Preschool leader on life in Sri Lanka

No fuel, soaring prices and few jobs

Naomi Booth :: Friday 1st July 2022 :: This Story

Our Ocean Stars June appeal 2022 will be ending on Wednesday 6th July, four weeks after it was launched. We thank all those who have donated so far, and we will be happy to receive donations after the end of the appeal as the dire situation in Sri Lanka is ongoing and people continue to suffer.

Melanie, a supporter of Ocean Stars Trust currently in Sri Lanka reports: "Having been in Sri Lanka for nearly three weeks now I can say that things are worsening and likely to deteriorate further before they improve. Ocean Stars is a truly worthy cause and I'm pleased to support their great work. The people of Sri Lanka are amazing and appreciate all help offered. Times are hard in the Uk but this is on a different scale to the well done Dilanee and team."

Today we want to share with you the story of one of the preschool teachers and how she and her family have been impacted by the current economic crisis.

Vannakam . My name is K.Kokulavathani. I work at Kilakanoli preschool. The situation in Sri Lanka is very difficult now. I travel 25 kms from my home to the preschool. I normally travel to work on my motorbike. But there is no fuel now. So, I  travel to the preschool by bus. The price of a bus ticket has increased now. I need one day RS.1000.00 to bus ticket. My family members are me, my  husband and my 02 children. My husband works as a laborer. But he does not have regular work. I have preschool my  income only. Now we eat once a day and twice a day if we are lucky.

The Preschool children are keeping well. Their education activities also going well. The preschool manager calls me every day. And she'll ask about my family, preschool children's health and education activities, daily activities of parents (food and work). 

Through the Preschool manager we have access to many programs (marketing, WhatsApp group activities) the children are getting a very diverse and high-quality education. Then children get breakfast through the breakfast program provided by your OSL team. At home they will eat something in the evening.  The nutritious breakfast provided daily by Ocean Stars is essential for the children's development and wellbeing.

Most of the parents are labourers. But they haven't regularly work. Then job availability is also low because there is no petrol. So, the parents are very worried. They probably only eat one meal at a time.  I thank Ocean Stars Lanka and UK for looking after us.

Kokulavathani  would like to thank Ocean Stars for giving her family hope in these dark times.

It is not too late for you to donate.

You can donate:

  • Directly to our bank account. Account Number 02662990 / Ocean Stars Trust/ Sort Code 30-93-32/ Lloyds Bank Fleet.
  • £10 by TEXTING oceanstarstrust to 70085
  • Via our website: oceanstars.org.uk
  • Through Just Giving

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR WORK