OceanStars :: Friday 24th October 2025 :: Latest Blog Posts
We were welcomed to Chenkallady Preschool with typical Sri Lankan warmth, generosity and copious flower garlands presented by the children as we arrived.
Inside, the building was pleasantly cooled by roof fans and the children sat patiently awaiting their warmed and sweetened fresh milk which they eagerly glugged down. It felt good knowing that every one of them was receiving a nutritionally rich drink.
In the interactive reading session led by Dilanee, the children demonstrated their enthusiasm to join in and learn new English words. 58 preschoolers in one classroom is quite a crowd but it was noticeable that when singing and dancing exuberantly towards the end of the session, the children supported those who felt a little overwhelmed with care and sensitivity.
When the time came to go home, the children were in no rush. There was a party-like atmosphere in the school and they maximised the time they had, interacting and playing with their visitors.
Thank you to all the amazing staff at Chenkallady and Ocean Stars for making the experience so special.
The afternoon's visit to Hope House Sewing Project, an initiative to empower women, was equally celebratory in nature. Again, the joy of learning and warmth of community spirit were striking. The women proudly showed us an array of different garments they had learnt to make, demonstrating a broad range of sewing skills.
Gratitude and joy. so often in short supply, shone through the eyes and smiles of the people we spent time with today.