Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Over 5,000 pupils lost their school when the tsunami struck the district of Hambantota on the south coast of Sri Lanka.  At a time when these children needed the stability and safe environment normally provided by school life it became a crowded, noisy and unsettling experience.  In order to continue their education many children were sent away to live with relatives and those who remained faced lessons in groups which had doubled in size. 

"I am still afraid. I have flashbacks sometimes and nightmares......... I want to get on with my life and perhaps be a teacher"

Kalta, Hambontata

The Freemasons' Grand Charity contributed £199,126 towards the building of a new school for more than 3,000 children.  Construction began in 2005 and the school opened to pupils in 2007.  Designed with input from children in the local area the £2 million school has excellent facilities.  These include science, language and computer laboratories, an industrial workshop and libraries and accomodation to help attract the best teachers.  Separate classrooms have replaced the traditional style of a partitioned hall which can be a distracting environment for the children.  Outside the grounds have been landscaped and incorporate green spaces and play areas. 

"A new school is our priority. We are building in partnership with Plan, looking at the plans together with the community. We are all prepared to recruit new teachers and make a fresh start for [the] children"

MK Bandula Chandratne, District Education Officer

The inauguration of the school will take place in February 2008.

                   

                              A representation of Ruhunu School 

For the very latest news on the school, visit:

http://www.plan-lanka.lk/html/tsunamifeature_ruhunuschool.shtml