Latest Ocean Stars News
Matt's Canoeing Challenge

My canoeing challenge was to raise funds to complete the building of my nursery project in Sri Lanka. In early 2011 I began to think of something I could do that would really challenge myself and raise the necessary funds at the same time. After discussion with family and friends I decided upon canoeing the length of the Basingstoke Canal - 36 miles from Weybridge to Odiham. I had been an avid kayaker when younger but had not trained or been in a canoe for a number of years - my fitness levels were also questionable at the start of training!

Nevertheless in May I bought the equipment and began training both on the canal and also on occasion in the sea, all with the help and support of my parents.

I set a target to complete the challenge before the group trip to Sri Lanka at the end of October and over the next few months worked to increase the distance covered during each training session. During my training I set up a just giving page and invited friends, colleagues and family to sponsor me.

The day of the challenge arrived and I had lots of support from friends and family cycling and walking alongside en route. The challenge began in the cold and dark at 7am at Weybridge and finally at about 4pm I completed the challenge, arriving at North Warnborough.

£1160 had been pledged for the nursery by this stage, which was more than the original fundraising target. My franchisee from Domino's Pizza has always taken an interest in my trips to Sri Lanka and the work of Ocean Stars - he generously agreed to match the amount I had raised making a total of £2320 and on 24th October 2011 we opened Little Stars nursery during the group trip. The excitement of the local people during our visit and knowing the essential part the nursery will play in community life made it all worthwhile, I hope to revisit Little Stars on upcoming group trips.

By Chris Booth - Published: 2012-02-02 09:36
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Ocean Stars Lanka Blog
Ocean Stars Year's End Event

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-12-12 15:08
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Ocean Stars publications
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By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-11-28 10:15
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Ocean Stars Press Releases
Fundraisers' work adds up to nursery

Volunteers from a Fleet based charity have just returned from another successful mercy mission to Sri Lanka.

Thirteen members of the Ocean Stars Trust (OST) were kept busy helping needy families on the tropical idland just off the southern tip of India.

The charity was set up by Church Crookham resident Dilanee Bunter after the Boxing day 2004 tsunami and has raised more than £100,000 to help more than 40 projects in the north and east of the country.

“Among the highlights of the trip were the openings of two new playgroups in rural communities where children have had no access to pre-school education until now,” said 50 year old mother of three Mrs Bunter, who was born in Sri Lank but moved to Britain when she was 15.

“Former Court Moor School pupil Matt Marshall from Fleet had worked hard all year and raised money to help build Little Stars Nursery in Makkalvanchi near Batticaloa, which he himself ceremonially opened during the visit. It means 40 local children can mow benefit from a pre-school education.

“A playgroup in another village called Karaveddy, which was destroyed in the floods of January this year, has been re-built by Ocean Stars and was also opened by the team.”

The OST group also visited new wells and toilets in rural communities that have been provided by the trust thanks to various British Donors. “During the visit the group met many of the hundreds of children who are being sponsored by people in the UK fir £10 a month, and the families are very grateful for the help they receive,” added Mrs Bunter, a teacher and counsellor at the Linden Education Centre pupil referral unit in Queen’s Road, North Camp.

“Local groups such as Heatherside Infant School, Fleet Baptist Church, Fleet Methodist Church and All Saints Church have all raised funds for the charity this year.”

The trust has raised money through child and teacher sponsorship schemes, individual legacies and donations and fundraising events, including variety shows.

Volunteers have previously visited playgroups and schools in Sri Lanka with supplies collected by Fleet and Hartley Witney Methodist churches, local schools and individuals.

Supplies have included pencils, pens, rubbers, glue sticks, balloons, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbands, deodorant, soap, tissue paper, hair brushes and knitted teddies.
Mrs Bunter said “Many families live on an income of about £12 a month with which they have to buy rice and their fuel for cooking. They don’t have anything left over for luxuries like pencils and paper and shoes and clothes.”

