As ever, pre-school in Gandarawatte opened with a medley of songs. ‘If you’re happy and you know it’, and the ever-popular ‘hokey-cokey’ are all-action affairs, and generate great excitement, while tuneful numbers such as ‘Twinkle twinkle’ and the ‘Alphabet song’ are more calming, and can help remedy and over-enthusiasm on the part of the children… or, indeed, Mark!The pre-schoolers love the songs (and the actions!) and we have been impressed with how quickly they have come to sing along. Having heard that last year’s cultural show has made it onto youtube (cheeky plug), we hope that the children of Gandarawatte won’t suffer any stage fright when it comes to their big day!

Since our voices can only sustain so much singing, pre-school next assumes an artistic bent, as children spend time drawing and colouring. It is hard to pin down talent at such an early age, but Shankuka’s penchant for primary colours and ability to stay within the lines puts even Mondrian to shame…or so Tom says!

Although it is hard to communicate with children who barely speak their own language, let alone another, it has been incredibly fun and rewarding to get involved with the pre-school. If Sri Lankan adults are remarkably welcoming and friendly, the children are yet more so. For some – notably Maddie! – even the two-week trip to Sabaragamuwa was a bittersweet interruption. It was a blow, then, to find out that one of the children, Ramika, has outgrown pre-school, and is moving on. It is a testament to the rapport we have developed with the children that this news brought genuine sadness. What’s more, we have been deprived of our lead chorister!