USAID rehabilitates 39 tsunami damaged schools
HAMBANTOTA: USAID has renovated 18 and re-equipped 21 of
tsunami devastated schools in Hambantota district, 10 of which were
inaugurated on March 9.
Renovations included a new library at Al Akbar School, permanent
teacher’s quarters at Bundala School, and a new roof for the science lab
at St. Mary’s College where, nearly 80 students and the principal lost
their lives.
The projects, supported by the USAID Transition Initiatives Programme
brought together zonal educational officials, teachers, parents and
students from different communities to collaborate and jointly identify
priorities and work together.
“This project has brought diverse people together to improve the
quality of their education, which is important for all, regardless of
ethnic backgrounds,” said John Rigby, a special advisor from Washington
D.C. for the Transition Initiatives programme who dedicated the
facilities at the Al Akbar, Bundala and St. Mary’s College schools.
Among the major renovations was the restoration of the science lab at
St. Mary’s. The buildings at Al Akbar were renovated and its damaged
library restored. The staff quarters at Bundala were reconstructed to
help ensure that skilled, qualified teachers remain at the school.
Bundala also benefited from the USAID-supported renovation of nearby
Kirinda harbour which restored access to the sea for the fishing
community.
“We are grateful to USAID for this work,” said Y.K. Piyasena, the
Zonal Director of Education in Hambantota. “Many agencies would fix the
school and leave. This project involves and unites the community, and
expands their cooperative activities. It’s not just about a building -
it creates something that endures,” he added.
The tsunami had a devastating effect on residents of Hambantota
district. In addition to loss of life, countless buildings, including
the district schools, were damaged. Schools were further damaged later
after temporarily housing displaced people. |