Adampan School Established September 28, 2011
Adampan Community Profile
The Community: The school is located in the village of Adampan, Mannar District. This district, one of five administrative districts in the Northern Province, is located in northwestern Sri Lanka. It covers 2,002 square kilometers, approximately 3% of the total land area of Sri Lanka. Geographically, the bulk of Mannar lies on the mainland within the arid and dry zone. High temperatures and low rainfall characterize the climate. The monthly temperatures range between 26.5°C and 30.0°C, with highs normally recorded between May and August. Mannar receives nearly 60% of its rainfall during the northeast monsoon, which lasts from October through December. The land area is relatively flat and sits at low elevations. Across the region's gently undulating terrain, rainwater is stored in tanks and used for irrigation of arable land. Crop cultivation (primarily paddy), fisheries and animal husbandry support most people in Mannar. Employment opportunities in the district are highly seasonal, and there are no institutional facilities for tertiary education. The district is inhabited by members of various communities, though the Tamil-speaking community is the most prevalent.
The last thirty years of conflict in the region have compelled the displacement and destruction of large segments of the area's population. War has destroyed the region's infrastructure, displacement has left communities without homes, and the jungle has swallowed formerly populated areas.
The residents of Adampan are very poor due to the decades-long war. Displaced on multiple occasions, these villagers have lost their houses, their belongings, and many of their loved ones as well. The shelters consist of temporary tin sheet sheds built by the government or NGOs. The villagers are dependent on cultivation as their main source of income and a few of the villagers fish as well. Drinking water is obtained from dug wells, and the village is without an electricity supply. Presently the government is involved in demining the village and rebuilding the infrastructure.
The last thirty years of conflict in the region have compelled the displacement and destruction of large segments of the area's population. War has destroyed the region's infrastructure, displacement has left communities without homes, and the jungle has swallowed formerly populated areas.
The residents of Adampan are very poor due to the decades-long war. Displaced on multiple occasions, these villagers have lost their houses, their belongings, and many of their loved ones as well. The shelters consist of temporary tin sheet sheds built by the government or NGOs. The villagers are dependent on cultivation as their main source of income and a few of the villagers fish as well. Drinking water is obtained from dug wells, and the village is without an electricity supply. Presently the government is involved in demining the village and rebuilding the infrastructure.
Adampan's School Needs
The Need: The school, which teaches students up to the advanced level, currently consists of three permanent buildings and two temporary sheds. Because the sheds are overcrowded, poorly ventilated and not well lit, many parents do not send their children to school. Since the development of infrastructure is necessary to encourage resettlement in the village, officials from the Department of Education have enlisted Room to Read to provide a suitable building for the students.
The Adampan School Project
The new primary school building is approximately 2350 square feet. Inspired by UNICEF's child- centered teaching methodology, the design features four closed classrooms, one open classroom, and a teacher's room. The building is an attractive addition to the community. The classrooms have built-in cupboards, which the teachers use for displaying various educational materials donated by Room to Read. Room to Read has provided 200 student desks, 200 student chairs, 5 teacher desks, and 5 teacher chairs.
