It’s been three years since we were last in Sri Lanka. It is impossible to sum up just how much it meant for us to be back after not being able to visit for so long. Our two-week trip was full of emotional reunions and too many highlights to mention in one blog, but here is our attempt to summarise what we got up to. The main purpose of our visit was to get an overview of the impact of both the pandemic and Sri Lanka's ongoing economic crisis on our projects during the past 3 years. Sri Lanka is experiencing shortages of food supplies, drugs and fuel, coupled with inflation rates which hit 69.80% in the past year.
The Village
Returning to the village and seeing Udaya and his family was hugely emotional. During the depths of the pandemic we thought we might never see them again. There were tears all round. In March 2022 we purchased a new fishing boat and engine for Udaya and other fishermen in the village. This is crucial for ensuring self-sufficiency for the village in the future. It was wonderful to see the new boat in person. Unfortunately, monsoon season was starting during our trip so the sea was very rough, meaning the boat could not go out during our time there.
We distributed new uniforms and shoes for the children in the village. Many people who had left the village came back to see us and it was touching to see people who we have known since they were young with or about to start their own families.
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| Don and Udaya reunited! |
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| Udaya, Don and the new boat |
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| Shoe and uniform distribution |
The Nursery School
There are now 20 children in the Nursery School, compared to 12 when we left in 2020. The same 2 devoted teachers are in situ. They were not paid by Mount Lavinia for most of Covid and were very grateful that we had included them in our distribution of dried foods etc.
The little playground was in a bad state of disrepair. We had it repaired and repainted while we were there. We bought shoes for the children and the teachers.
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| The repaired playground |
Government School
The government school is now just grades 1 and 2 and has around 140 pupils. We visited the school but knew none of the teachers although the same principal was still there. We are supplying food. The food prices have risen so sharply in Sri Lanka and the quality of the protein filled rolls was apparently very poor so the parents set up a food-preparation rota and receive the money directly. We were only there once, much to our regret.
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| Visiting the school |
School on the Beach
There are 31 children who attend our school room on the beach. We met the new English grammar teacher and the new computer teacher. We bought shoes and uniforms for all the children (for the schools which they attend) and put money into their bank books. We bought 2 reconditioned computers for use in the schoolroom, which are already being put to use.
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| The new computer in action |
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| The new computer in action |
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| Purchasing the computer |
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| Bank books |
NIC
NIC has been a long-term partner organization of FODAD’s in Sri Lanka, and who facilitate the medical clinic. We met with Cherryl and Ramya of NIC during our trip. The clinic has unfortunately been closed since Covid, however NIC has continued to provide funds to individual beneficiaries, including through an educational scholarship programme. Additionally, when any of their beneficiaries are prescribed medication by a doctor, they can bring the prescription to NIC and the payment is made out of FODAD’s contribution. We made a payment to cover 2023/24.
Girls from the Orphanage
We had a truly wonderful day out with 5 of the girls and their children. It was a real highlight for us and such a joy to see the girls so happy and successful. A true FODAD legacy.
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| Della with some of the girls in 2014 |
Further Education
Another highlight was catching up with several people who we have known since they were young who are all succeeding in their various paths.
Smith, who FODAD has supported since 2005, is now a qualified teacher but is doing a full degree online. He was able to visit us as the teachers were on strike. Chamika, whom FODAD has known since she was young, is now studying Economics, Political Science and Sociology at Sabaragamuwa University. Her teachers were on strike also and we were delighted that she was able to visit us. We are committed to paying for her university tuition and accommodation. Natacha is doing very well and has received a diploma in English from the American College of Higher Education (Sri Lanka) She takes her A levels this year. Kishmi, Udaya’s daughter, has decided that she would like to pursue a career in tourism. She is intending to take a course at the British Council this summer.
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| Don and Chamika |
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| Della and Smith |
Conclusion
Overall, our goal of checking up on our projects were met. The trip was too short for us to meet with as many people as we would have liked but we are already looking forward to our next trip. We would like to thank our supporters once again for their invaluable contributions over the years. Returning after three years highlighted the impact FODAD has had on the lives of so many.
On the plane home we were surprised to see one of the FODAD fishing boats featured in a Sri Lankan Airlines promotional video about 40 seconds in - blink and you’ll miss it!
