Past Children and Parent Stories
Mohamed Sanoos
Mohamed was sponsored by Ocean Stars Trust from the age of 5 to 18. He was the first member of his family to go to University and his family are very proud of him. His father is a fisherman, and his mum is a housewife.
The sponsorship money meant he could access extra classes and buy resources for his learning. Following his success in his O/A levels he continued his studies gaining a Higher National Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering).
He is currently studying for a BSc Hons Degree in Software Engineering at the International College of Business and Technology, which is affiliated with Cardiff Metropolitan University and based in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka.
Mohamed attributes his success to his sponsorship and is eternally grateful to his sponsor. We await news of Mohamed finishing his degree and what he does next!
Melussa Amarashinga
Melussa Amarashinga joined the Ocean Stars Urani preschool from 3 years old. She stood out as she liked to sing songs and dance, engaging in all the activities. She was always smiling and she just stood out from her peers. – see her picture at 3 years old.
Her home was opposite the preschool so after school finished, she did not have far to go. On one visit we gave out teddies, Melussa went off home clutching her teddy. The teachers told us that they often saw Melussa playing in her garden with her teddy having changed from her school uniform.
As she was not a sponsored child, so not monitored by us after preschool we lost touch but always wondered what our bright star was doing over the years.
In 2024 October Ocean Stars was at the YMCA hall at our annual evening for sponsored children. A young lady walked across the room with the biggest smile. She went straight to our founder Dilanee and said " Miss do you remember me ? I am Melussa". Having not seen her for over 10 years, it took a few seconds, but that constant smile could not be mistaken. Embracing, Melussa hugged tightly and Dilanee was full of joy at seeing her again.
See picture of Melussa today. She has done very well and is now at University; the first member of her family to go to University.
Melussa spoke about all her memories of Ocean Stars visits to her preschool and how much she used to look forward to them. She reflected on how attending a preschool supported by Ocean Stars had given her the valuable early learning skills which enabled her to shine through her journey in education. Dilanee asked Melissa how she had found us again. She said she had heard from someone that Ocean Stars visitors from the UK were in town and that we were going to be at the YMCA that evening.
The power of the network that has been established over the years ! These incredible connections, and the fact all the past children stay connected with happy memories and out in the world with better opportunities. Melussa's comments highlights our vision of "empowerment through education" and everything Ocean Stars is doing, is making a significant impact to the children of Sri Lanka.
Abdul Vannakam
Abdul's journey, started with Ocean Stars sponsorship, you can see the younger Abdul. His journey has led him to a place where he is actively extending Ocean Stars' own vision and is engaged in empowering the youth of Sri Lanka. He distinctly remembers his kind-hearted sponsor who took the time to write him letters and send thoughtful gifts. He says "As a child, I didn't fully understand the depth of your assistance, but now I comprehend the profound difference it made in my life. My kind-hearted sponsor played a pivotal role in shaping my life."
He completed his A levels, embarking on a journey to further his education. He successfully passed A levels in Engineering Technology. However, his aspirations eventually led him to the field of media where he joined the Visual Content Makers Program at Dream Space Academy, where his potential was recognised, and he became part of their Changemaker program. Subsequently, he joined Dream Space Media Lab Guardian, an organisation dedicated to empowering the youth of Sri Lanka through media. He has had the privilege of training over 1,200 individuals in digital media literacy and the visual media field.
The challenge-based learning at Dream Space Academy helped to hone his skills, Together with some colleagues, he co-founded Dream Space Media, a digital media startup focusing on constructive post-war stories in Sri Lanka. He eventually established a photography studio in his hometown, employing four individuals
The Abdul of today wants Ocean Stars to know that your support did not end with his school years. It has carried forward into his work today, helping him to empower and uplift others in Sri Lanka. He says "I am forever indebted to you for the opportunities and hope you provided me during my formative years. Your generosity has inspired me to pay it forward by making a positive impact on the lives of countless others."
Abdul was clear when he said "Ocean Stars' have given me the chance to follow my dreams and give back to my community meaningfully. I am honoured and grateful to be a part of this chain of kindness that has profoundly impacted my life."
Mathivannan Thusanthan
Thusanthan was born during the war, he has two brothers. His father died during the war he lived in a camp for displaced people in Vavuniya with his mother and brothers. Life got very difficult at the camp, so his mother went to India with his two brothers. He went to live in Grace Children's Home in Vavuniya when he was 4 years old.
We were looked after by Mrs Nadarajah who was like my mother. There were 30 boys in the home, and they all called her Amma, which means mother. She looked after their needs and often worked alone without any help cooking for us and making sure the Children's home was a home for us.
In 2005, Dilanee visited Grace Children's Home for the first time, talking to the children, undertaking activities and attending church with them. This was the beginning of Ocean Stars in my life. Dilanee visited twice a year even during the war when it was difficult to reach Vavuniya.
Every October Ocean Stars visited us with about 10 volunteers. They did activities, games, craft work with us. They gave us presents and growing up October was Christmas for myself and the other boys. We used to look forward to October and the Ocean Stars team visiting.
Their visits made me feel very happy. I felt cared for and supported by Ocean Stars growing up at Grace Children's Home. Without my own family, Mrs Nadarajah and Ocean Stars supported me and gave me hope whilst growing up.
Thusanthan passed his O' Levels, A Levels and completed a Diploma in Commerce, he passed some government exams, getting a job working for the railways as Station Master. Thusanthan, seen on the right, has subsequently moved to Boston, USA and is currently working towards becoming a radiologist.
Thusanthan says "Ocean Stars has played a huge part in my life. Even after I left Grace, they have been in touch with me and visited me regularly. Ocean Stars has provided invaluable support to the home, enabling us to thrive through the contributions of many kind-hearted individuals. I take pride in stating that Ocean Stars has played a crucial role among the children growing up at Grace Home. The foundation laid by Grace and Ocean Stars has significantly shaped my life. Ocean Stars has been an integral part, in my development, actively running various programmes.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dilanee Bunter, her dedicated team, and all those who contribute material, funds and physical support that enables Ocean Stars to continue such impactful social initiatives. I fervently pray that this journey will persist and flourish for many years to come.
Dilukshan
Dilukshan started his sponsorship with Ocean Stars in 2005 when he was 7 years old. His Dad is hearing impaired and because of this he is a mute, meaning he cannot interact with people and is very isolated. Whilst Dilukshan was growing up his childhood was very difficult as he was his father's spokesperson.
As a young child he used to long for October to arrive and to be invited to the party organised by Ocean Stars for the sponsored children. At the party he played games, sang songs, undertook activities and had a meal together - he says "These used to be one of the happiest days of my life".
My sponsor Jackie always sent him photos of her family and he used to send photos and letters back. His life has been completely supported and transformed by the kindness and generosity of Jackie. Every year he was sent a birthday present and card. The sponsor's money paid for extra classes for his education, for transport, education resources and clothing.
During the pandemic, his mother developed a brain tumour and had to go to Colombo for treatment. This added an extra burden to his family – Dilukshan says "Jackie and Ocean Stars helped with my family's extra medical bills so I could stay in school and work towards my dream of being a banker."
With the sponsorship money he did well in his O levels and went on to pass his A levels coming a very credible 72nd in the district. His sponsor continued to provide support whilst he passed an ICT Diploma. He secured a trainee position at Sampath Bank and has subsequently risen to Staff Assistant. He continues his dream and is working towards his next promotion to Junior Executive we have no doubts that he will make this and continue upwards.
Diluksan says "To be a banker is a dream come true; I cannot imagine my life without Jackie. I have never met her, but my family and I are truly indebted to her for her kindhearted generosity and kindness."
"The Ocean Stars sponsorship programme is life-changing "
If you would like to change a child's life through sponsorship, click here.
M.A Afroz
Afroz attended the Karumalaiyoothu preschool from 2005. She was a sponsor child and loved her preschool life.
Afroz says "I really miss my friends and teachers who were there. My teachers there taught well and helped me a lot in my studies. I am now in a good position due to such a lot of help and my good education. No other organisation came forward to help us like Ocean Stars. They have provided all the necessary resources in the preschool."
She did well in her O levels and A levels and got selected for the National Teaching College.
Afroz is now 23 and studying at Dharga National College of Education and we look forward to hearing of here continued success.
She says" I and my family are indebted to Ocean Stars for enabling me to get such an opportunity".
If you would like to change a child's life through sponsorship, click here.
Jeganathan Thiloja
Jeganathan started to study for her A levels just as Ocean Stars implemented a smart classroom in her school.
She believes technology and English are the eyes of the human, its useful to all human activities and we cannot live in the world free of technology or English.
She says "I got many benefits through the smart classroom. In my chosen subjects of Tamil, History, Communication and Media at A level I was able to utilise the classroom. The maps of Sri Lanka and Europe helped me, the ability to access videos related to my subject opened my eyes to much more depth and understanding of the topics ".
Jeganathan has now completed her A levels passing in first place in the Batticaloa district. She is now studying law at the University of Colombo and credits that smart classroom for her success to date.
Ocean Stars looks forward to watching her succeed further.
Parent's Stories
Nishanthan Dinuksana
Nishanthan has 2 children; her first child is 7 and has left the preschool the second is 5 and still in the preschool.
When Ocean Stars took over the preschool in 2012, she watched the educational standards and activities. The teaching style of the teachers is good, she enrolled her first child in the school because of the help of Ocean Stars.
Ocean Stars provides school uniforms and school bags for the children. Nishanthan says "Ocean Stars helped the family during the Covid 19 period. They provided for the school building, perimeter fence and continue to provide the preschool resources. They monitor the level of the children through their development programme. I am kept informed of their progress and the children are happy."
Nishanthan's older child is doing well and because of this and the ongoing improvements in the preschool she enrolled her second child in the preschool
Annalingam Suganya
Annalingam Suganya has 2 children, one has moved on from preschool whilst the other child is still in the preschool.
Her first child is doing very well and she attributes this to the education received at the preschool. She also believes the teachers are very good and have a clear teaching method.
She understands this is because of the training provided to the teachers.
Her younger child is currently at the preschool goes every day and likes the teaching style of the teachers and has many friends. She has a good relationship with the teachers who inform her of progress after preschool every day, enabling her to make any adjustments.
