Inspiring Hope in an Underfunded School

By Gishanka Perera

During my school holidays, I decided to volunteer with a Sri Lankan non-profit organization based in Moratuwa. I had the opportunity to teach English in the afternoons at Jana Jaya School.

In a time of uncertainty and adversity in our country, I found solace in an unexpected place—a small, underfunded school in Koralawella, Moratuwa. It was here, at Jana Jaya School, that I embarked on a journey of giving, offering my time and knowledge as a volunteer English teacher for a week.

Though brief, this experience proved to be a profound chapter in my life, filled with lessons in humility, gratitude, and the undeniable power of education. Jana Jaya School is where dreams struggle against the harsh realities of poverty. The students there, who represent the future leaders of our nation, face financial hardships that most of us can hardly imagine.

As I walked through the doors of this school, I was greeted by children whose smiles belied the challenges they faced daily. Despite their circumstances, they welcomed me into their classrooms with warmth and open hearts, eager to learn from a stranger who had come to share the gift of language.

The school itself is poorly financed, and the lack of resources is a challenge both the institution and its students must endure. The children I taught were in grades 1 to 5, formative years when curiosity and potential are at their peak. However, their educational journey is hindered by the lack of basic necessities.

Many of these children could not afford proper stationery, such as pencils and writing books, and some even lacked shoes. In a world where such necessities are taken for granted, these students face hurdles that could easily derail their dreams. Despite their challenges, their resilience was nothing short of inspiring.

They listened attentively as I taught them English — a language that could open doors to countless opportunities in their future. Their eagerness to learn, despite the odds, was deeply humbling. It made me aware of the privileges I have enjoyed, which these children could only dream of.

During my time at Jana Jaya, I witnessed the generosity of a Sri Lankan family living in the UK who funded daily meals for the students. The impact of this meal extended far beyond the school.

The children, aware of the struggles their families faced, would often take this meal home at the end of the day. They chose to forgo meals throughout the school day, saving the food to share with their families who also lacked basic sustenance. This single meal became the lifeline for entire households, a poignant testament to the depths of their poverty and the strength of their familial bonds.

As the days passed, I formed a deep connection with these incredible students. They were not merely learning English, they were connecting with me, a stranger who had come into their lives for a brief moment. Their potential is limitless, yet they need our support — in the form of resources, encouragement and opportunities — to help them become the leaders our country so desperately needs.

One of the most humbling moments occurred when the other teachers informed me of a remarkable change: the students had begun communicating with them in basic English for all matters, even preferring it over their mother tongue, Sinhala.

This shift was a testament to the effectiveness of the teaching methods I employed, drawing on the high-quality education I receive at the international school I attend. Witnessing these young learners embracing basic English so quickly was incredibly rewarding and highlighted the profound impact that thoughtful, engaging education can have.

Leaving Jana Jaya School on my final day was one of the most difficult moments of my life. The children, who had grown very attached to me, hugged me tightly as I said my goodbyes. In that moment, I felt their love not just for me as their teacher, but as someone who had come into their lives and believed in their potential. Their gratitude was palpable, and it humbled me to my core.

This experience taught me to be grateful for everything I have and reminded me of the transformative power of education. While the students of Jana Jaya School face incredible challenges, they also possess great strength. They are the future of our nation, and it is our responsibility to help them reach their full potential.

I am deeply thankful to SERVE, a Sri Lankan NGO dedicated to the empowerment of the needy, particularly children, youth, women, and families. They provided me with the opportunity to teach these young minds, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I encourage all who are fortunate to consider helping those in need. It is an incredible act of humanity that not only changes the lives of the less fortunate but also enriches our own.

Volunteering as an English teacher was not just about teaching a language—it was about giving hope, sharing love, and building a brighter future for these children. It was an experience that I will carry with me forever, a reminder that in giving, we receive so much more in return.