Friday 20th July

A much-deserved lie-in for the entire group today was met with snores of approval from all. After our final breakfast with our Cockney companions, we proceeded to pack our cases before a trip to Odel, the local department store. Many of the lads took advantage of the £2 Calvin Kleins on offer here. Coming back for an early dinner, we presented the staff at the Tropic Inn with a parting gift and swathes of thanks for being utterly unmatchable in the past two weeks. Saying goodbye to the Londoners today was second in emotion only to that at the school yesterday, and was epitomised Lasitha and the staff at the Tropic stopping what they were doing to run outside and wave us off. The service we had at the Tropic belied its two-star reputation.

A short coach journey by our standards (still two hours) took us to the Camelot Beach Hotel in Negombo where we were greeted with orange juice in a luxurious reception; it’s almost as if they were trying to match the Tropic! We went to the pool surrounded by the idyllic beach setting and enjoyed a couple of hours to wind down and many seized the opportunity to purchase last-minute gifts from the beach sellers, winding up Miss Meyer no end. A flawless meal filled everyone to the brim, but this was by no means the highlight of everyone’s night. This came earlier, with the opportunity to have a boiling hot shower. All of these things are testament to our view that this is much more like the ‘tourist side’ of Sri Lanka. The group are currently taking full advantage of the dance floor, with some questionable shapes being thrown by a few of them!

It is strange to now be sitting here writing this in the knowledge that it is our last night here. It would be impossible to find any member of the group who would not rank these couple of weeks among the best experiences of their lives. Even the four of us who have been before agree that this trip, although very different to last time, has been unbelievable. The standard of the lessons, the rapport among the group, the laughs we have had along the way, the personal things we have all gained from it. All have been simply magnificent.

A few years ago, none of us would ever have expected to have such an opportunity in our lives, let alone at such a young age. The chance to make such a measurable difference to the lives of young people who, aside from their environment, are not really any different from ourselves seemed like a distant pipe dream to many of us beforehand, even in the build-up for those who had not been before. Sister Concepta summed it up so succinctly when she said that no dream is too big. We have all been a living example of that sentiment in the past two weeks. A novel could be written about her influence in the community alone, and her bubbly personality is infectious. She really is an inspiration to everyone.

Radhika and Steve also deserve a special mention. Their tireless efforts over the past year to organise this trip, and even more so in the last two weeks while we’ve been here have been remarkable. It is admirable how much work they put into the community on a regular basis and we have had such a privilege to be a small part of that. As if this weren’t impressive enough, they have been simultaneously working on another three or four projects during the two weeks, while also always being available when we needed them, at any hour of the day. Hopefully they will read this and realise how much we appreciate the efforts they have made!

Though this blog is on behalf of the whole group, as staff and mentors we really should afford special thanks to the group. They have maintained fantastic spirits throughout the trip even when times got tough or when they saw sights which shocked some of them. The camaraderie among the group has been brilliant throughout, with the way they have all stuck together showing just how powerful an experience like this can be.

This is not the end for our affiliation with Asha Trust, with Radhika and Steve, with Athidiya and Sri Punyakami School. This experience has left us all with a desire to continue to help them carry out their fantastic work. It will leave a lasting impression on all of us, each for our own reasons, and hopefully we can all continue to try and make some sort of difference in the same way we have started to now.

Yesterday in our final meeting, Steve came out with a saying which epitomised the hopes we have for the future. He quoted Dr Martin Luther King, saying “we should all move from the thin of sympathy, to the thick of action.” This trip has signified the beginning of a move towards that action, and hopefully upon returning to our ‘normal’ lives back home we can continue to move in this direction.

Now, here comes the boring bit. Our first flight leaves Colombo at 2015 local time on Saturday, and we land in Manchester at 0730 local time. The coach is due to pick us up from the airport at 0830, meaning we should be home anytime from 11 onwards. We will keep parents informed of more specific times when we know them. Thank you for reading our blog and following our progress in Sri Lanka, and thank you for the support in the fundraising which preceded the trip. Our final hope is that the 2014 trip, and any subsequent ones, can be as successful as this one has been, and that the students who go will enjoy it even half as much as we have this time.

