Ammankulam Preschool Opening – 4th August 2023
- The Ammankulam Preschool, once in a remote area prone to elephant damage, now has a safe new building thanks to donated land and support from Ocean Stars Lanka and Calthorpe Park School.
- At the opening ceremony, a traditional Hindu milk-boiling ritual symbolizing prosperity was performed, with the community expressing gratitude for the new Early Years education opportunities.
- Excited children celebrated with songs, storytelling, and snacks, showcasing the positive impact of this collaborative effort on the Ammankulam community.
Women’s empowerment projects Ocean Stars runs 3 projects – Friday 11th August 2023
- Ocean Stars runs three Hope Houses offering sewing classes to empower women in rural villages with skills to escape poverty. Since 2017, these projects have helped 350 women gain employment or start businesses, with graduates earning an NVQ Level 4 qualification. Founded by Jessica Butcher MBE, the courses continue to transform lives and provide opportunities for independence.
Ocean Stars: Empowering Early Education Since 2005
- Since 2005, Ocean Stars has provided quality early years education to around 15,000 children in the Batticaloa district, with 900 children currently enrolled. Graduates from Ocean Stars preschools excel in confidence, social skills, English songs, and active participation, consistently outperforming peers in primary schools. Teachers and former students fondly remember the program’s impact, with graduates shining brightly in their academic and personal development.
Kilmiya's Educational Journey with Ocean Stars
- Kilmiya, sponsored by Ocean Stars since age 5, benefited from extra classes, school materials, and visits from her UK sponsor. Despite her family’s low income, she became the first woman from her village to attend university, graduating with a 2.1 in Bio Sciences from the University of Jaffna. Ocean Stars provided her with a laptop during the pandemic, enabling her to continue her studies and pursue her dream of becoming a science teacher and studying pharmacy.
OST Teacher Training for 75 Teachers
- Ocean Stars Trust prioritizes regular, up-to-date teacher training for its 75 preschool teachers to ensure they provide high-quality Early Years education to over 1000 children. Every three months, teachers gather at the Ocean Stars Lanka office to network and share ideas, enhancing their confidence in the latest teaching trends. The teachers are grateful to their sponsors for supporting their work and enabling them to provide for their families.
Best Wishes for O/Level Exams
- Ocean Stars Trust sponsors over 130 children in Sri Lanka through our Sponsorship Programmes. Some of the students who have completed their sponsorship have gone on to become accountants, doctors, entrepreneurs, and teachers.
- This week some of our current sponsor students will be starting their GCSE exams. We would like to wish them Good Luck and hope they achieve the results they want so they can proceed to A Levels. Stay calm and do your best students.
Mahadeva Children’s Home: Calm, Love, and Friendship
- Since 2012, Ocean Stars Trust has supported Mahadeva Children’s Home in Kilinochchi, established by the late Mr. Rasanayagam. Originally for children orphaned by Sri Lanka’s Civil War, it now houses children whose parents are unable to care for them. The home provides a nurturing environment where children excel academically and in sports, and the staff and volunteers cherish the peaceful, loving atmosphere.
4-Day Residential Teacher Training Course
- In July 2024, 70 teachers attended Ocean Stars’ 4-day residential Teacher Training Course at the Miyani Centre in Batticaloa. The focus was on the Assessment Tool, part of the Child Development Programme. Teachers from across the country, including some traveling 9 hours, participated in welcome speeches, dances, team-building activities, and received T-shirts and notebooks to support the training.
Teacher Training in Child Development Programme
- Ocean Stars Trust’s Child Development Programme (CDP) includes a key focus on Teacher Training. A four-day residential training event at the Miyani Centre in Batticaloa brings together preschool teachers from across Sri Lanka for valuable professional development. Funded by the Fonthill Foundation UK, this program provides teachers, including those traveling from distant regions, the rare opportunity to meet, learn, and enhance their skills.
