounds buildings for community services. ² To conduct health camps. ² Education of the community regarding contemporary health, social and environmental problems through educational campaigns. How the community is harnessed for the activities of the school 1 Utilization of physical resources that can be obtained from the community for the development of the school. 2. Obtaining the services of various resource persons endowed with knowledge and skills for the development of the school. For example, inviting the ayurvedic physician of the area to the school and educating the students on traditional cures and medicines. The schools which have a safe and clean Fig 1.17 environment and sanitary facilitiesareconsidered as the child-friendly school. There, everyone respects each other's rights. Everyone receives equal respect despite their economic problems, disabilities, diseases, race and religion. Such schools that safeguard children's basic rights can be identified as the child-friendly schools. Features of child-friendly schools ³Provided with water and other sanitary facilities ³Have a safe learning environment ³Have a pleasant class room environment 38 for free distribution  ³Have a student-centered learning and teaching system ³Teachers willingly change their teaching methods to meet the difference of the students ³Get the support of the community in the planning and managing school affairs Every child is a special child. The Child Friendly School shoulders the onerous task of maximising the special potentials of their students to produce and gift to the country human resources essential for the development of the land. Quoted from : Child Friendly School, Primary Education Branch, Ministry of Education   Activity 24 1.) Prepare a handout for the education of the community, based on your investigation of human activities that promote destruction of the environment of your region. 2.) There are two groups from which the contribution of society can be obtained; Past Students’ Society and Parents' Circle. I. Write three tasks that the Past Students’ Society can perform' II. Write a short description of the service rendered to the school by the Parents’ Circle' SUMMARY Having studied this unit you would have understood the following. ² That self understanding and management contribute to the development of characters. ² The importance of the school culture and adherence to it. ² Your duties and rights as a member of the school. ² That it is possible for the mutual co–operation between the school and the community outside be made to contribute to the development of the school and the community. ² That the co–operation of the community outside can be obtained for the benefit of the school. for free distribution 39  The Region We Live 02 in Sri Lanka is an island blessed with beautiful gifts of nature. Its fertile land, valuable natural resources, conducive climate, decent people and its proud history generate immense pride in us. When thinking of the region you live in, you may have the good fortune to claim that it is gifted with one or more of the assets mentioned above. This chapter will guide you to study about where your area is situated and the institutions and the people that/who help you. The location of the region we live in and its administrative system Country (Sri Lanka) Province District Divisional Secretariat Grama Niladhari's Division Home Diagram.2.1 Administrative Units of Sri Lanka Let us get to know the Grama Niladhari's Division According to the administrative divisions of our country, the smallest administrative unit is the Grama Niladhari’s division. By joining one or more villages the Grama Niladhari’s division is made. The officer in charge of this is the Grama Niladhari. He functions as the officer maintaining liaison between the people of the village and information. 40 for free distribution    Activity 01 ³ Complete the table below. 1. Grama Niladhari’s Division your house belongs to Name: No: 2. Grama Niladhari’s Division your school belongs to Name: No: Divisional Secretariat our region belongs to The administrative unit developed by joining several Grama Niladharis’ divisions is the Divisional Secretariat. Its head is the Divisional Secretary. He/She is the authority responsible for all the official activities of all the Grama Niladhari Divisions in his region of authority, with the government.   Activity 02 ³ What is the name of the Divisional Secretary’s Division your region belongs to? District to which our region belongs The administrative unit developed by combining several Divisional Secretariat Divisions is called a District. Its head is the District Secretary. There are twenty five Administrative Districts in our country and the region you live in belongs to one such Administrative District. Figure 6.2 is a map of Sri Lanka showing the Administrative Districts. for free distribution 41  Fig: 2.1 Administrative Districts of Sri Lanka   Activity 03 ³ Based on the map above, mark on a map of Sri Lanka the district to which the region you live in belongs. Province to which we belong Sri Lanka comprises of nine main provinces and each province is made up of several districts. Map No. 2.2 shows the province – wise division of Sri Lanka. Using it, identify correctly the province in which the region you live in, is located. 42 for free distribution  N Fig: 2.2 Provinces of Sri Lanka   Activity 04 ² Based on the administrative units you learned about, describe correctly the location of your province. The physical resources in our province Physical resources are made up of two main parts. That is, as natural resources and resources that are not natural. The sunlight we receive, fresh air, clean water, soil, hills, valleys, plains, jungles, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, lagoons etc are among the natural resources. Resources created by man are resources that are not natural. Buildings, vehicles, equipment etc are examples of these. Figure No. 6.4 for free distribution 43 shows a few of our physical resources. Since these are essential for man's existence, it is your greatest responsibility that they are safeguarded as life itself. Fig: 2.3 A large number of resources can be seen in the region we live in. Sunlight, air, water, the earth, buildings are some of the resources common to all the areas. However, there are some resources which become unique to a particular area. For example, rivers, streams, forests, waterfalls, mountains, plains and minerals etc.   