Sam Skillcorn, Glenn Dawkins and Daryl Howe

Thursday 19th July

Hannah: On our third school day my group taught grades 9,7, 3 and 4. We had already taught some of the years and had made some friends already but as we had to change and take the year 7's now we found it a little difficult to communicate and put points across. However they were more than willing to just sit and basically talk to us about things like our family. They found this particularly interesting. My group decided to use the majority of the resources available to us to teach the different grades about the human body, but usually it just ended us singing head, shoulders, knees and toes for about half an hour! So its safe to say we dont want to hear that song much anymore. We tried this with the grade 3's but it just wasn't working so we switched to colouring in. Everyone loves a good colour in. We made them little books and drew different animals and other things, which they seemed to enjoy.

Liam: Due to a change in the timetables I was placed in with the 7th grade which I hadn't previously taught- thankfully however the all boy class was in a cooperative mood and so the lesson went well. Next off we had grade 8: an all girl class who we had taught before. We were met with welcoming faces here and managed to keep the bickering between the kids to a minimum.

The afternoon perhaps didn't work out as well as the morning, to say the least. First off was the 2nd grade children who created total anarchy: to simply keep them in a room for the druation of the 45 minutes was a challenge! After this we had the 4th grade who were a little more obedient but still rowdy. We went back to the hotel with the intention of a good rest.

Hannah: Hectic doesnt even describe my afternoon. I was put in Indoor Games with Jacob and we were given the grade 5's and the year 3's and 2's. I've never seen so many children crown around a game of Happy Families in all my time. However this peace didnt last for long as they soon became restless and bored of Snap and Connect 4. They were literally all over the place and I'm pretty sure half of them just left. Jacob soon rounded them up and we tried again with the Happy Families. Its so strange how grateful they are for little things like a game of snap cards - it really puts things into perspective for the whole group.

Liam: instead of the 'regular' afternoon our group travelled to Athidya with Radhika to meet Sister Concepta and to see what kind of living conditions the children were living in. After a short chat with the sister we set off through the shanties of Athidya which was an eye opener to say the least. We were told by both the sister and those that had previously been (Sam and Daryll) that the area was vastly improven in almost all ways, however the area is still very basic. After going I have a much better understanding of the situation that the children are in, and it certainly gave a much better insight into just why the kids are as excitable as they are - today was definately an eye opener.

Hannah Richins and Liam Hopton

Wednesday 18th July

Emily: Today started with the usual walk to the school in the humid-as-ever heat. Seemingly, it was warmer than all other previous days and each day begins with a stroll along the road that our hotel is situated on and Daryl saying ‘It’s hotter today’, although we all soon realise we’re dripping with sweat despite our specially acquired shirts. On reaching the school, we were greeted by our students and started class on time. It’s beginning to dawn on us that we have to leave these children here - the surreal nature of that came across us all at one point but resilience has become key so we just carried on and my first grade was grade eight. Favouritism is hard to avoid but the four boys that make our class are the most willing, adorable and able children I have met on the entire trip. They embody the attitude of the majority of the Sri Lankan people. With our grade eights we made modelling clay animals as they are so incredibly creative.

In the afternoon, the EPS group took a trip to the Asha Trust Centre in Athidiya for a show from the local children. We already knew, from our other visit to Athidiya, that some children from the school are inhabitants of the 360 family neighbourhood but I saw one child from my grade eight class and this was one moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.

After grade eight, there was grade two. Grade two is the equivalent of a six/seven year olds’ class but with a MASSIVE language barrier. We bravely gave up the idea of modelling clay and took to crayons and tiger masks. The younger children are sometimes difficult to cooperate with in my opinion; patience is the key. However, being able to work with the differing age ranges is one of the main essentials on this trip as working with only one age group does not provide a large array of skills. Not only that, but the grade twos are SO cute.

I tried to find my ‘wanna-be’ pen pal at break to give her my address but she’s in grade 10 and they are sitting exams. Hopefully tomorrow!

The two lessons after break consisted of chanting of my groups’ names repeatedly and colouring in animals. Grade four were exceptionally excited, but as ever did as asked. They repeat words and it is sad to learn that ‘copy’ is a word they are so used to. They copy words and rarely understand so it has become a personal mission to allow them to process too. If ever a person needs a confidence boost, our grade fives are the solution. Walking into the classroom, I was greeted by a chair and a dozen stories. The mix of Singhalese and English language becomes second nature to understand. Grade five is so incredible, too. So kind. I will miss all of our grades dearly and the school will leave a big imprint in my memory.

