17/02/2024 Annual School Supplies Drive- Our biggest yet!
For two consecutive years, thanks to generous donations, we have been able to provide school supplies, stationery, books, uniform, and shoes to all of the children attending our kindergarten, along with those entering grades 1 and 2 at the village preparatory school. By providing these children with the tools that they need, we have been able to ease the financial burden on their parents and thereby encourage attendance, giving these children the opportunity to gain a proper start to their early years education. In 2020 alone, the number of children enrolling in kindergarten and grades 1 and 2 in the local school doubled after we announced that their school supplies would be provided. Since then, the numbers have continued to rise and the attendance now stands at the highest it has ever been.
Despite schools in Akurala being free to attend, many children face significant barriers to education. Local families often struggle to afford essential school supplies, such as stationery, uniforms, shoes, and bags. Without these basic necessities, children are often unable to attend school. Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic challenges have only worsened this issue, making education even less accessible for many.
So this year, we set out to provide school supplies for as many children as we could in Akurala and its surrounding villages, hoping to roll out the program and further increase the accessibility to education in the area.
On the 24th November, we held the Groove for Good fundraiser concert at The Nutshell in Winchester, organised by Francis Flynn and myself. We saw performances by two talented local bands, Vinyl and Novocaine, who delivered a mix of well-loved covers and original music.
Thanks to the incredible support from attendees at Groove for Good, alongside funds from Teagan's pickleball tournament, we raised enough to provide school supplies for over 800 children this year! These supplies are essential to ensuring these children can attend school and access the opportunities that education brings. This year’s efforts extended beyond Akurala, reaching children in neighbouring villages. By doing so, we're not just providing school supplies; we're opening doors to education and opportunity for even more children in the area!
Your support is helping us to make a HUGE difference to the accessibility of education in Sri Lanka. From those who attended the fundraisers to those who helped plan and organise them, we couldn't have done it without you, THANK YOU!!
