Library gifted to rural school

KETAWELLA: Students of Ketawela Kanishta Vidyalaya lacked proper library facilities for many years. But on May 26 they were the happy recipients of a library. Though it is over 75 years old, it has been long neglected. The area is so impoverished that students cannot even afford a pair of shoes.

However, this school which provides education to 140 students from the poor village of Ketawela, stands as a beacon of inspiration. In fact, most students here can converse in English and the school GCE (O/L) results records a 93 per cent pass rate in English. All this is largely due to the untiring efforts of a dedicated teacher named Wilbert Ranasinghe.

The Rotary Club of Colombo West which recognised this teacher's contribution about eight months ago began assisting the students through various sponsors. As a result, the children received useful items such as English-Sinhala dictionaries, school bags and shoes. Toilets and a drinking water facility have also been constructed by the club.

The library is a result of the concerted efforts of the students and teachers and the enthusiasm shown by them in raising the funds moved the Colombo West Rotary Club to help them in organising a disco party. They collected around 1,000 books from philanthropic organizations and the Asia Foundation. Donations from club members also helped to ensure the success of the project.

The club will donate a library worth well over Rs. 1 million to this school on May 26, at a ceremony to be held at the school premises.