Rebuilding Dreams Through Education

In Maduwa, Gampaha, a village surrounded by the river, rising water levels are a familiar reality for residents, particularly during the rainy season. But when Cyclone Ditwah struck, the flooding was unlike anything the community had experienced before.

For Yasiru Nethruwan, a determined 16-year-old student with hopes for the future, among the most significant losses were the materials he relied on for his education. Living in a bustling household with his mother, father, two elder sisters, and an elder brother; while his father is retired and is currently unemployed, Yasiru found strength in his creativity. A talented artist with a strong passion for drawing, he regularly participates in art competitions, winning several awards, and continues to develop his skills whenever he has free time. Despite this personal outlet, the cyclone stripped away what he needed most: his textbooks were damaged beyond use, while months of carefully prepared study notes were washed away.

“Cyclone Ditwah badly affected our home, and losing my books and study notes made me worried about how I would continue my studies.”

Across Maduwa, families faced similar challenges. As parents focused on repairing their homes, replacing essential belongings and restoring their livelihoods, finding the resources to replace school materials became an additional financial burden.

For students like Yasiru, returning to school meant more than simply going back to the classroom. They needed the basic learning materials that had been lost in the floods.

Yasiru and other students at Lakshmi Junior School received educational kits in June 2026 containing essential school bags and stationery. The support gave them the resources they needed to continue their studies while easing some of the financial pressure on their families as they recovered.

“Receiving these educational materials means a lot to me. Now I can continue my studies with the materials I need, and my parents do not have to worry about my school stationeries and school bags.”

With their learning materials replaced, Yasiru and his peers are once again preparing to continue attending school with the materials they need. For them, these educational kits are more than books and stationery. They are a step towards continuing their education and building the future they hope for.