Activity 05 ² Prepare a document on the main physical resources to be seen in your region. ² Prepare a creative hand–out containing information on the resources identified by you. ² Observe well the flora to be seen in your region and complete the table below. Names of the types of trees Special characteristics 1' 2' 3' 4' ² Observe the animals always seen in your region and prepare a document about them. 44 for free distribution ² Let us use the resources in our region effectively. Several of the uses of physical resources are given below. Sunlight Light Power Air/Wind Power Industries Transport Water Drinking Agriculture Industries Power Land Housing Agriculture Industries Highways Forests Timber Parks Tourism Minerals Industries Transport Diagram 2.2 Diagram 2.2 shows how physical resources are utilized for personal, social, socio-economic needs of the neighbouring region. Personal Build a Home Getting needs house gardening water from a well Build a Cultivation Construction The The Social for needs of of factories for housing Land needs food industrial needs Land complex Commence Construction Economic Set up of industrial development needs trade cities Project Diagram 2.3 Photographs under fig (2.5) shows that several physical resources in the region around us are employed for human needs. for free distribution 45  Fig: 2.4 Recall instances where various physical resources are made use of in your region. Recall that they have to be made use of most effectively and frugally as a matter of extreme importance. Just as bees collect honey from the flower without harming it, it is the duty of man that he uses the resources gifted by nature so as to cause them no damage. In order to ensure the existence of a conducive environment, this is essential. 46 for free distribution    Activity 06 ³ Complete the table below based on the physical resources in your region that you make use of Resource Purpose for which it is made use of The Land...................................................................... Water...................................................................... Minerals...................................................................... Other...................................................................... Let us conserve resources The physical resources in our region perform an immense service for the existence of man and to satisfy his needs. Therefore, it is our duty to safeguard them for the well-being of the environment and to hand it over to future generations. A number of problems have arisen due to the improper use of the land, air, water, rivers, streams, forests, wild life etc by man. These problems pose a threat not only to the existence of man as well as to the existence of the environment. Therefore, it is important that we think of the service physical resources render to man and inculcate positive attitudes to their conservation. Procedures that can be followed to conserve physical resources ² Conservation of forests eg. Planting trees ² Making maximum use of resources eg. Reuse, recycling ² Minimizing wastage of resources eg. Water, electricity, fuel ² Soil conservation eg. Building bunds, drains for water to flow down ² Refraining from adding non – bio degradable material to the soil. eg. Polythene ² Avoiding burning of waste eg. Straw, plastic for free distribution 47  ² Filling up of locations where minerals have been mined. eg. Filling in earth quarries, filling of gem mines. ² Use of alternate materials eg. Concrete in place of timber, plastic   Activity 07 ² Select one physical resource in your region and suggest actions that can be taken to conserve it. ² Present in the form of a poster or drawing the above activity implemented according to your suggestion. Our human resources People living in the area are a resource to us. Man becomes a human resource by developing his intellectual as well as his physical abilities. In our area a number of such resources can be identified. A multitude of resources like farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses, masons, carpenters, engineers including technicians and mechanics, government workers, researchers and scientists, aesthetes, media people, athletes etc help us.   Activity 08 ² Identify the human resources seen in these photographs and name them. 48 for free distribution  ² Identify the human resources living in your area and prepare a document. ² Prepare and present a table containing the human resources in your area and their uses. How the value of the human resources can be increased From birth, man is endowed with certain abilities. They can be identified as intellectual abilities, physical abilities, social abilities etc. It is important that man’s inborn abilities are improved and that they are formally practised. For this purpose various courses and training programmes are implemented in the society around the area. Through these the individual can improve one’s abilities and develop the ability to build up the vocational world around him. The diagram below shows the uses obtained by training human resources systematically. Country develops ↑ Derives economic advantages ↑ Improves professionally ↑ Can perform one’s profession well ↑ Can acquire professional qualifications ↑ Can improve abilities ↑ By training Human Resources Diagram - 2.4 for free distribution 49 Regional economic affairs The people in your area have different kinds of occupations' Most of them are based on the resources of your area. There are people who engage in agriculture basing it on the land. At the same time you may find some people who engage in many other industries based on the various resources in your area. These industries provide different types of products to the market. You may find the persons who engage in poultry, business and other occupations in your area. Think about the economic activities in your area.   Activity 09 ² Get to know about the institutes that conduct professional development courses in your area. ² Prepare a document containing the training courses conducted by these institutes. ² Prepare a poster containing the information above and display it in the classroom. ² Complete the following table. Resources in the area. Products related to resources Professions related to products e.g: clay bricks brickmaking 1 2 2.2 Living co–operatively with the people of the area From the origin of human society, man did not have enough courage to face various challenges such as hunting animals. He neither had sharp vision, sense of smell, strong arms and jaws that are needed for hunting animals, nor sharp canine teeth or nails. He was not extremely capable of running, swimming, flying and climbing trees. Therefore, he needed the others, assistance in search of food and find protection. When people started living co-operatively, human society emerged, and their co-operative existence caused building up of a developed human civilization. 50 for free distribution  You also have worked co-operatively with your neighbours and villagers. For instance, co-operativity can be seen at shramadana campaigns, religious festivals, funerals and at sudden disasters. The support of others eases the work at the workplace and the school. Diagram 2.5 According to the diagram above, you would have understood that co-operation spreads across a wide range. Fig: 2.5 Situations where people work in co-operation in the area   Activity 10 ² Write three situations where people in your area work in co-operation. ² Out of them, select one and write a short play and produce it along with your friends. ² All of you in the class get together and carry out a co–operative activity for the benefit of your school. Discuss your experience with the other students in the class. for free distribution 51 Uses of working in co-operation Good will Pleasure Convenience Brotherhood Success Uses got from Safeguards Co- opertiveness culture Achieves objectives Saves money Saves time Unity Diagram.2.6   Activity 11 ² Discuss in your class the qualities developed through working co–operatively, based on your experience. 2.3 Those who help us When living in society we need the assistance of outside individuals and institutions in order to fulfill our needs. Several institutions and service providers are active in society for these purpose.   Activity 12 ³ Prepare a document on the government officers who provide various services for the people of the area you live in. ³ Design a poster on the services provided by a selected few of these officers. 52 for free distribution Given below is a description and services of six government officers who help you. Understand it and name the relevant officer. The officer who performs a number of services like confirming the residence of villages, distribution of state relief, taking action against illegal activities, collecting necessary information regarding residents is '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The officer responsible for the control of infectious diseases, heath inspection of students, informing people regarding health / medical clinics, implementing inoculation programs etc. is '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The officer who makes arrangements to provide relief funds, conducts programmes to uplift the status of life of poor people, conducts projects to develop villages is................... The officer who gives advice on protecting maternal and child health, conducts nutrition programmes for children, gives inoculation at maternal and children’s clinics, is '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The officer who assists you by protecting the rules and regulations enacted by the government, protects peace, arranges assistance in sudden disasters, is '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The officer who helps you by delivering letters and parcels sent to you, delivers election cards etc is '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Institutions that help us In the area you live in, you can notice a number of government and non-governmental institutions that assist in the satisfaction of public and official needs of the people. Let us study the services of a selected few of them. for free distribution 53 Divisional Secretariat All the services rendered by the government for the public living in the respective area can be obtained from this institution. Several examples of these are given below. ² Issue of Birth Certificates ² Approval of Grama Seva Certificates ² Issue of licenses eg : felling of trees, transport, income licenses, state land licenses, environment permits ² Provision of relief ² Implementation of relevant activities regarding payment of pensions ² Issue of identity cards   Activity 13 ² Inquire from members of your family about the services they got from the Divisional Secretariat and note them. Local Government Institutions Municipal Councils An extremely complex urban region is known as the municipality. There are several such regions in our country. Examples of these are Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, Dehiwala Mt. Lavinia. The head of a Municipal Council is the Mayor. Given below are a few services rendered by the Municipal Council. ² Cleaning and maintenance of streets ² Reconstruction of water–ways and removal of garbage ² Maintenance of the markets and public health ² Maintenance of playgrounds, libraries and parks ² Construction and maintenance of public amenities ² Maintenance of street lights 54 for free distribution    Activity 14 ³ Write down the name of the Municipal Council close to you. ³ Out of the services below select the services provided by the Municipal Council and mark ( ) in the box against it ² Provision of transport facilities ² Cleaning and maintenance of the streets of the city ² Removal of garbage, protection of public health ² Construction of buildings ² Maintenance of public markets, city parks, libraries ² Provision of lighting and water service to public places Urban Councils Urbanized regions which are less in population and complexity are called Urban councils. The head of each urban council is a chairman. Given below are a few of the services provided by the Urban Council. ² Provision of public health services ² Maintenance of libraries, sports grounds, parks, public toilets etc. ² Systematization of water supply and drainage. ² Control and maintenance of streets and public buildings. ² Disposal of garbage, cleaning of the city. Village Councils Semi urban areas and rural areas that do not come under Urban Councils belong to Village Councils. Given below are a few of the numerous services rendered by the Village Councils: ² Construction and maintenance of roadways in one's region of operations. ² Improvement and implementation of bathing ferries, trade centers. ² Disposal of garbage and cleaning of streets and roads in the area. ² Approval of building construction. ² Maintenance of social welfare activities. for free distribution 55    Activity 15 ³ Inquire about the services rendered by the Provincial Council situated close to your home or school and complete the information below. ² Name of the Provincial Council :........................................... ² If the services below are provided by the Provincial Council to the public mark ( ) if not mark ( × ) in the box provided. Cleaning and maintenance of roadways Proper disposal of garbage Collection of taxes Lighting of streets and public places Maintaining libraries and pre-schools Charging trade taxes Hospitals The hospital is the main institution that provides its services twenty four hours of the day for the provision of the health of the public. Doctors, nurses, as well as the entire staff of the hospital provide an efficient service in order to provide relief when one is Fig: 2'6 struck by disease or has been the victim of an accident. Government Hospitals provide all these services to the public free of charge. Government allocates a large amount of money for providing these services. 56 for free distribution Services rendered by places of religious worship People of various ethnic groups live in Sri Lanka. As such there are different places of religious worship in our neighbourhood. It is a pleasure to hear the pirith chanting from one Fig: 2.7 side of the country while hearing the echoing sound of Holy Koran from another side. Same as we hear the choirs from the church and the jingling bells from the kovil nearby. This is religious co-exsistence and the identity of our country; Sri Lanka. Services provided by places of religious worship ³ Provide knowledge of the Dhamma. ³ Disciplining by teaching ethics. ³ Conduct religious rituals, services, offerings. ³ Blessing in order to make personal life successful. ³ Help cultivate spiritual values. ³ Provide leadership at weddings and bereavements ³ Provide leadership in public activities. ³ Take the lead regarding national needs. ³ Provide advice and blessings ³ Ensure inter-racial unity.   Activity 16 ³ Prepare a register of the various places of religious worship in your area. for free distribution 57  Youth Buddhist Fishers’ Society Society Society Lending Society Co–operative Environment Societies in Society Societies the region Farmer Sports Organization Societies Funeral Rural Societies Development Societies Diagram.2.7   Activity 17 ³ ³ 58 for free distribution Services Provided by the Societies in the Region Society Services Provided Co – operative society Subsidized trade/ Purchase of agricultural material Farmer societies Provides advice/ Provide subsidies/ Provision of welfare services Fishery societies Purchase/ Provide welfare services Rural Development societies Development work in the area Funeral societies Funeral services/ Provision of welfare services   Activity 18 ³ All the students of your class get together and set up a Children’s Society. ³ Through the Children’s Society you set up, implement a program for the improvement of the abilities and talents of students in your class. Duties of the institutions that provide us with services ² Proper provision of one’s services ² Functioning efficiently ² Provision of correct advice and guidance ² Acting without being bias ² Functions so as to be fair by everybody ² Being friendly when working with the people ² Avoiding wrong doing in what one does Duties of us who receive services ² Payment of taxes correctly ² Providing necessary participation, when rendering service ² Following advice and guidance, correctly ² Protecting institutions and the property of institutions providing service ² Avoiding obtaining services through improper means ² Maintaining friendly relations with service providers ² Appreciating services provided by them and provide recognition for the service for free distribution 59    Activity 19 ² Select an institution that provides services to your area and discuss the duties due from you for such service. Summary When contributing to the development of the country, it is very important to have good awareness of the area we live in, we identified the Grama Niladhri's division, Divisional Secretariat, district and the province we belong to. We were able to identify the physical resources and how they can be used in the social and economic needs and how to economize them. Human resource is the most precious resource and it can be divided as intellectual and physical abilities. We can develop its quality through training. The economic affairs in the region can be divided into agricultural affairs, industrial affairs and services. Most of the time, these affairs are based on the human and physical resources of the region. Co-operative living of the people in a particular area contribute to the advancement of both region and the family. There are many examples of such occasions, where the work becomes easy resulting in many advantages. There are many individual and group organizations which support the people. Religious institutions, public institutions and provincial councils are very important. Governm