With the project at SEEDS Training Centre now complete, our group of "odds and sods" will be leaving with many memories and a heart filled with love for the country and its people. Some highlights over the last week include the final selection of the Tangelle-Kamloops Scholarship student. A young girl named Rumesha will be the fourth student to spend time in Kamloops learning the language and the culture. She along with her sister Madu entertained us at our celebration dinner in full Sri Lankan costume. We handed out 75 certificates to the students at the school on Wednesday and heard testimonials from graduates who have now been able to earn a living and support their families after completing their training in slipper making, doll making, t-shirt making and batik. We also toured the Rock Temple and spent time at the spectacularly scenic Blow Hole. Lastly, we were entertained by Reshika (last years scholarship student) and her family for tea and sent our pair of kittens off to their new home.
The storms and monsoon rains come regularly at this time of year and we have witnessed light shows that would rival the best fireworks display. As we depart tomorrow we are determined to keep in touch with each other and are committed to return.
Terri Axani
DWC Participant
Sri Lanka, November 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Nov 11: Busy first week!
Can't believe we have already spent a week in this beautiful country! The weather here is warm and wonderful even in the monsoon rains. Our small but eager group has been busy working at the SEEDS Training Centre and assisted in the creation of a storefront for students to sell their wares, as well as building and painting walls in their previously unfinished building. Another participant, Terry Shupe has taught woodworking classes on his eighth and (what he claims to be his) final visit to Sri Lanka since 2005. His students were smiling the entire time after building cars and trivets with him.
We visited previous DWC project sites at Ketakalawatta and interviewed 15 potential scholarship students for the 2013 Kamloops-Tangalle Scholarship Committee. We have spent quality time touring Navajeevana and I have BIG admiration for its founder and president Kumi who at 82 years of age is an inspiration to anyone that has the privilege of meeting her! I have personally committed to raising funds for this organization.
Our amazing Team Leader Raelene is a dynamo and keeps us entertained and on track. Her partners Ruwan and Anil have entertained the group at their homes. We even managed to rescue a street dog (with a broken leg) and a pair of starving kittens and find them homes as well as veterinary care thanks to Raelene and her staff. Moonstone Villas is a spectacular home base that offers five star food and service and is just across from the ocean and minutes from our jobsite. Our trip to Galle and Udewallawa Elephant Reserve were highlights for all!
Check back for updates on the student scholarship, trips to the Rock Temple and sea turtle sightings and more.
Terri Axani
DWC participant
Sri Lanka, November 2012
We visited previous DWC project sites at Ketakalawatta and interviewed 15 potential scholarship students for the 2013 Kamloops-Tangalle Scholarship Committee. We have spent quality time touring Navajeevana and I have BIG admiration for its founder and president Kumi who at 82 years of age is an inspiration to anyone that has the privilege of meeting her! I have personally committed to raising funds for this organization.
Our amazing Team Leader Raelene is a dynamo and keeps us entertained and on track. Her partners Ruwan and Anil have entertained the group at their homes. We even managed to rescue a street dog (with a broken leg) and a pair of starving kittens and find them homes as well as veterinary care thanks to Raelene and her staff. Moonstone Villas is a spectacular home base that offers five star food and service and is just across from the ocean and minutes from our jobsite. Our trip to Galle and Udewallawa Elephant Reserve were highlights for all!
Check back for updates on the student scholarship, trips to the Rock Temple and sea turtle sightings and more.
Terri Axani
DWC participant
Sri Lanka, November 2012
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