The “Empower a School: Elevate a Child” initiative was more than just a project; it was a catalyst for change. It demonstrated the power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and uplifting entire communities. In Poonakary and Pachchiapai the future was now filled with promise, driven by the dreams and determination of its youngest generation.
Through the unwavering commitment of the Appé Lanka project, the schools in Poonakary and Pachciapali transformed into a place where every child had the chance to soar. And as the sun set over the village, it cast a golden glow on a brighter tomorrow, one that was shaped by the empowered voices and dreams of its children.
In the vibrant but arid village of Poonakary and Pachciapali the sounds of children’s laughter mixed with the hum of daily life. For years, these communities had faced challenges that seemed insurmountable—lack of safe water, limited educational resources, and a need for community cohesion. Despite these hardships, hope was rekindled through the Appé Lanka project’s initiative: “Empower a School: Elevate a Child.”
The project began with the installation of safe water systems. Understanding the vital role clean water plays in education and health, the Appé Lanka team upgraded and installed RO (reverse osmosis) plants in the school and nearby communities. Children no longer needed to walk miles to fetch water; instead, they could focus on their studies and play. The availability of safe water also meant better hygiene and fewer waterborne diseases, ensuring that students stayed healthy and could attend school regularly.
Next, the project turned its attention to food security and nutrition. An empty plot of land in the school was transformed into a lush vegetable garden. Under the guidance of agricultural experts, students and teachers worked together to plant and maintain the garden. They cultivated spinach, tomatoes, carrots, and beans, learning valuable skills in sustainable farming. The produce from the garden not only provided nutritious meals for the students but also instilled a sense of responsibility and pride in their work.
Transportation was another significant barrier to education in Poonakary. Many children lived too far from the school to attend regularly. To address this, the Appé Lanka project provided bicycles to students. The sight of children riding their new bikes to school, their faces beaming with joy, became a daily testament to the transformative power of this initiative. With the gift of mobility, attendance rates soared, and the children arrived at school energized and ready to learn.
Education extended beyond traditional subjects. Recognizing the importance of English in opening doors to future opportunities. Skilled teachers used interactive methods, including songs, stories, and games, to make learning English enjoyable and effective. Students who once struggled with the language began to speak with confidence, their new skills opening up a world of possibilities.
The project’s commitment to holistic development included fostering reconciliation and unity through sports and arts. These regions had been a region marked by divisions and conflicts, and the need for healing was evident. The school organized events where students from diverse backgrounds came together to play sports and engage in artistic activities. Soccer matches, cricket games, and art workshops became platforms for building friendships and understanding.
One such event was a community arts festival, where children showcased their talents through painting, music, and dance. The festival’s highlight was a mural and Video created by the students, depicting their vision of a united and prosperous Poonakary. This became a symbol of hope and reconciliation, a constant reminder of what the community could achieve together.
Through these combined efforts, the “Empower a School: Elevate a Child” initiative brought about profound changes. The school evolved into a thriving center of education and community spirit. Students excelled academically and developed a strong sense of identity and purpose. The gardens flourished, the water flowed, and the air buzzed with the sound of children riding their bikes and practicing their English.
One story stood out among many. A boy named Karththikesu, who had once struggled to keep up with his peers due to frequent illness and a long commute, blossomed through the project’s interventions. With access to clean water, nutritious food, and a bicycle, Karththikesu health and attendance improved dramatically. He excelled in his studies and became a star player on the school’s soccer team, bridging friendships through sports. His newfound confidence and skills in English set him on a path to a bright future.
The “Empower a School: Elevate a Child” initiative was more than a project; it was a movement that touched every aspect of life. It demonstrated that with the right resources and opportunities, children could rise above their circumstances and reach their full potential. The village, once shadowed by challenges, now basked in the glow of progress and unity.
As the sun set over Poonakary, it painted the sky with hues of hope and promise. The community, empowered and elevated, looked forward to a future where every child had the chance to soar, their dreams no longer bound by limitations but lifted by the collective strength of their people.
Empower a school: Elevate a child (An original musical and video composition by Mukumban Maha Vidyalam advocating the partnership with Appé Lanka) https://youtu.be/fdUS-H0QaSE?si=D2UD5Cl10dg3SSO4