Fleet News & Mail
Fri 11 Nov 2011

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-11-18 14:54
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Ocean Stars Press Releases
Sri Lanka trip to help island schoolchildren

A Grayshott couple are setting off to Sri Lanka to help people whose lives were devastated by the 2005 tsunami and are asking for the community’s help.

Danny and Helena Carter will be heading to Sri Lanka in just under two weeks time. It will be te couple’s third visit and they will be taking with them gifts to give to some of the poorest families and schools.

The Carters take part in this expedition with the charity Ocean Stars Trust, who were set up soon after the tsunami hit.

Every year 12 volunteers from East Hampshire make the trip to Sri Lanka to help rebuild the lives of those who lost everything.
When the Boxing day tsunami hit in 2004, millions of lives were devastated as homes, schools and businesses were destroyed.
The group from the Ocean Stars Trust have worked tirelessly over the past few years to help rebuild the towns and villages of Sri Lanka.
Ocean Stars Trust supports a wide range of projects across Sri Lanka but has a special interest in child education, especially that os pre-school children, as there is little government support in the country. Donations of school supplies are always gratefully received.

The charity was set up in 2005 by Dilanee Bunter, a teacher from Fleet in Hampshire.

It is through Mrs Bunter tat Helena first heard about the charity. Helena said: “I worked with Dilanee when I was teaching in Fleet, she spoke so passionately about her work that I felt really inspired and wanted to do something to help.

“So me and my husband, Danny, flew out to Sri Lanka and got involved with the teaching and building work.

“We now go over every year, this is our third trip and we’re very excited about it. The country is so beautiful and the people we go over to help are simply amazing. Even though many of them have absolutely nothing they will still go out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable in their homes.

“Even though most of them sleep on the floor and have to walk miles for water, the women always dress In their finest clothes and would just look exquisite – it really puts us to shame in our scruffy old T-shirts.

“We do a wide range of things when we’re out there. Right now I’m cutting out thousands of elephants for the children to colour in when we get out there.

“We normally take over a primary class for a few hours and colour, sing songs and have some real fun.
“I have been volunteering at PK Pre-school in Grayshott one day a week so that I can get a better understanding of how advanced children are at that age.

“I would also like to say how wonderful the school has been, helping to raise money with various race nights and other events, they’ve been fantastic.

“Grayshott Books have also been a wonderful help and donated more than half the books needed to take to Sri lanka.

“We know the economic climate isn’t great at the moment, which is why it means so much to us when people are so generous, even at such a difficult time for business.

“Though there’s more to it than teaching, we do try and rebuild homes, that’s part of my husband’s job. He’s a very good handy man and will do a lot of that kind of work. The whole group really pitches in.

“The whole experience is very humbling. We have everything, but moan endlessly. It really does put things into perspective.
Helena and Danny will be flying out on October 16th, and are still accepting donations to take with them.

Bordon Post
Wed 5 Oct 2011

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-11-18 14:53
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Ocean Stars Team Trip to Sri Lanka 2011
TRIP FEEDBACK FROM DANNY CARTER

This is a huge thank you for Nustar’s generous donation and to give you a brief out line of where the money was spent

Whilst The Ocean Stars Trust supports 13 nurseries in the Batticaloa area (located on the east coast of Sri Lanka) my wife and I committed ourselves to raising funds for the building of a new nursery in a small community called Karaveddy.

During the 2011 January storms and floods the existing nursery building was badly damaged which resulted in the nursery group being having to operate under tarpaulin cover set up strung between a building with the children sitting on a ground sheet cover over the sand.

The original building had been built post tsunami by an NGO group and repairs were impossible for many reasons.  Ocean Stars decided to construct a new building and it was for funding this new nursery that we committed our efforts.

Classes held under a tarpaulin

Flood damaged buildings

The new building was started several months ago and during our visit we were able to see the completion and become involved in the opening ceremony.

