Water for Schools in Sri Lanka 

A hot breeze stirs up a red dust that coats the green leaves with a rusty tinge. The rice fields are dry and parched and the wells are running dry as they wait for the rains to come next month. For four months, the rural village of Agbopura in Sri Lanka’s eastern Trincomalee district, has not seen a drop of rain.

Ever since it opened 52 years ago, the students of Agobopura school had relied on a broken well with dirty water for drinking and washing. Several appeals for a new well were turned down until 2007 when one was built. However, the children and the teachers still had to pull the water from a bucket tied to the end of a rope which was a long and time-consuming process. Many of the children would not take the time to quench their thirst or wash their hands.  .

Muslim Aid Sri Lanka identified the Trincomalee District as one of its priority areas in which to carry out the UN Water For Life projects with the funds raised during Ramadan. In partnership with Cargills Limited, Muslim Aid Sri Lanka constructed a water tank, taps and pipelines so that students and teachers could have access to clean water all day long. The small water system supplies 725 students and 32 staff members. It also waters the school gardens which are already showing splashes of colourful flowers.

“We are already seeing changes. There are fewer illnesses such as stomach upsets because children are now washing their hands,” said Headmaster J.P. Chandrasiri at a ceremony to mark the opening of the water supply system at the school. “Water is a precious resource and Muslim Aid has quenched our thirst. We truly appreciate what you have done for us.”

The Headmaster promised that the students would not waste a single drop of water while using the taps.

“Ninety percent of our students come from disadvantaged families. Some come to school without breakfast and only have water to suppress their hunger. We would like to Thank Muslim Aid on behalf of the students” said Mr Chandrasiri.