Schools

The Tsunami has brought the plight of people in less developed nations into our living rooms in a way that has never before seen. The destructive power of nature has highlighted the poverty in the countries affected and demonstrated that we can each make a difference. This is particularly relevant to school children, and Senahasa Trust will actively encourage and work with schools to help fund our projects.

Our aim is to help children in the UK and the US gain an understanding of the benefits of helping those less fortunate than themselves and valuing different cultures around the world. We aim to provide:

• a platform for learning about communities in Sri Lanka
• the opportunity for school children of all ages to forge links with children in these less privileged communities.

We are already involved with the following schools:

• A group of nearly 50 schools in Sevenoaks, Kent – primary, secondary, state and independent – are all working together to raise funds on an on-going basis.
• Greasby Junior School in the Wirral, Cheshire
• James Allen Preparatory School in London
• Victoria First School in Berkhamsted
• Old Buckenham Hall in Ipswich
• Lakers School, Gloucestershire
• Broadmeadow School in Needham near Boston MA, USA
• Willow Bank Infants School near Reading
• St Mary's Church of England School, Highgate
• Marlborough College
• Coventry Prep School
• Hornsby House School, Streatham

Fund raising initiatives so far have included:

• Sponsored Walks
• Creating a river of coins around the school – it is amazing how much can be collected in this way
• Quiz nights
• Children choosing a job or forfeit to be sponsored for.

Sevenoaks schools’ project

The sponsored walk signified the beginning of a long-term fund raising partnership between the area’s schools and Senahasa Trust. Edward Oatley, head teacher at Sevenoaks Preparatory School said “It’s all about the community pulling together and it’s a valuable chance for the children to understand the emotions of those in the third world.”

Pupils from many of the Sevenoaks schools gathered together on Sunday 17th April for an all-day sponsored walk round Knole Park The money raised will go towards specific projects – for instance money already sent has helped re-build a pre-school in Medaketiya in the Hambantota District (Link to Projects web page and news page). By working together in this way the children of Sevenoaks can engage in the projects in Sri Lanka and see the progress they are contributing to.

Feedback and further involvement for schools

Schools can expect detailed feedback – photographs and video footage of progress before, during and after – on the range of projects they may be helping to fund. There is also the possibility of ongoing contact with people on the ground. Much of the material will be linked to the National Curriculum to be used as part of geography, religious studies, citizenship or community work projects.

Get in touch

To find out more about the Senahasa Trust and how your school can get involved with the work of the Trust contact us at senahasa@gmail.com