Child Development Programme - Teacher Training
- Ocean Stars Trust’s Child Development Programme includes a key focus on Teacher Training, with a 4-day residential training event for preschool teachers at the Miyani Centre in Batticaloa. Teachers from across Sri Lanka, including Colombo, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, and Yatiyanthota, travel long distances to participate in this unique opportunity to meet and learn together. The training, supported by the Fonthill Foundation UK, provides high-quality professional development for teachers, enabling them to enhance the education they offer.
Creative Development Workshop at Teacher Training Conference
- During the July Teacher Training event, teachers participated in a Creative Development workshop, where they used imagination through various activities. One fun exercise involved working with sensory scarves, promoting skills like hand-eye coordination and concentration. The session fostered creativity, with laughter and excitement as teachers explored engaging ways to develop their students’ creative abilities.
Communication Skills and Games - Teacher Training
- During the Teacher Training event on 2nd August 2024, the Communication and Language workshop focused on improving communication skills through activities like musical statues and group exercises. Teachers learned techniques to enhance children’s listening and attention, such as using simple language and modeling listening skills. The interactive activities encouraged teachers to think from the perspective of preschool children, making the training both engaging and competitive.
Yoga Inspiration for Child Development
- During our Teacher Training on Child Development, preschool teachers attended yoga workshops led by Mrs. Sivashakthi, founder of Shakthi Ananda Yoga School, to empower them with skills to enhance balance, flexibility, and concentration in students. The training focused on incorporating basic yoga positions into the preschool routine, helping over 900 students develop physical, mental, and spiritual growth. The initiative has been a fun and enriching start to each preschool day.
Storytelling in Teacher Training
During a recent Teacher Training event on 16th August 2024, teachers participated in a storytelling session using images as prompts. Divided into groups, they created stories as if they were preschool students, leading to laughter and creativity. The session helped teachers learn how to encourage children to use images or everyday objects to tell their own stories.
Welcoming Emma and Keith from the UK
On 17th September 2024, Emma and Keith visited Ocean Stars projects, including Hope House 3, where they met women learning sewing skills that are empowering them. They also engaged with sponsor children in English activities at the Ocean Stars Lanka office and expressed gratitude for the continued support from donors and volunteers.
Visiting Vision Preschool
- On Thursday 19th September 2024, Emma and Keith visited Vision Preschool in Sri Lanka with Ocean Stars staff. Parents and younger siblings joined the visit, and the children enjoyed games with a parachute, origami, and singing. Thanks to Emma and Keith for bringing so much joy and happiness to the community.
Emma and Keith at Chenkallady 2 Preschool
- On Monday, 23rd September 2024, Emma and Keith enjoyed a lively morning at Chenkallady 2 Preschool. They were greeted with garlands and entertained the students with songs, games, and origami. Their visit highlighted the importance of Ocean Stars’ work in providing quality education for around 900 students.
October Trips
October is an exciting month for Sri Lanka communities as Ocean Stars volunteers visit projects. On 2nd October 2024, Calthorpe Park School in Fleet prepared for their visit to link schools in Batticaloa. The CPS 2024 team held their final meeting, received trip clothing, and consolidated arrangements while reflecting on their fundraising efforts for the charity.
Storytelling Session - Friday 16th August 2024
Teachers attended a storytelling session as part of a recent Teacher Training event. They created stories using images and performed them for the group, sparking laughter and creativity. The session taught teachers how to help children tell their own stories with everyday objects or images.
Calthorpe Park Team Trip Highlights
- October 27th: The team visited Dambulla Cave Temple before heading to Batticaloa for a welcome event with local schools.
- October 28th: They participated in school activities, a Samba band performance, and traditional sports, fostering cultural exchange and new friendships.
- October 29th: The team hosted a memorable event for sponsor children, including art activities and a dance, with 170 attendees enjoying the festivities.
- October 30th: The team visited Vellaimanal’s preschool and secondary school, participated in craft activities, and shared lunch with local families.
- October 31st: The team opened a new playground and donated tables and chairs to Ammankulam preschool while also supporting the YMCA Deaf Link.
- November 2nd: On their final day, the team toured Colombo and reflected on the trip with heartfelt speeches, before a traditional Sri Lankan dance.