Before coming to Sri Lanka I did not know what to expect – Travelling with people I did not yet know to a country that I did not know with a culture so different to our own was somewhat a daunting thought. In the beginning I was unsure as to whether to even apply for the project and sent in my application on the closing day, but I was so soso glad I did because it was the most incredible experience of my life so far and I’m so happy I got to share that experience with the rest of the team who are now my friends. I feel so proud that I’ve had an input in to something that’s making such a huge difference to the lives of the local people in Matara.
Towards the end of the 8 weeks working in Vikumgama, I really began to realise how much the people appreciate their new building. Before, Sriyani (the teacher) taught preschool in the building next door whose roof leaked whenever it rained. She fought hard in seeking help from the government but her requests for a new building were never responded to. That’s when Project Sri Lanka stepped in and each one of us worked hard to raise the money for the cost of a new building. At the closing ceremony the teacher who we have become close too began to cry during her speech and although we couldn’t understand what she was saying, we could see in her eyes that she was so thankful, and at that moment it really sunk in that it was our doing and our efforts that brought that happiness to the people of Vikumgama and I felt the biggest sense of achievement.

Being a person that dreams of seeing the world, having the opportunity to really see Sri Lanka was amazing. I got to see the most spectacular views in the hill country, I got to climb Sri Pada – the pilgrimage route to the top of a mountain, I got to go on Safari and see herds of elephants, I got to teach In 9 of our pre-schools and also to experience living in Sri Lanka whilst being surrounded by the culture. Even the small things like the crazy bus rides, the spicy foodand all the things you wouldn’t find in England have made the experience unforgettable.
Living in Sri Lanka has made me realise how materialistic the British culture is. A lot of the people living in the Matara area do not have much money to their name but they are so happy with life and they really look out for each other. In Vikumgama, the villagers were so supportive of the teacher and her work. I’d see the same faces turn up everyday at the school just to support us and the teacher, and this is why I know that Vikumgama pre-school is going to be a success because the people in the village and the parents of the children are all so supportive. They also gave us the warmest welcome into their community, and the kindness we received once we arrived did not stop there. Throughout our stay they tried their hardest to please us by providing food and not only did they welcome us in to their community, they welcomed us in to their homes and into their lives.
I have learnt so much from the experience but mainly I have learnt not to take anything for granted. It was absolutely an unforgettable experience and I am taking home with me some incredible memories – and to think that I almost didn’t apply for the project back in November! Crazy.