New Ocean Stars classroom under construction - Karaveddy, Sri Lanka

Ocean Stars completed classroom - Karaveddy, Sri Lanka

Danny with an Ocean Stars pupil at the opening of the new classroom in Karaveddy, Sri Lanka
This is when we know our efforts are all worth while!

We are now hoping to raise more funds for the construction of a toilet and to fence off the site to keep out the roaming cattle and the many feral dogs which will provide a safe outside area for lessons and play.

The complete trip was again very rewarding.  Seeing the many smiling faces and the support and appreciation of the local community made all the time and effort worthwhile

   

   
Teacher, band and villagers greet the Ocean Stars Charity Team at the opening ceremony  in Karaveddy, Sri Lanka

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-11-15 10:36
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Ocean Stars Team Trip to Sri Lanka 2011
TRIP REFLECTIONS FROM TEAM 2011

Janine Dunbar

First of all, thank you so much for including me in the team, I had an unforgettable time, and one of the best bits was being part of a great, lovely group of people. As I said on Saturday, (or whenever it was!) I wasn't sure what to expect, and lots of names of people, places etc get mentioned, and now I can match the names to the people! I was bowled over by the warmth and welcome and smiles we got from the children, teachers, families, and how much effort they made to see us, they lead such hard lives, but simple lives, there is no comfort (as I  sit on my comfortable settee, I think of their houses, with hard floors and hard chairs), but I think we have a lot to learn from them; the contrast in Colombo was obvious, but not so much that as the fact that some people seem unaware of the plight of their countrymen in the north and east. An obvious highlight for me was to finally meet Industhan and his family, and to present him with his bike, thank you so much for organising that for us.

I was so impressed by the kindness and cheerfulness of the OSL team, especially Ranga, Sudha and Janake, who got us from A to B in often difficult conditions and kept us safe. There were lots of special times throughout the whole week, and I am going to sit down and write it all down while I can remember what happened when! Lastly, there is so much for Ocean Stars to do, and having been there it is so much easier to tell people about it.

Lydia Marshall

Back in chilly London, Sri Lanka seems a long way away. When people ask how the trip was it is hard to put into words and so far all I have managed to do is mutter “amazing” and change the subject before my jet-lagged words fail me. Hopefully I will become more articulate soon and be able to convince my lovely friends to support Ocean Stars!

In ten days we saw so much, met so many people and had so many thought-provoking experiences. For me the most inspiring part of the trip was spending time in Batticaloa and seeing how the Lanka side of Ocean Stars works. It is amazing (must stop using that word) to see how the hard work that a lot of people in the UK put in enables so many Sri Lankans to help their own communities, whether as a nursery teacher, an Ocean Stars fieldworker or as all-round superhero Ranchan. Visiting the playgroups was also great fun and again very challenging. I did find it hard spending such a short time at each project, but I wouldn't want to have missed any of the places that I was lucky enough to visit, and was also aware of how much each nursery appreciated our coming to see them. Similarly, I would have loved to spend more time at Grace, getting to know the boys there. All the boys have lived through things that no one ought to, and Mrs N. is doing an incredible thing giving them a home. I really hope that this can continue, as I know that the future of Grace is a big concern.

Ultimately, I count myself so lucky to have had this experience. I was dually inspired during the trip… First by the children and adults I met who have suffered war and natural disaster and yet still shared such generosity and joy with us, and secondly by the work of Ocean Stars both in the UK and Sri Lanka. As I said on the last night, although I have spent quite a bit of time in places where people are living in circumstances that are unfair in every sense, this is the first time I have left with the sense that something is being done that is actually improving lives. I am definitely a committed “star” now - all that remains is to figure out an excuse to return to Sri Lanka!