Oliver: As we set off to Athidiya around 2:45 pm the humidity had set in and we instantly began to sweat. When we arrived at the school at around 3:00pm we were greeted by a procession of dance who instantly began to sing as we approached the Asha Trust Centre. We were greeted by Sister Concepta who called members of the group to light a candle each to symbolise the unity and peace. We then proceeded inside to sit down and allow the show to begin. The first performance was by an approximate grade nine girl who moved fluently in a Sinhala style dance to greet us and kick the show off. Throughout around 20 performances in the night, there were group songs, dances and poetry by all ages from the Centre. One of the most striking performances was that of a grade five group of girls in authentically crafted outfits who all moved in time and step with each other and the music to create a captivating performance. During the show, there were some intervals which the Sister filled with a grade six poetry performance from a wonderful young girl. She spoke about nature and Sri Lanka. She was so moving due to her bravery and courage to stand in front of 30 people and recite interesting facts and opinions on the spot.

The children in the Centre touched my heart as they constantly had a gleaming smile on their face and didn’t alter their expression throughout the show. It was so genuine. They were so grateful and happy with our presence at the school and in the Centre. These children come from Athidiya which is, as said, an underprivileged and troubled part of Sri Lankan society. Upon my visit, I saw some children I taught at the school which gave me an insight as to why the children may act as they do at the school sometimes. They have no idea of play in our sense and self-control means a very different thing to them. For instance, self-control to the children means to use beatings to keep each other in line whereas children in England are taught hitting is wrong and to not be violent towards each other.

Personally, the first time I saw the children’s behaviour I was shocked and felt the need to intervene.

I will never forget the children and the way that they are with each other and the volunteers, how gracious they are even though they live in poverty and are underprivileged, how the children share the things they are given with siblings and friends, and even beat each other up over simple things!

By Emily Skillcorn and Oliver Guy

Visit to Athidiya and the show!

On Monday it was our turn (Me, Ros, Clarissa, Omar and Shyla) to visit Athidiya. I had a general idea of what this would be like and had heard back from other groups about their experience there, but seeing it all first hand was completely different. We were greeted by Sister Concepta and a group of children at the community center, a few faces I recognized from school, which was lovely to see. Sister explained to us a short history of how she started her work there and how Asha had supported her through this. What struck me the most about sister was the respect she had from everyone she spoke to! We were taken on a tour of the town and shown how the new houses were developing and how the families are now living. The houses are very very basic with only the bare necessities inside, yet each person we came across was very house proud and encouraged us to look in to their home. We were even invited inside by one of the ladies as sister was showing us the one ‘shack’ house that was left. The lady who was living in this tin shack invited us in to her spotless family home with pride and a smile on her face. Sister wanted to show us how 360 families used to live like this lady in shacks, and you can’t imagine how anybody could have lived like that let alone 360 families. Seeing what the homes used to be like made me appreciate how much it has improved and how much of a positive effect this must have had on all those families.

Walking around the village I noticed how many of the houses were building additional floors on top of what they had already, some with two floors some even in the process of 3. This showed me how the living is slowly but surely improving for these people. However even with all the improvements that have taken place or are in the process of taking place, the village is still a shocking place to visit and really opened my eyes to how much still needs to be done and as cliché as it sounds, how lucky we are at home. Taking for granted the everyday things like running water on demand, complete privacy and security (the list goes on). Yet despite all the things these people theoretically lack, each one we met had a smile on their face and was so welcoming to us. One of the mothers of a child at the school came to speak to us and just kept telling us how grateful she was for us being at the school and asking us to stay forever, this really touched me as it showed how much the work of Asha is appreciated in this community, definitely a massive encouragement and incentive to keep going and do more to help whenever we can, because like many of us have said after visiting Athidiya, no human should have to live like that.

