There are elementary schools in most villages. From 6th to 11th grade (Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary School) and from 12th to 13th grade (Advanced Level), lessons usually only take place in regional schools, i.e. the young people have to leave the village, as colleges are generally only available in larger towns.
As most families cannot afford these expenses, we provide hostels for girls and boys in Beragala and Kandaloya to enable children from poor families to attend secondary schools.
Hostel in Beragala
The girls’ hostel in Beragala was officially opened in 2020. Shortly afterwards, it became necessary to open a second hostel for boys. There are now (as of March 2024) 13 girls and 12 boys in the hostels.
Five caregivers and a cook run these hostels and offer family care, accommodation, meals and homework support.
In Sri Lanka, girls and boys are not allowed to be accommodated in the same building. They can have their meals together and do their homework in the same building, but afterwards the boys have to go to another building. This was a major challenge, as the two buildings were around 4 km apart. In April 2024, they were able to move into a house in the neighborhood. This is a great relief for the caregivers.
Our visit to the hostels 2024
Hostel Beragala
After arriving in Beragala, we visit the children at the hostel the same day. After a very warm welcome, we are immediately asked if we will be going on an excursion again this year. After much discussion among the children, they chose the destination: Batticaloa. Three wonderful days for the children. This trip is always the highlight of their year.
During the inspection of the girls’ hostel, we discover that many things are missing: kitchen appliances, lamps, comforters, comforter covers and pillows, cupboards for the teachers and an urgently needed washing machine. Heinz carries out manual work, pulls in various electrical cables, connects new LED lamps and the washing machine and builds a window in the dark common room.
Hostel Kandaloya
Last year, we made an agreement with the school management to withdraw from the project at the end of 2023, as the school is supported by many local and foreign sponsors. The principal asked us to meet with him and a few teachers while we were in Nagastenna, however.
At this meeting, he asked us to continue paying two teachers’ salaries. He also asked for scholarships for his former students who are now studying. Of course we agree.
On the excursion
Hostel Beragala
Hostel Beragala
Dushanti, she was already in the children’s home and subsequently she accompanied our hostel in Beragala
