Handing over the computer certificates

Once again, six months have passed, the computer course is over, the final exams are written - and another 65 of our students have passed the tests. In March, the handing over of the certificates was celebrated in the town hall of Aluthgama. 400 students and former students came and their families came - as well as many guests of honour: Mr. Piyal (left picture), the mayor of Beruwala; Kathrin Messner, Joseph Ortner and Michael of the "One World Foundation" in Ahungalle; Mr. K.B. Fernando of the "Bentota River Waste Management Society", directors and managers of the Blue Saphire Hotel and a monk of the old temple nearby. The programme was, once again, very manifold - different dances and songs, a play, speeches, presentations, etc. were performed by the students with the help of our teachers. In-between the performances, the certificates and small gifts for the best students in each group were handed over. Our special thanks go to Mr. Piyal for the free usage of the town hall and to Gazprom and Samagi Traders for the gifts which were given to the best students. The new course will probably start at the end of March. So far, 130 registrations were counted - more than ever.

A new semester started in April 2008

After celebrating the beginning of a new year, new challenges are waiting for us: There are 120 registrations for the new semester, divided into three computer classes and three English classes. Computer skills will be taught in theoretical lessons and practical trainings. English students will participate in a beginner’s class, a medium level or an advanced level class, depending on their experience. This semester, we are again looking forward to a successful course and the time we will spend with our students.

April 2008

A new volunteer since June 2008

After a short break during the winter or, more precisely, during the monsoon, a new volunteer from Germany will support our activities for three months. As a Nature Volunteer, Daniela will improve the website and optimise the online-marketing and fundraising. We are also really looking forward to the additional classes which will be held by our new volunteer in our Education Centre.

Here you can read more about our volunteering programme. 

June 2008 

 Campaign: Collecting waste on the beach - June, 29th 2008

With more than 50 children, the team of the NCS went to the beach of Aluthgama and collected and disposed the waste that had been washed ashore during rain season. Thanks to the Lord Mayor of Aluthgama Mr. Piyal, the waste could be removed from the costal area.

This campaign was not only planned in order to revive the beauty of the landscape and help the nature in Sri Lanka, but also to strengthen the ecological awareness of our students, which can now instruct their families how to take care of the environment.

July 2008 

 Boat-Excursion with the English class - August, 18th 2008

Our English teacher Mr. Benny Fernando changed for one day the lecture room to the outside and went with his hard working students to a boat excursion on the Bentota river. Accompanied by our Computer teacher Mr. Buddhika and our volunteer Daniela. On their way they learned about the biodiversity of the river system with his mangrove forest, flora, fauna and observed the colourful bird diversity.
But the group travelled not only with the boat they also went to a Buddhist temple on a small island along the river. All together a very special day for the students and a good motivation.

August 2008 

The grammar school "Jahngymnasium" in Rathenow supported the EDC

A very great surprise was brought by the grammar school " Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahngymnasium" in Rathenow, Germany in August this year. The students worked on their project day a whole day in different companies. The earned salary they donate to our educational project - all together more than 3000€. With this financial support we can continue our work at least for 6 month, pay our local teacher, buy necessary computer equipment, make repairing and help the children directly. A good initiative from the students in Rathenow, Germany for the students in Aluthgama, Sri Lanka.
Many thanks to all participants and active helper of the school on behalf of our staff and especially our students! 

August 2008  

 A new volunteer in September 2008

Just after the leaving of our Daniela we got a new helper in September - from our Kay. She will stay some shorter but will also help us very actively, especially with the work on our homepage, reports and brochures. As journalist she is a real specialist for this.

September 2008 

Final exams in October : Computer and English

Finished! The current exam was finished end of September/ beginning of October - the final exams were just written. All together about 90 students in computer and 50 students in English participated the examinations. Which means: our aim of 50 students per semester who could complete the courses is more than achieved. These numbers and also the highly request of the courses mirrors the good teaching methods from our teachers.
Thanks to all helping hands and support of our donors and sponsors. 

October 2008  

 New participants: Introduction and registration - October 19th

A new start. This is the 5th semester already, which will start soon. On Sunday the 19th of October nearly 70 new participants came to the introduction and registration. From our experience there will come some more belated students the next days. End of the next week the new courses will start already.
New course: Graphic-Design - this is an advanced computer course for former students which finished the normal computer class already successfully. In this course the students will learn how to design graphics of any kind like brochures, poster, etc. Knowledge of this techniques are highly requested and a start in the practical field and into a possible job

October 2008  

 4th Certificate Awarding Ceremony, November 2nd 2008

The 4th semester could be finished very successful - the result: 79 computer certificates and 44 English certificates. The best result ever.

For the second time the ceremony was held in the town hall of Aluthgama. All together about 450 guests came - students of the old and new course with their family members. Furthermore, we could welcome several special guests: Mr. Piyal, Chairman of Beruwala Pradishabawa, Mr. Donald Secretary of the educational minister of our province, a monk of a temple close by, Mr. K.B. Fernando of the "Bentota River Environment Development Society"; Manager of the Blue Saphire Hotel, the Pahalge family and their orphanage children;
The program was a colourful mixture of different dances, songs, a drama and a environmental presentation. All was prepared and showed by the students with help of our staff. Between each program part the students received their certificates and small presents (for the best of them).

November 2008  

 On a visit in Germany in November-December 2008

The first time after the birth of our daughter Aneesha we want to Germany to visit my family. We also used the time to meet some other people who might have some impact to our project e.g. Mrs. Diana Golze (picture), Mr. Seeger, etc.
To thank the hard working students of the Jahngymnasium in Rathenow - who donated the money from their working day to our EDC - we show them a presentation about our project and how we want to use the money.

November 2008  

 Building of a ' Nature Pioneer Team ' in November 2008

To work more effective and intensive in the area of environmental protection we found a group of interested young people and build the youth-environmental conservation group called 'Nature PioneerTeam' in November 2008.
First action of the group will be the replantation of mangroves on the beach of Aluthgama/Beruwala in December.

November 2008  

New volunteer from England - from 30.11. till 6.12.2008

Just before the end of the year we've got for a short time a new volunteer from England - James. He was mainly working the management area and talked with tourists in company with our Ziyard. Furthermore, he helped with teaching and to replant mangroves at the beach of Aluthgama/Beruwala.

Thank you very much for the good team work and the fun.

November 2008

 Campaign: Replanting of mangroves - December 4th 2008

The first action of our new build 'Nature Pioneer Group' was the replanting of about 100 mangroves (pandanus) on the beach of Aluthgama/Beruwala. Furthermore, they collected waste (mainly plastic and bottles) from the beach.
Besides the help of our staff (Lal and Buddhika) we had also support from our volunteer James from England.
Thanks to all of you!

December 2008

December 2008

 Free medical camp in Beruwala - December 28th 2008

In cooperation with the "One World Foundation" (owf) Ahungalla and the "Lions Club" Bentota Inderuwa a free medical camp in Moragalla/Beruwala (near Aluthgama) was held on 28th of December 2008. Therefore a medical team of doctors and nurses was invited to give necessary medical treatment to the locals.
On this day about 350 local people used the medical service and got also the drugs needed for free. Thanks for all supporters and helper.

December 2008