Support a Student, Strengthen a Community

Vanakum, Ayubowan and Hello,

Thanks so much for your support of our vital work in Sri Lanka. In this report, we share how important the Talent Show is to build confidence and promoting social cohesion between students of different ethnicities. Then we demonstrate the type of life-changing impact we have through the story of Puwaneshwaran, a Tea Leaf Alumni

We believe that to achieve our mission to uplift tea estate communities, we must build and strengthen our students’ self-esteem. Talent Show is one of the first Main Diploma events where students are given a chance to do something new (and a little scary) but with the support of people who care for them and believe in them. Students come together as classes and smaller groups to blow their peers, teachers and parents away with their creativity, energy and talents.

Ms Rajendiram, from TLC Bogawantalawa, told us how proud she is to see her students putting such dedication into their acts:

“It amazes me how creative they are and the synergy that they’ve built within their groups. We have a fan dance and a horror dance alongside students performing a wide range of musical talents. This year we also have powerful acts raising awareness about AI technology, stopping child abuse and the importance of fairness - all through dance! 

Mr Jegadheeshan, from TLC Maskeliya, shared how excited he becomes when watching the students practise:

“They are doing so well; their dedication is excellent. Every day they come to school to practise, even at the weekends! We have students performing on the piano and flute; a drama that is challenging drug addiction; a solo dance in the style of Michael Jackson and we even have some students who have created a performance that combines singing with drawing!”

Meet Puwanesh, a former TLT student who defied the odds to become a Chartered Accountant in Colombo. His journey from hardship to success is truly inspiring. Puwanesh's story highlights the transformative impact that the education and support at TLT is having to uplift the tea estate communities.

What was life like as you grew up?
“During my childhood there were four of us children and with my parents six. It was really a hard time for us. My parents were working at an estate where they were able to get 2000 or 3000 Rupees per month. With that they were supposed to give us food, give us clothes and give us an education. Impossible. I can still remember my parents going to work while they were sick or during the rain.

I studied in a government school for about 12 years but apart from being able to write my name, I didn’t know anything in English. When I was sitting for my English O-Level, I failed the first time, the second time I failed and third time I also failed. Eventually I joined in the Advanced Level but I experienced the same thing. I didn’t go for more than one sitting, I knew that I was going to fail again.”

How did your life change after studying at a Tea Leaf Centre?

“I was encouraged to join Tea Leaf after my A-Levels and my English and confidence improved a lot. I can still remember my Success & Ethics lessons. It was very new to me, I never learned things like that before. Now, when I go back to my corporate job, there are a lot of things that I have learned here that have helped me to be a better employee.

Tea Leaf helped me to get on the Internship Programme with Janashakthi Insurance in Colombo. While there, I was thinking about how I can become a degree holder because that was my all-time dream. I got a call from the Indian High Commissioner saying that there was an interview call for universities in India. I went there and there were more than 100 students, they all needed a translator to speak to the High Commissioner. Because of the skills I got at Tea Leaf, I was able to speak to him directly and he offered me a scholarship.

It was a very hard when I was in India because I was not getting anything financially to support my parents, but they were very, very supportive. With their support I was able to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Madras successfully. I started working in Colombo which allowed my parents to stop working. I feel that’s one of the best things that I have achieved in my life.”

You can empower more students like Puwanesh by donating to Tea Leaf Trust or volunteering to make a difference in their lives. Together, we can change futures!

Links:

• The impact of Talent Show on mental health
• Talent Show practises

Vanakum, Ayubowan and Hello!

All of our centres have now interviewed, registered and welcomed a whole new group of young people to our centres, including our brand new centre: TLC Pusselawa, generously funded by Gnanam Foundation and the British and Foreign Schools Society.

When students start at TLT, they begin with an intensive two-week English language course, designed to ensure every student has a firm foundation for learning in English. These two weeks are challenging but our staff provide a range of fun and supportive activities to build bonds of trust and self-confidence.

Full enrollment has once again been delayed by the A-Level exams having been pushed back across the country, but our classrooms will be overflowing by the end of February as we expect a surge in interest across our five centres and weekend classes.

Thanks again for all of your support of our work, and just to mention that we take a range of volunteers across our centres from early 20s to late 70s. We offer short volunteering visits and longer term skilled placements throughout the year. Some volunteers include their placement as part of their holiday to Sri Lanka, whilst for others volunteering is the focus of their trip.  If you are interested in finding out more drop us an email here and we’d love to set up a chat :-)

With best wishes for peace and happiness in 2024,

Tim

Links:

• Our website
• A recent interview with our Country Director