Kate Whyatt

Back for the fourth time and it was as inspiring as always.  What struck me this year is the remoteness of the nursery schools that OST are involved with.  Firstly there was the opening of Little Stars within a community that has struggled with the impact of the conflict and seems to be miles from anywhere at the edge of the jungle.  I was also fortunate enough to visit Addachakal, again on the edge of the jungle miles from anywhere.  Here the villagers are troubled by wild elephants which destroy crops and houses looking for food, and where I met a young ‘human scarecrow’, a 9 year old boy sitting for hours watching for and protecting the crops from monkeys.

The people we met were, as always, ready to greet us with a smile and the generosity to let us visit them in their homes.  They have so little in terms of possessions yet so much to give.  It is the relationships I have made over the past three visits that takes me back to Sri Lanka each year: the boys at Grace, my sponsor family, the OSL staff in Batti, the three wonderful drivers who never tire of looking after us.

It is so wonderful to see first hand the work that OST is able to do with the money so generously donated in the UK, including the building of wells, toilets, nursery schools, sponsorship of teachers, children etc.

Maggi Baird

Where to begin?

After a very good 12 hour flight, we were met by the men who were our drivers.  Little did I realise at that time just what a huge part they play in the whole trip.  All of them worked above and beyond the call of duty.

Off to Negombo, we were treated to a lovely hotel breakfast, shower and a bit R & R.  We were warned, this would be the last chance to relax – how true was that comment!

Off again on the road for a couple of hours to Ranga’s for lunch.  Not as opulent as the hotel, but quite well to do.  My first taste of Sri Lankan hospitality and lovely food.

Off again to our hotel for the next two nights.  More than adequate.  Very wet though, but warm.  Glad of a bed, the first since leaving UK about 28 hours ago.

Next morning saw us on our way to Grace Home for Children – well they’re all boys.  Nothing had prepared me for the welcome they all extended.  They just smiled all day.  Of course, boys being boys, they were all keen to get involved with Frisbees, balls, cricket etc, and took delight at the potted sports.  Again, giving the boys medals (donated by Scottish Athletics) was very touching.  Very few of the lads took them off the whole day.  The art project again caught my attention.  The patience and dexterity of those boys was a sight to behold. Being entertained in the church by the boys was wonderful – even although we had to scamper through monsoon rain to the minibuses to get back to the hotel!  It was so sad leaving those delightful boys, and the chat in the bus was little.

I wonder what will happen to those lads who have nothing and nobody in the world other than Mrs Nadarajah and the home.  It would be good to think there could be found some money to build accommodation for them when they are too old to be supported by OST, so that they could perhaps find work, but at least have a roof over their heads.  A garden for growing vegetables could be put in to the grounds, so providing food for the home, but also, surplus could be sold.

Next day, to Trinco. I knew this was to be both a magical and emotional day.  My first impression of the little ones in the nursery was one of delight.  Those tiny people accepted a dozen foreigners as though it happened every day, and they sang and danced for us.  They are so smart in their purple uniforms, obviously worn with pride.

The older school children joined us.  At this point, I was so close to tears of pure joy because my sponsored child came in through the door.  I signalled to her who I was, and she gave me such a huge smile, I was choked.

All the children were clean and happy – a testimony to the teachers and Janabdeen. 

We visited the sewing project.  Again, the work and decoration those ladies put into dresses, tableware and pillowcases is amazing, and they get little return.  At least they are learning a sustainable skill.  Perhaps a couple more sewing machines would let more ladies gain this skill and make a little extra income.

We then visited our sponsored families.  This was so humbling.  Those people have so very very little, yet here they were plying us with Coke, cake and biscuits.  It’s rude to refuse, but I had difficulty in swallowing.  What kept me going was the fact that the very little money I give each month really does make a difference. 

We left Trinco, and I couldn’t speak.  The emotion hit me like a ton of bricks.  At this stage I could do no more to help “my” family, but perhaps in the future there will be ways.

Next morning saw us packed and off to Batti to Joseph’s.  I had been told it was like going home.  It was.  That hotel- keeper looked after us so very well, and nothing was a problem or too much to do.  It was a relief to get a bit washing done!  The cold shower was a surprise, but a great way to waken up in the morning!

