One Constant in a Sea of Confusion

The attacks in Sri Lanka were a deep shock to us all. No individual known to FODAD was killed, but everyone has been deeply affected. Government schools have been closed since the attacks and curfews were immediately put in place.  There is still a State of Emergency and although the curfews have been lifted in our area they remain in place on the east coast. FODAD immediately reacted and sent relief money to Udaya in our fishing village.  He was quickly able to distribute food and/or money to those in our village who needed it the most as there was no fishing allowed. 

Udaya handing out food parcels

Udaya handing out food parcels

We are immensely pleased that on May 2nd, our school room on the beach re-opened and has been running classes as usual.  These are even more vital given that schools remain closed. As well as education, the school on the beach has been a good distraction from the current climate of fear for the children in the village. Lessons have continued as usual, with particular highlights being English Language, Maths, Science and History.

Lessons continuing as usual

English language class

Maths class

History class

The impact of the loss of tourism will have a knock-on effect on everyone in Sri Lanka. We are in constant touch with Udaya and will react to any urgent requests for assistance. If anyone would like more in-depth information or feels they can offer any assistance, please contact us at: mail@friendsofdellaanddon.com 

4 FODAD Educational Projects!

A great welcome

Government School
We made many visits to the school we have supported for over 14 years. Now, one of the ex-pupils, a girl from our village called Ishani, is a part-time teacher paid by FODAD.  Our friends have paid for the children to have a nutritious meal in the school every day since June 2005.  We  gave prizes for “best pupils” bought uniforms,  shoes, socks and  put money into the  bank accounts we opened some years ago for each child.  We played with the children in the newly-repaired playground which we opened on the 1st Anniversary  of the Tsunami 13 years ago. The teachers are very poorly paid and it pains us that they are so grateful when we give them vouchers for a pair of shoes.

Food, glorious food 

In the playground

Prize-giving

Jungle Nursery
We drove for 90 minutes to visit the pre-school in the jungle.  It was a wonderful experience to see the children whose teachers are so dedicated that they had taken an enormous pay reduction.  They put on performances that were so well choreographed it was hard to believe the circumstances they had to learn in.  We distributed educational materials, shoes and socks. We also gave the money for a local tailor to make uniforms.  Once again we gave vouchers for the teachers to buy shoes as well as making a commitment to help with their continued employment. Afterwards we were fed a wonderful local feast.  We are taking the cinnamon sticks home with us!

Food in the jungle and cinnamon to take home!

A warm welcome in the jungle

Newbies!

Shoes

School-room on the Beach
We employ 5 teachers  in our school-room on the beach and it operates 7 days a week every afternoon after school finishes at 1.30. The children are now speaking better English and are passing exams.  We distributed uniforms and shoes for the government schools they attend in the mornings and also put money into the bank accounts we opened for them. We have a wonderful spoken English teachers for Grades 1-5 but currently  we don’t have a teacher for the higher grades. This is really disappointing and we will keep looking.

Grades 1-5 spoken English

Shoes, uniforms  and bank books distributed to all!

Local Pre-School 
The local pre-school which we have supported and where we have fed the children for 14 years has a greatly reduced number of children due to a brand new pre-school which has been opened by a Japanese charity.  This is actually a good thing. The 2 teachers we have known for years are seriously dedicated. We bought the children their new shoes and socks and sat with them while they had the lunch we provide.

Shoes!

Food again!