Project Kokkilai
Kokkilai is a coastal town located 350 km from Colombo, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. With a population of around 90 students, (School name) in Kokkilai provides education from grade 1 to O/Level with only 3 teachers. This school is facing a significant challenge in the form of a shortage of teachers. Specifically, the school does not have a mathematics teacher, which is having a major impact on the education of its students. Many of them are struggling in this subject and are at risk of failing due to the lack of proper teaching and guidance. This shortage of teachers highlights the broader challenges faced by rural schools in providing quality education to their students, and underscores the importance of investing in teacher training and support programs to ensure that all students have access to the resources and skills they need to succeed in their studies.
In addition to the shortage of teacher, this community also faces a significant challenge in the form of limited access to clean water. The high calcium levels in the area’s water sources mean that the water needs to be filtered before it can be consumed, making it difficult for the residents to meet their basic needs.
In the initial stage of the project, our goal was to address the pressing challenges facing the school and community in Kokkilai. To that end, we donated a water purification filter that was installed in the school premises, providing access to clean drinking water for the students and staff. Additionally, we are funding the salary of a mathematics teacher for one year, ensuring that the students have access to proper teaching and guidance in this crucial subject. These interventions are designed to help address the immediate needs of the school and community, and to support the education and well-being of its students.
Our goal is not simply to provide immediate relief, but to work towards long-term sustainability for the Kokkilai community. To that end, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the community and its capacity. Our research showed that there was a need for practical skills training and job opportunities for the students. With this in mind, we have decided to fund the resources needed for students to learn how to sew and produce garments. This will not only provide them with a valuable skill, but also serve as a source of income or as a means of improving the school facilities. By providing a reason for children to attend school and giving them practical skills that they can use to support themselves and their families, we aim to build a brighter future for the Kokkilai community and help ensure its long-term sustainability.