Following the Tsunami on 26th December 2004, Sri Lanka was devastated around most of its coastline. Throughout the world, support and fundraising ensued to help the victims. Many thousands died, whole towns and villages were ruined and so many children became orphans. The King Alfred School wanted to do something significant. We became involved in setting up a pre-school in the North East of Sri Lanka, close to the town of Trincomalee. Sri Lanka lost over 450 schools so we decided to provide one!

When the school was set up, they wanted to take the name of The King Alfred School, coincidentally fulfilling for the first time in the 118 year history of the school, an initial aim of establishing KAS schools with a similar ethos. So where are we now? In December 2005 there were around 8 children in the school. Now there are more than 40 annually! They all wear neat little uniforms (designed by a former KAS pupil who was a volunteer in the early days), and are given special school bags when they leave to join their local primary schools. There are now two full time teachers and a classroom assistant. There are a number of volunteers and helpers who maintain the building and grounds.

This is an incredible success story and one that signifies what can be done with persistence and human endeavor. We set up a school in a war torn part of Sri Lanka in the heart of the Tamil community and it is supported by Catholic volunteers and friends here in the UK. It is indeed a monument to peace and harmony.
This summer we are planning a trip to visit and help out in the school. Our plan is to build a playground and provide some much needed maintenance work. 8 students and 2 staff will be travelling in their Summer Holidays. We ask for any contribution you could make to enable us to buy equipment and tools.

Many thanks the Sri Lanka team