We travelled to some of the more remote areas around Batti to visit, and open nurseries.  I thought the folks in Trinco were poor, this was something else all together. 

“Little Stars” nursery was officially opened, and it was heartening to hear the building will be used for worship and other community groups as well as a nursery.  The children have to walk 3-5Km to get to school.  For little ones, this is a long, long way.  Perhaps another building could be erected to take the children in the first two years of education so they could be nearer home.

The nursery Danny had funded (sorry can’t remember the name) plus the well was lovely.  Again, maybe the damaged building could be repaired as a classroom for the older children. There’s so much that could be done, and it must be difficult to spread funds to greatest need..

Working in the nursery at Chenkalady was a new experience for me.  Happy noisy children engaged in lots of activities and songs.  Not having worked with such little ones was a challenge, but my mindset for the trip was “go with the flow” and I did!

It was here that I got the biggest shock of the whole trip.  Visiting some families of the nursery children, we came across a very young mum and her son living in what can only be described as less than a shack.  Her husband had left – through drink – and her aunt was supporting her where she could.  The dwelling had corrugated walls but only to three feet high, then a space before a covering of palm fronds.  These leaked in the rains, and really there should have been twice as many fronds in use, and even then not been very habitable.

I don’t think providing this girl with a house would be the answer unless it was close to where her family is, but that too worried me as I noticed two empty half bottles of spirits in the grounds.  I just wonder what’s really going on there.

All too soon, it was time to leave Batti and head to Colombo. It was very thought provoking to see the huge difference that tourism has made in Colombo in comparison to the east coast.  I couldn’t sleep that night in by comfy luxury hotel for thinking of those many folks out in the remote areas who do not have electricity nor running water.  They get up and go to bed by the sun.

Helena Carter

Home for less than a week now I am amazed at how quickly we get used to the luxury of modern life in the UK...

taps with a continuous supply of running water, clean hygienic toilets,  electric lights, solid walls and non leaking roofs. 

None of these things are available to the children we visited in the Nurseries like Nelloor, Karaveddy or Little Stars. But my favourite memories are not of the poverty we saw, but of smiling faces, committed teachers and caring communities.

I am proud to think that in some way we helped provide some basic of needs for these children, like wells and toilets; proud to be part of Ocean Stars dream for the future; slightly overwhelmed by the knowledge that thereis so much more to do, so many more children in need.

Chris Cooper

Everything is still going round in my head; we seemed to cram so much into 10 days.

The remoteness of the projects struck me this time and the difficulty of travel. It takes a huge effort for the villagers to leave their immediate region to travel to anywhere – school, hospital etc. The homes /shelters where they live, many without easy access to water or the things we take for granted. In spite of their poverty their dignity and willingness to share the little they have.

I remember the speeches made at the opening of playgroups and at the evening for the deaf and dumb community when the value of education was stressed and we were overwhelmed by the gratitude expressed for the small contributions we can make.

Most of all I remember the children having fun, laughing and playing, giving back so much more than they had received. I feel privileged to have shared a short time with them

Carolyn Marshall

2 days after returning from Sri Lanka my head is still full of vivid pictures of the people and places we've left behind us, and I’m still trying to process the many wonderful, moving and challenging experiences we had.
Going back this year for my second visit it was lovely to return to familiar places and to connect again with people who are becoming friends, as well as building some new relationships.

There were so many special moments this year, and it seems looking back on them that many of them were about real communication and connection, even when we did not have a shared language. It was wonderful to play and laugh with the boys at Grace, and to share with them in games and painting in the afternoon – particularly powerful was watching the young boy painting beside John for an hour and a half in a really precious time of quiet one to one shared space and communication.

At the opening of Little Stars it was so moving to see so many people of all ages gathering, and to hear from the Pastor of the different ways they are planning to use the space. I was really humbled and challenged to see the man who had so generously given the land and then helped to clear it. He was not a wealthy man, and it was very touching to see his pleasure in the gift of 1 of the famous knitted teddies which he carefully wrapped up in his plastic carrier bag. His real sacrificial gift of the land has challenged me about how I give from my position of plenty.

Another special memory for me from this year was when 3 of us went with Thulia to walk round the village of Kanankudah with the Playgroup Teacher, and then had the privilege of sitting with her family for a while outside their home. Seeing the real poverty and difficulties which they face daily, I felt a strong connection with them as women and mothers as well as a deep sadness. On this occasion, and again when chatting with some of the lovely girls at St. Vincent’s school, it was impossible to know what to say when somebody simply said “life is hard here”. I felt all I could say is “I know”, and hope that somehow our being there for that short time conveys how they are not forgotten, and that in as much as we can we are standing with them.

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-11-14 10:23
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Ocean Stars Team Trip to Sri Lanka 2011
More last days: Teacher training to Colombo

A pleasant party with and for the teachers of the 13 playgroups whom OST support was held on the Thursday evening, where all kinds of silly games were played and playgroup songs sung. This had brought them to Batti town for the evening (many having travelled several hours to get here) so that they could attend the Teacher Training morning that we had arranged for Friday morning. The evening also allowed us to celebrate Matt's 21st birthday which followed this week.

The teacher training event involved a starter circle-type session, followed by 5 separate group sessions which the teachers all attended carousel-style, and played board games, made model elephants, collage work, worked on children’s heights with a wall-tape, or did “physical games” – running around, balancing bean bags etc.

The morning concluded with speeches, resources gifts, and certificates, and a final group curry. One snag – there was a power cut from about 1100, the fans stopped, and it got rather hot and sweaty in the heat of the midday sun.

The Team left Batticaloa at 2pm. Three vans, one mostly with luggage, left for the 8 hour journey to Colombo. Several of us – particularly those of us who got up for the Dawn Swim from Joseph’s hotel – managed to sleep at least part of the way.

Heavy rains fell again for a lot of the journey, so tribute to the driving skill of Janaka, Suda and Ranga, the latter who still found time to show us the sights including a huge lizard bathing in a stream somewhere along the way.

So just 24 hours from 10.30pm at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel Colombo to wind down with a flight scheduled at 2am on the Saturday morning. A sobering moment for all of us, observing the comparative tourist boom-led wealth of the capital city against the poverty of the East – there are no hotels like these in Batti, and few Sri Lankans know both parts well – a real divide. All the more pertinent that OST puts so many of its generously donated resources into those areas of the country.

Another great October visit, result of tremendous planning of naturally Ranchan "on the ground", (and others in the country to get us to Vavunia and Trinco) and 6 months or so's work from Dilanee and the 2011 Team. Let us hope that the result is a strengthening of the Ocean Stars Trust’s work in Vavunia, Trinco, and Batti, and even to broaden the scope of the charity’s work in the future.

End of blog for

 Dilanee, Dan, John, Carolyn, Matt, Lydia, Maggi, Kate,Helena, Danny, Maureen, Chris, and Janine.

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-10-31 11:10
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Ocean Stars Team Trip to Sri Lanka 2011
Last Days

Today reports from some of the 4 playgroups visited by Team members in 2s and 3s. Teaching had been carefully planned from weeks ago, and since the nurseries were mostly local, I think everyone got there on time to complete a full 3 hour session with the children.

Chris, Lydia and Dan at Kirankulum.  (Chris)

It was lovely to go back to Kirankulum and see some of the children we had met last year, together with lots of new ones. The children were happy and lively, obviously enjoying the chick pea and milk lunch provided at the playgroup. The teachers encouraged lots of activities and enjoyed helping us with mask-making, collage and singing. Percussion was a highlight with the children counting in English and Tamil, their pronunciation putting ours to shame – our Tamil wasn't nearly as good.

