In July 2018 I will be part of a group of Sacred Heart students who are going to Sri Lanka to work with the community in the small rural village of Belihul Oya. I am writing to outline the work we hope to do and to ask if you will consider making a donation towards our challenge next summer. I believe the visit will allow me to develop a wide range of skills whilst also contributing to a great cause.

Project goals:

Belihul Oya is a hamlet situated in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka, approximately 160 km from the capital, Colombo. The village is on a hillside, it is in a zone which straddles semi-evergreen forests and the dry patana grasslands.

Our project aims to improve the educational facilities and curriculum materials for local pupils and in addition, providing better access to clean water for pupils. The SHHS group will teach some lessons, help refurbish/paint the local school and engage with the wider community. We hope our project work will leave a significantly improved local school and clean water supply in the village.

Learning Objectives:

Whilst in Sri Lanka, the group’s wider learning objectives are:

• To learn about the natural and human environment of Sri Lanka

• To participate in a rural community project to enhance the lives of local communities

• To understand about the culture, religion and history found in Sri Lanka

• To experience and learn about a range of bio-diversity and wildlife

• To experience living and working in an overseas environment

I believe that this is a very worthwhile project. I am passionate about improving the education and life chances of students and this project, in one small way, offers me a chance to make a difference. I would be very happy to talk to you about the project and look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes