EXTRACURRICULAR SESSION: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES

"International Day of Families" — this was the theme of an inspiring extracurricular session held on May 15, 2026, for the STEM students at the Center for Research and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CED). In addition to learning about the history of May 15, the students shared heartfelt stories about their homes through engaging riddles, interactive games, and lively group activities. The session went far beyond a simple celebration, embedding profound lessons in awareness, skills, and attitudes:

• Values & Awareness: The session helped students understand the significance of May 15 and deeply appreciate the love and silent sacrifices of their caregivers. At the same time, they realized that a "Family" has no fixed mold; it can be the embrace of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, a pet, or peers in similar circumstances—wherever there is understanding and love, that place is Family.

• Life Skills: The students were guided on how to care about their loved ones' emotions through daily facial expressions and gestures. Moving forward, they shared practical actions to express proactive love, such as checking in on family, caring for their health, helping out, and doing household chores.

• Attitude: The activity helped nurture a deep sense of gratitude within each student. Consequently, it empowered them to overcome self-doubt, proactively connect, and bridge communication gaps with their family members using their own unique love.

The "International Day of Families" extracurricular session aimed to help students understand that a family is not just a place to live, but where love and happiness begin. This was beautifully captured by the song and illustrations at the end of the session: "Father is the yellow candle, mother is the blue candle, child is the pink candle, three flickering candles, lighting up a family..." No matter what shape, color, or circumstance each candle holds, when they unite to burn with the flame of shared love, they will create a home filled with light and joy.

We wish all families—however they are defined—peace, happiness, and to forever remain those "flickering candles" warming each other's hearts every single day!