PAIYAGALA, SRI LANKA:
OpUSA's Impact On A Marginalized Community
Operation USA sponsored the rebuilding of a preschool in Paiyagala, Sri Lanka, with the help of volunteers Mrs. Margaret Rajarethnem and Dr. Pat Clark. Prior to the tsunami, the preschool educated nearly 100 children of local fishermen but the tsunami left in its wake rubble, debris, broken homes and families…and children unable to return to the school they saw destroyed by 30’ waves.
The school's master teacher, Mrs. Champa, a well-respected community figure, took immediate action and used her life savings to purchase a plot of land some distance inland. In the early phase of relief operations, the Government of Sri Lanka announced it would not necessarily reconstruct preschools . Operation USA stepped in to fund construction of a two-story facility with classroom and educational materials, as well as providing for the nutritional needs of children from 3-6 years old. To see a sample menu for the schoolchildren, please click here.
On January 4, 2006, a traditional Buddhist ceremony was performed to bless the re-opening of the completed preschool. The existence of this new school will help children and parents alike begin to overcome the trauma caused by the tsunami. |