Gwenan

Over the last week I have had many amazing experiences in Sri Lanka, from having the challenging yet fun opportunity of teaching young children to seeing elephants up close in the wild. The children are enthusiastic throughout all of our lessons and I was surprised to see just how eager they are to learn.  Yet finding it hard to remember everyone’s name’s as soon as you walk into a classroom you find yourself with all the children running up to you and asking you what your name is. It’s so sweet how they do little drawings of us on the whiteboards and write our names in Singhalese.

 Nothing beats putting a smile on someone else’s face and I can’t help but love seeing all their little faces light up when we put a simple smiley face on their work or give them a high five. Going into a class and teaching kids may seem like a little thing to be doing but the impact it makes on them is huge.

 Another event to add to my experiences of Sri Lanka is the Rhythm and Harmony Show at the Asha Foundation Centre in Attidiya which we came back from about an hour ago. The children performed many dancing and singing acts which ended with our group performing a slightly embarrassing head, shoulders, knees and toes remix. It was so nice seeing all of the hard work they all put in for us, with their dancing and singing. Before the kids left we each gave them a little present with food which they were very thankful for. None of them opened their presents, instead they took them home to open them with their family. This gesture was so heart-warming, thinking of how little they had yet how willing they were to share.  I felt genuinely moved.

I’ve grown close to many of the children and tomorrow will be a sad time saying goodbye as we spend our last day at the school. I know that I will never forget this life changing experience. 

Saffy

The Elephant Trip

On Sunday we went out at five o’clock in the morning on the elephant safari. There were three jeeps. A few minutes after we had entered the national park we saw our first elephant. The elephant was by itself, we named the elephant ‘Keith’.

Further into the park we saw a herd of elephants – about eleven of them. There was a really tiny baby elephant, this elephant was surrounded by all the other elephants. At one point an elephant broke away from the group and came over to each jeep. When the elephant came over to my jeep it started to throw mud over itself and lots of mud came into the jeep. We nicknamed her ’Maggie’

We stopped for breakfast by a lake, there were about seven crocodiles on the banks on the other side. There were wilder beasts and lots of birds.

Later on we saw another herd of elephants made up of over fifteen elephants. The elephants walked in a line into a large pool of water – which was green. There were three baby elephants in this herd, when they stood in the water it covered most of their bodies so they stuck their trunks above the water to breathe. In the water there was a crocodile, but it didn’t respond to the elephants. One of the larger elephants stood closest to the crocodile and watched it’s every move. We found out that this elephant was the leader of the herd. Maggie came over to the jeeps again but this time she was more confident and stayed there for longer. She came right up to the jeeps until the drivers made her leave. We only saw two elephants on Sunday that still had their tusks.

On the way out of the park we saw the same elephant as on the way in – Keith. He hadn’t moved since we saw him. On the way back to the hotel we had a race in the jeeps ending with a close finish. The majority of the people we passed on the road/street all waved and shouted at the jeep. We got back to the hotel at eleven o’clock. We went to the pool for a few hours, had lunch then got back onto the coach to go back to Tropic Inn.

Clarissa

Today a few people were off sick so some of the classes were mixed together. Initially  we thought that this would provide a challenge but most the children were still just as much engaged with the classes as they were on the first few days.

The year ones had so much energy even though it was a very hot day. We sung lots of songs such as 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' and 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'. We did lots of different verses for the songs but their enthusiasm never faltered. As the days have gone on the language barrier has become less of a problem. The children were all eager to learn new things. They all worked especially hard, the year eights in particular when they were drawing animals.

In the afternoon I worked at the Crafts workshop. As the children don't wear uniforms in the afternoon it is a lot more relaxed. They loved using all of the arts and crafts materials like playdough. Seeing their reactions to just basic art materials was very humbling because back in England we take things like coloured pens and pencils for granted.

Ellie: First I taught the 7th grade which was an all boys class that I had previously taught the day before. I realised that as they became more comfortable and used to our company, they were more cooperative within the lessons. We taught them Geography but because they were being distracted easily we didn't follow the agreed lesson structure and we had to improvise but it still went well. Next my group taught the grade 8 all girls class which I always find an easy lesson. They all listened well and responded well to praise and reward stickers which encouraged them to carry on working. We got them to translate the English country names into Sinhalese which they seemed to enjoy as they liked to show off their English skills. After break, due to a timetable change, I was teaching grade 2 and 3 with another group. It was a struggle to keep the boys in the group entertained for the whole lesson even with 6 teachers in the class. We had to improvise again because both groups had different lesson plans. This resulted in us splitting the group in half as well as the teachers to recap previously learnt things. However the boys of the group were running out the class and disrupting other lessons going on near the classroom they were in. For the last period, we taught grade 4. This is always a good lesson because the class is small and all the children are cooperative with the lesson plan. They enjoy drawing animals and then pretending to be them. they also responded well to reward stickers.

