Opportunity For All

Adampan Village is located in Mannar District, which is located in northwestern Sri Lanka. It is one of five administrative districts in the northern province. The district covers 2,002 square kilometers, approximately 3% of the total land area of Sri Lanka. Most of Mannar District is located within the arid and dry zone, which is characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall. The monthly temperatures range between 26.5°C and 30.0°C, with highs normally recorded between May and August. Mannar District receives nearly 60% of its rainfall from October to December. Farmers collect rainwater in giant tanks for use during the dry season. The land is relatively flat and sits at low elevations. Toward the interior, the terrain is slightly hilly. The primary economic activities in Mannar are crop cultivation (mainly paddies), fishing, and animal husbandry. Employment opportunities in the district are highly seasonal, and there are no institutional facilities for advanced education.

The conflicts in Sri Lanka during the past 30 years have displaced many residents and destroyed many homes and lives in Mannar District. The war has ruined the infrastructure of this community. For the past 30 years, residents had no opportunities to work or earn a fair wage. The displacement of residents has left communities without maintenance, and the jungle has reclaimed many buildings. Now that the conflict has ended, the residents are beginning to return and reclaim their village. Many villagers are living in temporary sheds built by the government.

The Proposal: Andankulam Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School is currently housed in a two-story building, which was rebuilt after the war. The school offers classes through secondary school. While some of the rooms can house classes, many are beyond repair. Because there are few classrooms, grade levels have been merged. The basic facilities are inadequate, and there is a lack of a sanitary water source. The classrooms are overcrowded and lack proper lighting and ventilation. Because of the conditions, some classes are conducted outside. During the rainy season, classes are often canceled. The students of this school were displaced by the war, and while they are now able to return to school, they risk being displaced again owing to the poor condition of the building.

The Project: Opportunity for All and Room to Read partnered with the local community in the construction of a new school block. It is a 1500-square-foot building that includes brick and cement walls, a cement floor, and a roof made of clay tiles on a timber frame. The school has three 400-square-foot rooms and a 300-square-foot corridor.