Monday 13 July

Firstly, apologies if the updates become considerably shorter over the next few days because there is so much to do in the 3 days we have left on the island. Today was very much like starting the new working week with an early start and action-packed agenda. First stop was to drop off soft toys, games and books for the Nursery school for the under-5s, many of which were part of the recent shipment. These are some of the cutest kids you ever saw and their delight at each receiving a cuddly toy was amazing. We spent time playing with them and joining in their songs which was great fun. Before leaving, the teachers pointed out that some of the kids didn’t have any shoes so we agreed we’d like to buy the 40 or so children new ones in September. This would be the first time that we will have provided them with footwear and estimate the cost will be around $350 or £200.

Next stop was the Village School where we discussed preparations for tomorrow’s sports and games day.

We also reported to the Principal the fact that we had already ordered some musical instruments for the school band and she was so delighted, she could hardly contain herself!

Then, because there is so much to do, we split up. Gav headed off into town with Udaya to get all the things needed for the event including food and drink for 150 children as well as 8 badminton racquets for the girls to play with at break. Meanwhile, Steve continued his English lessons assisted by Della with a very attentive bunch of students whose confidence has already improved dramatically. And outside, Saul and Caroline continued to teach English through interactive games, ably assisted by Jacob.

Before leaving, we were introduced to a child of 6 and her father. Sadly, the mother died 4 weeks ago in a traffic accident and both still seemed dazed by the experience. With Udaya translating, we learned that after school finished at 1330, the father had to pick her up and take her back to his workplace at a brick-making factory until he finished at around 1800. Unfortunately there is no real after-school care to speak of. We desperately wanted to help and so Udaya suggested that the girl could attend after school tutoring 3 days a week with his daughter and niece and stay at his house with them on the other 2 days. The cost of the tutoring a month...? Just 400 Rupees or £2.20, that’s about $3.50 USD. Such a small amount but it will provide her with a better education, friends and allow the father to work. We also agreed to meet the costs of her uniforms, shoes and books.

Immediately after, it was back to the hotel to tackle all of the items that recently arrived as well as the ones we brought out with us which had been donated by friends. We made up prize bags, separated items for men, women and children, filled two boxes full of educational books and pens and set aside some items for the clinic. The current plan is to hand out as much as we can after the sports event at the School and then to the villagers. But as we’ve found many times in Sri Lanka, things always take twice as long to do and rarely go according to plan!