Rosalind's Blog!

I heard about Asha Trust and the amazing work they do over here in Sri Lanka through friends and family who know Radhika & Steve. Its an brilliant fund which helps young Sir Lanka children with their english education and run a after school club which enables them to learn how to work together, play together and general learn people skills. On top of this, the charity helps the children to stay off the streets and out of trouble giving them something to do as well as looking forward to going to school.

I've always loved the thought of people helping others and that sense of self achievement and encouragement, and this trip has made that for me. We first came to Sir Lanka 5 days ago and started our helping straight away. I can't begin to tell you how surprised I was about the children's attitudes towards learning about new topics such as animals, colours shapes and numbers, as well as the different continents in the world. They all are so eager to learn and do there best, a simple thumbs up from me or one of the other leaders brings out huge smiles and joy to them! The one thing I love seeing is the use of our simple resources we brought with us on this trip, this almost pushes them further to want to answer the questions we've ask or point out what they already remember the day before. Even the school children are helping me out with my communication and use of Sir Lankan words, I can happily say I've learn how to say their schools name after many many attempts during the week, and how to say sit down, line up, stop and learn songs from the Sir Lankan culture! They are helping me as well as I am helping them.

Being here has been a wonderful on going experience, the children are lovely! The chitter chatter amongst them all as we enter the school everyday, getting to know the boys and girls day by day which for me means going to the school all the more exiting. To only think that its been 4 or 5 days we've been helping out and already I've hopefully achieved so much!

First days of the trip

This is my first trip to Sri Lanka and I had many expectations and ideas of what would be in store for me when i arrived and its safe to say it has exceeded all my expectations. Its hard to sum up exactly what we see and experience here but after just 2 days working in the school meeting these beautiful children with an amazing group of people i already want to see more. The childrens enthusiasm is what hit me first, their eagerness to learn and to be appreciated by us, these new people that have come to their school and taken over their lessons! Even the older children who are going through their 'cool' stage are so excited and welcoming. They make the most of all the resources they have and you see in their reactions they enjoy learning. Three year 10 girls particularly touched me, they were so interested in me and my family and life at home and asked me non-stop questions and they stayed listening to me ramble on about my boring life at home and were amazed. When i told them i was from London their faces dropped and they asked me if i knew Justin Bieber! Of course this then followed by an awful rendition of Justin Bieber from me, even this they loved and they now ask for a song every time i see them! I've only been here four days and have already learnt so much and been humbled by the experience. I look forward to the rest of the trip as it will only get better. I can definitley say its a trip everyone must do at one point in their life.

Gwenan

We arrived at the school with our lesson plans at the ready. We were teaching years 7, 6, 5 and 2 in that order. They all had lots of fun learning the names of animals and colours. The classes were more and more well behaved as the day went on. The year twos were a tough nut to crack but that was mainly due to the language barrier, not lack of effort.

That part of our schedule lasted from 9 ‘till midday. On the way back to the hotel for some lunch we saw, and this is no exaggeration, a huge monitor lizard in the ditch at the side of the road. I’ve never seen anything as imposing in my life, outside of a zoo just roaming around like it owned the place.

The afternoon was going to be our first workshop/afterschool session and my group, consisting of Omar, Sam, Jacob, Liam, and myself were running the sports groups. This involved a hell of a lot of physical exertion – I wasn’t complaining. My t-shirt did appear as if I’d been swimming in it come time to pack up though. So much fun all the same and even better because we bonded with the children. Getting to know the ‘borough lot a little more now too, even if at times I can’t understand a word they say.

