Since being home I have had time to reflect on my time in Sri Lanka.  The trip this summer was undoubtedly one of my best and worthwhile life experiences.  I have learnt so much about myself and about an entirely different culture.  I have made some lifelong friends along the way, both from the team and amongst our friends in Sri Lanka. 

I feel especially privileged to have such modern facilities at university and freedom as a young woman.  I fully appreciate now how fortunate we all are to have a good education and the chance to study at university.  This, in particular, was one of the many aspects that shocked me; the students in Sri Lanka value their education above anything else and make the most of any opportunity for further study.  Before embarking on the project, I feel I did not consider just how much opportunity we are given in the UK to enhance our education.

It was very enlightening to compare ourselves to students in Sri Lanka and also to appreciate the strength of the family unit.  Each member of the family has a role to play and the community is held together in this way.  During our time in Sri Lanka, we were welcomed into this community and treated with such respect and generosity.  Before starting the project I could not have anticipated just how closely we would bond with the communities, and just how much like our home Sri Lanka would become. 

One of the lasting memories of the trip, for me, is the painting of the school wall.  This was thoroughly enjoyable and we all felt so proud to leave a vibrant, lasting imprint of the whole team’s efforts at Kirilewella School.

Moonbridge was an idyllic setting for our main base and we were looked after so well by Lalli and the boys.  Each day of the trip was filled with new experiences and adventures and I looked forward to each aspect of the project every week.  I feel I have accomplished so much in one summer and grasped the opportunity to really immerse myself in the island’s beauty during our travelling week.  Before commencing the programme, I could not have anticipated just how much fun I would have this summer but I feel I spent the whole summer smiling and building fantastic memories with a brilliant team!