Guardian angels of Maniyamthoddam school struggle to boost education

Underprivileged children receiving an education at the school at Maniyamthoddam which lacks essential facilities

In 2011, a group of Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, who had been working closely with displaced communities, identified a critical need for a school in Maniyamthoddam, a village located in Colombuthurai, Jaffna East. During the civil war, displaced families were relocated to this area by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL).

Over time, they built new lives in Maniyamthoddam and nearby villages, yet the area remained economically disadvantaged with the local community mainly depending on fishing and other small-scale work to earn a daily wage. Despite the growing population of children in this region, there was no school nearby, which posed a serious risk to their education and future prospects. Recognising the power of education as a means of transforming lives, especially for those who have endured many challenges, the Salesian Sisters were driven by a deep belief in the potential of holistic education. As a result, they founded a school in 2021, starting with Lower Kindergarten (L.K.G.) classes. They have now expanded the school to include students up to Grade 4. Today, the school serves 86 students in total, mostly from underprivileged backgrounds, living with a constant sense of fear and uncertainty of their future. 

The strain of education expenses 

When asked about challenges faced by students and teachers, Rev. Sr. Lilly Rose, who is the Principal of the school, said that many parents work as daily labourers, earning a modest wage of around Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,000 per day, which is barely enough to fulfill their basic needs. Most families in the area are fisher folk, but do not have their own boats. Instead, they work in small groups of 7 or 8, sharing the earnings equally among themselves. As a result, a full day’s work yields only a small income, which creates a sense of despair and stress. With such financial strain, the cost of their children’s education becomes a heavy burden, often relegating education to the lowest priority. With the Country’s economic crisis and the rising cost of living, the tradition of having three daily meals is no longer common—half of the families manage with just two meals a day, and some only have a full meal at night. “Visiting these families in their homes revealed how difficult and distressing it is to ask them to pay even the smallest tuition fees. For many, basic school supplies like stationery, shoes, and bags are beyond reach. We see this struggle firsthand with our students, and we wish to help them rise and thrive, especially given how essential English education has become for their futures,” said Rev. Sr. Rose.  The children are intelligent and eager to learn, but their circumstances work against them, according to her. Despite charging a minimal fee of Rs.2000 per month, many families struggle to make that payment, given the financial hardships experienced in the coastal area. The teachers, on the other hand have a strong sense of commitment, but have also expressed the need for a decent salary to support their own families given the present economic situation. Additionally, as the school is still in the process of being developed, there is a shortage of resources needed to provide essential educational materials and equipment. The school is earnestly seeking donors to help provide funds to renovate the classrooms to ensure there is a conductive learning environment, provide furniture, renovate the washrooms with tiles and improve hygiene, supply computers for educational use, seek sponsors for the children and provide support to cover teachers’ salaries. 

Rev. Sr. Rose mentioned that they aim to increase the school’s enrollment to around 120 students by next year. However, many parents who are interested in enrolling their children, have expressed the need for transportation services. This is because the school is located far from Jaffna town, and most families must travel approximately 45 minutes to bring their kids to school. “Due to the prevailing economic constraints, we are unable to afford a vehicle and renting one is too costly, and would consume funds that could be used for student’s education. It will be incredibly helpful to have transportation facilities for the children; ideally at least one bus to pick them up. This would encourage more parents to send their children to school,” she said. 

Rev. Sr. Rose further explained that the funds will be allocated based on a prioritised list, beginning with classroom renovations, salaries and gradually extending to providing computers for the children. The wider community, including potential donors, can contribute to this cause in ways beyond financial support such as social service clubs that can offer volunteer teachers. 

When asked about some of the biggest challenges in raising funds for the school, Rev. Sr. Rose stated that the perception of the school as an ‘English medium’ institution has masked the harsh reality they face. Many people assume the school is financially stable and, as a result, are hesitant to offer support due to stereotypes associated with terms like “English medium” or “private school.” Additionally, while the school building may appear large and well-furnished on the outside, the interior is far from adequate. “We’re not self-sufficient as people assume. We really struggle on a daily basis,” the school’s principal added. She mentioned that, so far, besides a few sisters from the congregation in India, there have been no organizations that have particularly contributed to the fundraising efforts.

When asked about the long-term impact of the project on the children and their families, Rev. Sr. Rose responded, “With the funds, we will be able to offer more educational facilities and higher concessions, relieving the pressure on parents, who are struggling to pay the fees, and view education as an additional burden. These children truly inspire us and give us a deep sense of purpose and we genuinely want them to receive an education that will help them thrive. I believe that with God’s guidance and our unwavering desire to help our students, this fundraising project will be successful. Therefore, we kindly request the assistance of generous individuals because for the families of Maniyamthoddam, this school is not just an educational institution, but a lifeline, offering their children a chance for a brighter future.”

More information on how to contribute to the welfare of the school can be obtained by contacting Rev. Sr. Lilly Rose on 070 263 5747 or by dropping a mail to [email protected]

Those who wish to financially help the school can send in their contributions to: