NEWS

Anya

So far, the trip has been an amazing experience I have really enjoyed working with the children as it was lovely to see how excited they got over the activities we did with them and small things such as bubbles and stickers. We visited an elephant safari which was amazing where we were able to see a very wide range of amazing wildlife such as elephants, buffalos and deer. I am really looking forward to continuing working in the schools.

Ellie

The start of this trip has been amazing. It has been really interesting seeing a different culture and seeing new things. Everyone we've met has been so friendly and the children were very welcoming. It was lovely to see how happy even the smallest things made them. I am excited for the next few days and meeting more of them and learning more about their lives.

Megan F

Our first day arriving in Sri Lanka was an eye-opener to what the rest of our trip would consist of. We were welcomed with friendly faces that were willing to participate in our journey alongside Ocean Stars Trust. Although the heat is something we're not used to in the UK, the fun activities have enabled us to forget about how hot it is slightly. The elephant orphanage, tea plantation, temples and safari are memories that we are going to treasure and never forget. Our first day in the link school with the children was an experience. It enabled us to have an insight into their culture and everyday lives. Everyone was so willing, friendly and welcoming.

Lydia

So far this trip has shown me many experiences such as the life and culture, the tourist attractions that are available; like a safari, elephant orphanage and tea plantation, and also the students. I think that volunteering in the schools today has been beyond amazing and I've realised how they have so little but so much more happiness than us. The energy in the classrooms was incredible and I look forward to making many more memories like today over the next week.

Honey

During this trip, I've really enjoyed all the once in a lifetime opportunities such as seeing elephants, monkeys and a range of more animals native to Sri Lanka. Whilst teaching it has been an eye opening experience seeing how grateful the children are for little things such as bubbles and even high fives! I can't wait for the next days to come to teach more children and get to know them and their lifestyle.

Bethan

I've really enjoyed every moment teaching in these schools and experiencing what their lifestyle and culture is like. The tourist parts of the trip have been exciting and an eye-opener. I've learnt so much and now begin to understand how the charity is helping the schools develop in order to educate. The students at the school are welcoming and energetic as they give everything a go and aren't shy. It made me realise that they appreciate the smallest things that we at home take for granted. It'll be something I'll never forget.

Howard

It was lovely to see the excitement and huge smiles on the faces of the children today and their gratitude for the receipt of simple presents and stickers etc. Our students also enjoyed the experience and personally I feel very proud to have been part of the process that has put the two groups together. It is tragic that this region suffered so much devastation but it is also a testament to the resilience and compassion of fellow human beings that this is a place of growth and, often, considerable joy even though the landscape never lets you forget the legacy of the tsunami.

Anon #1

Today was quite magical. To see the expressions of delight on the faces of both the Sri Lankan students and the Avonbourne volunteers clearly showed how rewarding the experience was for all. To teach these wonderful young children was a privilege and a lesson in itself. They were so very happy playing simple playground games and engaging in things like colouring that it made us all stop and think about what we take for granted in our daily lives. This trip is more than an experience it is the beginning of a journey where through reflection we will hopefully become better than we were before.

Anon #2

We have had an amazing couple of days touring around and enjoying stunning scenery, sampling tea, learning about herbs and spices, visiting the spectacular Kandy temple and eating a wide variety of curries. The wildlife safari was truly stunning – sea eagles, water buffalo, elephants and their young, chameleons and monkeys to name but a few. Now we have arrived in Batti and have spent the day working with two schools in an area which suffered far-reaching effects of the Tsunami and the civil war. A truly humbling experience seeing how these children live and how few resources they have. In spite of this, they were all friendly and welcoming and excited by our visit.

Anon #3

I really enjoyed teaching in the schools today, all of the children were so welcoming. It was eye-opening because the children were so enthusiastic and valued the time we spent with them despite having so little. The parachute games were a highlight for me as all of the kids got involved. It was nice to see them so excited and happy. I feel really grateful for all I have at home as these children don't have the luxuries that I do. Also, I enjoyed the safari, seeing the elephants in the wild was amazing.