The vibrant music heard at St. Nichola’s Vidyalaya, a harmony of the students’ hard work and teacher’s guidance, was made apparent to afi on this year’s Children’s Day. As we set foot on the grounds of St. Nichola’s Vidyalaya, Negombo, a picturesque scene of students studying as teachers teach their respective lessons appeared before us; a scene that took us right back to our childhoods.
Serving wide smiles that warm our hearts, the students, dressed in blazing red blazers warmly welcomed the team into the school premises. The school, located in the seaside of Sri Lanka provides education for 450 children mainly coming from fisherman families with approximately 22 teachers.
“The education level isn’t very high, but approximately 50% of the students sit for the Advanced Level Examinations” said the Principal, P.T.D.N. Fernando, regarding the students of St. Nichola’s Vidyalaya, Negombo. It reflects the determination of the students to pursue their education despite the challenges they face, as well as the dedication of the teachers who continue to guide them towards a brighter future. “As long as the sea is there, they have jobs” remarked the Principal, highlighting the close relationship between the livelihoods of the families and the sea that surrounds their community.
For many of these children, growing up in fishing households shapes their everyday lives and future prospects. While the sea provides a source of livelihood for their families, education offers these young minds an opportunity to explore possibilities beyond the familiar horizons of their hometowns. It was a privilege for afi cares to contribute towards this venture by providing the required fabric materials for the girls Western Band, comprised of 25 students from Grade 06 to 11.
This initiative taken by the afi cares team aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 01: No Poverty as it ensures equal rights to economic resources and SDG 04: Quality Education as it ensures equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for children in vulnerable situations. By supporting students’ participation in extracurricular activities, the initiative also complements the broader objective of promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. Like different notes coming together in a perfect symphony, every contribution towards a child’s development can play a meaningful role in shaping their future.
#AfiCares #SustainableDevelopment #NoPoverty #QualityEducation #TogetherWeGrow
