Children are resilient and forgiving and long to continue their normal lives. They help regenerate a community with their joy and enthusiasm.

Education is vital not only for the individual but also for the economic future of the country. It is essential therefore that pupils return to school as quickly as possible. To do so they need basic equipment such as books, pencils, rulers, etc, which we will provide as part of our ‘School Aid Packs’.

Further to this we will be supplementing the Government school building programme, which is expected to be released soon, on a school-by-school basis with computers and desks and other long-term equipment.

Whilst managing our housing project in Matara, WTN came across a school that had not been damaged in the tsunami, but was nevertheless in a very poor condition. Schools that were substantially damaged are receiving money and attention whilst others, like the Kanishta Vidyalaya School, despite overcrowding due to the destruction of other school buildings, have been forgotten and receive no support at all.

Our primary concern was the safety of the children as there were several places where children could be walking up steps or along corridors that had significant drops on one or both sides that could cause serious injury.

In addition, the standard of sanitary conditions and water supply were extremely poor.

Freshford Primary School near Bath, raised £904 to assist with the introduction of new fences and repairs to the existing steps, and Wherever The Need has undewritten the cost of new toilets and water facilities.

This latter cost is in the region of £1,500.

We are still seeking a sponsor for this work and we look forward to hearing if there is a willing donor(s) out there please contact us if you would like to help this project, or any other we are running.