Northern preschools by Rose Maddick- 02.08.2013

During our week at the university, we visited 2 of the preschools Project Sri Lanka has funded in this area over previous years. These are Ihalagalagama, a preschool based in the mountains and a 40 minute tuk tuk ride away from our base, and Puwakgahawela, one of the more successful preschools which is only a short bus ride away. These 2 preschools are some of my favourites which we have visited due to the fact no one child cried when we initially walked in! Both are set in the most beautiful locations and seem to be thriving with 15 to 25 children attending on various days. Most interestingly in Ihalagalagama there are 3 sets of twins in one class; definitely something in the water. Beam, Sarah and I seemed to somehow adopt a set each and I can say with certainty that the 3 year old girl twins who attached themselves to me are some of the cutest kids I have ever seen. In fact the whole class was one of the best we have visited, they were so enthusiastic and playful, and it was a genuine pleasure to be working with them. The children at Puwakgahawela were similarly lovely and it is sad to know I will not be working with them again as they were a genuine delight.