It’s humbling to see the vary basic conditions, with such limited resources available, producing an environment in which children can thrive and learn. It’s a very uplifting experience.

Carolyn and Janine at Kaluwarchikudy (Janine)

Carolyn and I arrived at Kaluwarchikudy just after 8 – the building was spacious and in comparison to Tuesday, seemed better equipped. 23 arrived, some of the children started crying and at one point 5 were crying at once, which was upsetting for us as we couldn't comfort them as they were scared of us.

Circle time, the story and our first activity went well, the teachers helped the children a lot in terms of doing some of the sticking etc for them. After break we went outside and played "Elmer says," which worked well, and then played with the bean bags. The children all enjoyed the outdoor games. Then we did one more collage activity and suddenly the morning was over – the session finished at 11, not 1130, so there was a rush to get teddies given out, with masks and photos, and we didn't have time to sing more songs or listen to the children singing to us.

The children seemed better nourished, and after playgroup we went for a walk around, arriving at the teacher’s house, passing a very large pink mansion which belonged to the aunt of one of the playgroup children. The teacher’s house was spacious and cool, and we were treated to a glass of king coconut juice before going back to the nursery for a delicious lunch..

During the morning Dilanee had phoned to say she had bought a bike for Indushan, and he was coming to Joseph’s at 3. The bike was amazing, shiny, complete with lock and bell – and pompoms on the wheels! Indushan arrived by tuktuk, with his mother and was a little shy at being photographed by about 8 people at once, but both he and Mum seemed delighted, and it was special for me to be able to present it to him while I was here. Thank you Dilanee for organising it – I think it will make a difference to his life.

Maggi and Maureen at Kurumunvely

Fortunately not all the 56 enrolled turned up. The 40 odd who took part in today’s session had the advantage of being in the church building, where there was more space. The ladies had a fun time working with Nilanthe, whom Maureen has known for several years now.

Meeting with sponsored girls from Vincent’s School (secondary) in the afternoon.

These sponsor arrangements go back to Dilanee’s first trip here in 2005, so many of the girls are approaching University courses. It was fascinating to hear about their ambitions, as these are all highly motivated girls.

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-10-31 10:45
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Ocean Stars Team Trip to Sri Lanka 2011
Day 6: Openings and Toppings Out

A later start saw us driving to Karaveddy first. Past familiar paddy fields and more paddy fields across the flat terrain we arrived to a welcome of some 60-70 mix of mothers grandmothers and tots. A novelty this time was being paraded in to the new playgroup building by a minor percussion band. The building itself was smaller than its predecessor that had been made unusable by the January floods, indeed a similar size to those other new ones we’d visited.

Danny, who had provided the funds to rebuild the playgroup, had the honour of cutting the ribbon. Then it was some very thoughtful speeches by the locals, but a bit too far for 3-4 year olds who were simply waiting for the orange and biscuits. Danny's speech captured the mood - short and to the point!

Afterwards some gifts to the kids – flags and balloons - a good look at the well that Danny had also financed, then off to Mandoor.

Mandoor 1, that is. A notable achievement noted by all in the midday 30 degree heat, of the 28 feet well recently completed, to match the toilet also financed by The Bunches – “Bunches Bogs”.

Bunches Bogs... and Wells

Then to Kurumunvely, the playgroup next to the Methodist church in the town of that name, where Collingwood College is supporting the extension build. A reception from the teachers and church workers (today is Diwali, a holiday, and therefore no school). Extension not yet completed as it was decided that the extension should go a little further to support the 52 tots who are registered.  Thus more funds required! So we called it a “topping out” ceremony to celebrate part of the roof being erected.

The too small classroom for 56 tots!

Interesting roads along the way. Included a recently collapsed bridge where the roadway around it was flooded.  More skill from our drivers!

Evening; entertained by the Deaf and Dumb group at Kalladay.

By Chris Booth - Published: 2011-10-31 10:29
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