With the construction of the IODR Education Centre now virtually finished, IODR Sri Lanka recently started its After School Education Programme. The programme aims to improve the standard of English Language amongst the poorest children in the area. The premise being that if we get them young, they are more able to learn and having English language as a skill makes them much more employable in the local tourist industry and opens up many other opportunities in later life.

Additionally, the After School Programme is about more than teaching them English. We have an approach that encourages creativity, builds confidence and self esteem using therapeutic games and activities, and creates a safe and loving environment where children can express themselves.

The Children’s Programme Manager Leone Ellis, a qualified Play Therapist says that “having the children in this environment does much more than just improves their levels of English. The Weligama site offers the opportunity to also improve their lives in many other ways”.

Currently there are 28 children in the programme with the aim of expanding up to 80 going into 2008. They are split into 2 classes, The Parrots and the Peacocks (2 very common local birds) each with a teacher trained in creative learning. Each day there is an hour of English lesson, delivered using the latest creative techniques to improve their English language and, after a small refreshment, there is then a range of interactive, fun and educational games that reinforce the lesson they have just had. Once our sporting facility is up and running we will also make use of this to undertake sporting activities with the children.

The children in the programme have been selected via the District Government Agent and her team of Child Protection Officers who are familiar with families in the area and know those in most need. Southern Sri Lanka’s coast line is a wonder of high class hotels and tourism, but travel a few kilometres inland and the poverty suffered by many is unavoidable. These are the people that IODR are assisting.

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IODR Parents Open Day for the After School Programme




IODR Beneficiaries are happy to start the programme!




Creative learning at the After School Programme




Teacher and children



For more information please contact: matt.banks@iodr.co.uk