"When the tsunami devastated south east Asia 10 years ago we all remember where we were. I was in Espinas and wondered what we could do to help at our humble level.
So an association was was formed called "one school, one village" because we thought a school is a place where one can share, meet and especially a place of hope.
Soon our neighbours came on board; friends joined in and friends of friends. They competed to come up with fund raising ideas. Parents at the college at St Antonin organised a meal at which a painting by Tom King was auctioned; a dance evening was held at Cazals; a meal followed by an auction sale was organised by our English friends; pharmacies donated first aid products; local mairies sent contributions; presentations in primary schools in St Antonin made children aware of the drama and the children of St Joseph's school in Varen organised a collection.
In short everyone mobilised; we were in touch with friends in Sri Lanka who chose two sites to build schools, enough money having been collected to fund these projects; the site chosen as on the south east coast where several schools near the beach had been swept away. Thanks to local contacts these were amongst the first schools built in Sri Lanka. Teachers dealt with the red tape; an architect friend drew the plans; we opted for the simplest model on local lines and tried to recycle materials; we made bricks and coconut trees blown down provided the timbers
The schools are equipped with basic teaching materials; a swing and slide were erected in the playground, all thanks to a local association. A great celebration was organised for the opening on an auspicious day and it was an emotional return to school for the children.
Teachers salaries were covered by gifts and the children are sponsored to this day by French people paying 20 euros per month (the original pupils are now at college, but the links are maintained). This amount provides a school uniform, shoes and classroom materials.
The proper use of funds is regularly checked by Yasmin Rajapakse, president of the association.
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| Making bricks with a press |
The schools are equipped with basic teaching materials; a swing and slide were erected in the playground, all thanks to a local association. A great celebration was organised for the opening on an auspicious day and it was an emotional return to school for the children.
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| Children in their classroom |
Teachers salaries were covered by gifts and the children are sponsored to this day by French people paying 20 euros per month (the original pupils are now at college, but the links are maintained). This amount provides a school uniform, shoes and classroom materials.
The proper use of funds is regularly checked by Yasmin Rajapakse, president of the association.
Personally I stay regularly in the schools working with the teachers and teaching English to the children. Other people help from time to time with different subjects: arts, sewing, sport, advice to the amateurs!
In all over 500 pupils have benefitted from the education in these two schools over the last 10 years.
Unfortunately in these humid climates maintenance costs are continuous, With tropical storms, termites... often it is the ingenuity of the parents which allows things to be overcome with a minimum of funds.
On this anniversary the Association would like in the name of the children to express its recognition of all those who, in one way or another have become involved in order to fulfill its objectives and continuing goals thanks to the dynamism of the franco-sri lankan team on the ground."
Gerard Narjoux
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
In all over 500 pupils have benefitted from the education in these two schools over the last 10 years.
Unfortunately in these humid climates maintenance costs are continuous, With tropical storms, termites... often it is the ingenuity of the parents which allows things to be overcome with a minimum of funds.
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| Gerarrd presents gifts to children |
Gerard Narjoux
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
