Tribefunds

“Computer education for kids in a rural school.”

Sheahan Arasaratnam

In the District of Killinochchi is a small town of a population approximately 15,000 called Pallai. The Pallai Primary School was established in 2014 and supports students from Grade 1 – 5 aged between 6 – 11.

The school has 10 classes and 301 students with 14 teachers and 3 support staff. The school lacks a much-needed computer lab for the students to enhance their future skills. For Pallai to see sustainable growth in the future we see the importance of computer literacy and English as a must.

Here is a bit of background to our story…

In Pallai, facilities are limited and exposure to technology is lacking. It is more than apparent that the children in these areas would need to be supported with computer literacy skills and exposure to have the best chance at being competitive in the future.

I believe that our involvement in the community should has a long-term impact on the lives of the marginalized, persons with disabilities and improve conditions for children’s education in the area. Our efforts include raising awareness and supporting the community directly and indirectly. Today we offer direct employment to approximately 25 adults from and around Pallai. Their children too would be accommodated by this initiative to enhance computer literacy.

Having visited, interacted with, and observed children of the area it was more than obvious that we need to change what their future could be like. The level of sophistication and access that kids in urban communities enjoy are luxuries to these children. Every child deserves to learn how to use a computer and have access to information. This is a social initiative for the benefit the children of Pallai Primary School and have an impact on their future.

The allocation of funds will be used towards the purchase of Tabletop Computers (5), UPS (5), Air Conditioner and a Printer (1). The funds will also enable wiring and installation as well. The collection amounts include budget allocation for a dedicated resource person up to one year, computer maintenance, stationary for students and provision of additional electricity costs that would be incurred by the school.

The Investment being sought will be distributed into two parts.

• The first part relates to the fixed assets or the purchasing and setting up of the computer class.

• The second part of the budget relates to the maintenance and resource allocation costs towards the continuity the computer studies. Here we have highlighted the costs for a full year (first year).

Description of Fixed Assets and Installation	Description	Rs.	Total Cost
Table top Computers (5)	5 Dell Computers	600,000
UPS (5)	Servo Motor 650VA	80,000
Air Conditioner (for the computer lab)		125,000
Printer (1)	Lazer Jet Printer	20,000
Wiring and installation		25,000
Miscellaneous		50,000
Total Fixed Assets			Rs.900,000
Description of Recurring Costs (Costa are annualized)
Resource Personnel (1 teacher)	Rs 40,000 per month.	480,000
Computer Maintenance		70,000
Stationary for students		120,000
Electricity		60,000
Total Running Cost for year 1			Rs.730,000
Total Project Cost			Rs.1,630,000

I am an ardent promoter of education, skills development, and access to knowledge specifically in economically impoverished regions of Sri Lanka. The project is initiated by Tropical Green Exports, founded by Sheahan Arasaratnam who a former retail banker by profession, and has family roots tracing back to Pallai from yesteryear. In 2020 he was led to start an impact driven start up centered and focused on community development and sustainability in the Pallai and has since been an advocate for community development, empowerment, inclusion, and child education in the area.

As a former retail banker by profession, I believe in the power of collective effort that can be multiplied to benefit many.

On a deep personal level, I have family roots tracing back to Pallai from yesteryear. In 2020 I was led to start an impact driven start up centered and focused on community development and sustainability in the Pallai and has since been an advocate for community development, empowerment, inclusion, and child education in the area.

I hope to commence fund raising in July 2021 and hope to start work with the school no sooner we can complete funding and kick off the project by October 2021. Hopefully, our efforts would not be impacted by Covid post June 2021.

16th July 2021 - And we are off with our campaign, really looking forward to your support!.

I am a volunteer who is coming forward to raise awareness and promote community engagement towards the benefit of the students of Pallai Primary School, one of the many educational facilities in the North of Sri Lanka that need our support.

Contact details for further inquiries:

Name: Sheahan Arasaratnam
Address: 25/10, Paranawatta Road, 2nd Lane, Kerawalapitiya Wattala, Sri Lanka
Phone Number: +94 (0) 77 393 6221
Email: sheahan.arasaratnam@yahoo.com

School Computer Lab Project for Pallai Hindu Primary

Sheahan Arasaratnam