Sri Lanka 2012

Following two successful trips to Sri Lanka in 2008 and 2010, Eston Park School is once again taking a group of young people on a volunteering working visit to a school in Sri Lanka. Previous trips have had so much of an impact on both our students, and the people of Sri Lanka, that we are repeating the experience with a new group of Year 11 students. 15 Students from the school, along with 2 Sixth Form mentors and 3 staff will make up the Sri Lanka Team.

Once again, we will be working on the ethos of “Making A Difference”, not only to our participants but to the people of Athidiya too. We will work within the Sri Punyakami School, which caters for pre-school, junior and secondary children. Mrs. Da Silva, the Head of the school, is allowing our students to teach English, Maths, Geography, Drama, Music and Sports to the Sri Lankan students. As well as undertaking work in the school, we will also be working alongside Sister Concepta, a nun who has committed her life to helping the people in the community to make their lives better.

There was a great deal of interest once the trip was launched, and it has taken a lengthy selection process to ensure that the team that travels to Sri Lanka is fully capable of dealing with the rigours and demands that the trip will inevitably bring. Applicants have had to undergo a variety of challenges and activities, including some fund-raising events, and these were very successful.

To go on the trip, we need to raise the funds to cover the cost of the trip itself, and also to raise money to provide equipment and materials for the community in Sri Lanka. This is a huge task, and to do this we need the support of pupils, staff, parents and the whole community. Fund-raising events will be held throughout the year to help us reach our target, and you will be able to follow our progress on the school website.

This trip is just another one of our International Links which we are committed to developing. Working alongside the Asha Trust in Sri Lanka has given our pupils a chance to learn more about the world, and to develop as a person, hopefully for the better. By taking part in the trip, they are actively “Making A Difference” to the children and people of Sri Lanka. The school is proud to have the quality of education that can help shape young people’s lives by offering experiences such as this.

We all hope that you support our vision and help us reach our target as one community helping another.

The Sri Lanka Team.