One of the most poignant features of our ‘Schools Re-awaken’ Project has been the magnanimous support and encouragement we have received from overseas.
People living thousands of miles away in far off lands, those with many problems of their own, some who have not even heard of Sri Lanka before that fateful day; have all contributed their mite to help us in our cause.
Their overwhelming generosity has touched the very core of our hearts and given us the confidence to forge ahead with this tremendous challenge – one that no other single district has attempted.
The tiny country of Solomon Islands is usually in the news for all the wrong reasons. Thanks mainly to its two neighbours, Australia and New Zealand working in partnership, the people of Solomon Islands now have peace and security restored to their island nation. When news of the terrible devastation caused by the Boxing Day Tsunami reached the Island, most people there felt moved to do something to help these victims in some way.
The Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza took a personal interest in the challenge and set up a special Committee under his patronage. Kemakaze then pledged SI$500,000 from the Government and challenged the people to match this amount.
The response he received was tremendous. Deeply moved by the devastation of the tsunami tragedy, the people gave generously. Funds were collected in almost every possible way through many local campaigns and special events. The result was a handsome purse of USD 112,000.00.
The Committee then faced another dilemma – how best to channel the ‘gift’ to ensure a meaningful and optimum use of these funds.
An initial approach to one of the big Aid organisations left more questions than answers. The money would go into their already overflowing coffers and there was no way of tracking how it would be spent except that most of it would be spent on administration costs. Believing that the people deserved to know that their gifts had been used in a worthwhile cause, the committee then contacted Rotary to see if a suitable project could be identified.
Solomon Islands is part of District 9600, most of which is in south east Queensland in Australia. The district’s Tsunami Relief Committee had decided to focus its giving on one major project identified by PDG Alan McCray—the rebuilding of the Udayapuram Tamil Vidyalayam School in Sri Lanka under the ‘Schools Re-awaken’ Project initiated by Rotary Sri Lanka (District 3220). Encouraged by the assurance that 100% of their gift would be used for the project, the Solomon Islands added their funds to the district gift.
The gift was sent to Sri Lanka during the Christmas season and was received which much delight. ‘The gift truly brought home the spirit of Christmas!’ said PDG K.R. Ravindran Chairman of the Apex Committee, in a personal note to PDG McCray.
The funds from Solomon Islands will form a substantial portion of the cost of rebuilding the school which is estimated at LKR 49.6M (US$490,000). The school which has 260 students on roll is being built as a model school complete with all modern facilities, and expanded to cater to 400 students. Construction work on the school is progressing well and the new school is expected to be completed by mid April.
The lead Club, Colombo Uptown who handles the Project Management of the school, was also elated at the news. “The generosity of the people of Solomon Island will be remembered by all of us and we hope this is the beginning of a lasting relationship with our Club and also the students of Uthayapuram,” said President Manoji Samararatne.
Rotary Sri Lanka has gained another true friend who we will “grapple to our hearts with hoops of steel”.