Will

Well what an eventful first day at the school! We got up at 8 o’clock, still feeling jetlagged from the flights and had our first Sri Lankan breakfast, mainly fruit and omelette.  We walked down to the school and began to teach our lessons with the children. First of all, we taught the Grade 11 children who were very good at speaking English. They were also very nervous for their exams which they are having later this week. We then taught grades 8, 4 and 2 which we felt was challenging, but it was rewarding knowing that they were learning English and getting the opportunity to speak back to us in English. The Grade 4’s were very shy and very nice and willing to learn. We walked back to the hotel very sweaty and extremely desperate for a shower.

After a break and some lunch we walked back to the school for play time- the most energetic time of my life! The children were so excited to see the sports equipment that we had taken over for them. Cricket is a way of life for them. They love it and are very good at it. For a whole hour I was pelted with cricket balls- very painful! For the other hour we chased a football with 40 Sri Lankan children. Sri Lankan children don’t really know the rules of football. They just run with it for as long as they can until they get a kick in the leg or they pick it up and turn football into rugby. Sri Lanka could be one of the world’s best football teams if they knew the rules. We left very exhausted and drowning in our own sweat with children happily clinging onto our arms and legs. After another, much needed shower, we enjoyed another very nice dinner which included some of Liam H’s birthday cake!

Jacob & Ryan

Update on disability project and hair and beauty training

Outreach visits - view of zone 6, Athidiya

As mentioned in previous blogs, Mrs V and I have been visiting the children and adults with disabilities and their families recently to encourage increased attendance at the Saturday sessions run by special needs teachers from the RCCI School.

Last Saturday's  session at the centre

Attendance has been increasing slowly but surely and our plan is now to focus on the families that remain hard to reach.  For example, when we made some outreach visits last week, we were disappointed to see Hashini, one of the young people with disabilities, at home on her own.  She did not seem to know where her parents were and neighbours advised that her parents are separated and that her mother had left the house early morning and not come back.  The neighbours were keeping an eye on her but this does not seem appropriate support for a young person with a learning disability who requires help and guidance to look after herself. 

Learning the fruits

Mrs V and I have met with Hashini’s mother and father on previous occasions and they had seemed keen for her to get support.  My feeling is that with this family, other family issues  take over and Hashini is sometimes given low priority.  Mrs V and I will work on continuing to try and meet with Hashini and her parents and show them how support for Hashini now will mean greater independence for her as she grows up. We have a few ideas on how we can do this and will keep you posted!

What is heartening to see is that there are 4-5 parents who bring their children without fail every Saturday and never need reminding through visits and phone calls.  One of the mothers actually helps with telling us where other children and adults with disabilities live in the area.  She would be an excellent parent ‘advocate’ and may be useful in engaging the more hard to reach parents.    

Last week, this lady told us about a young boy who apparently had a disability and no longer goes to school.  Mrs V and I met with this boy, Nilaven,  as well as his mother and 2 sisters.  Nilaven’s mother advised us that he has been diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.  This is a progressive disorder with no cure and limited life expectancy.  Nilaven was diagnosed at the age of 7 and now aged 11 has not been able to attend school for one year due to the physical effects of his condition.  It was heartbreaking to hear that Nilaven is now isolated in his community with no education and no opportunities to socialise with his friends. Mrs V and I discussed the centre with Nilaven and his family and Nilaven said that he would like to attend.  With permission from his mother,  Mrs V and I took him there in his wheelchair with his sister accompanying  as moral support.  Sadly, the wheelchair did not appear to have been used much previously.  As we made our way to the centre, the look on Nilaven’s face said it all.  He looked thrilled to be outside! Once at the centre, he settled into meeting the teachers and was soon engaged in some play activities with other children.  Mrs V and I will be keeping a close eye on Nilaven to look at further educational opportunities for him and also to ensure that his trip outside was not just  a one off and will be a regular occurrence.

Jigsaws and matching

On another note, we continue to have good feedback from the trainers leading the hair and beauty course.  All the students are now spending one morning a week in the training academy in Colombo whilst the other 2 days are spent at the centre in Athidiya.  Attendance remains good and Cheryl is really positive about how the students are all progressing! 

This week sees the arrival of a group of volunteers to Sri Lanka so I will leave this blog for the moment in their capable hands!

N.b.  Due to the sensitive nature of this blog, the names of the children mentioned have been changed to protect their confidentiality.  

Katherine