As children around Australia returned to school last week, 3000 Sri Lankan children – whose schools were damaged or destroyed by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami – are back to school with smiles stretching half-way around the world to Australia, thanks to international development agency Plan and a $1.2 million grant from the Victorian Government.

The Ruhunu school, a state of the art primary and secondary school complex in Sri Lanka’s tsunami-affected coastal province of Hambantota, will be officially opened today.

The Premier of Victoria, John Brumby MP officially announced the school opening last night at the Springvale Town Hall, at a special gathering of Victoria’s Sri Lankan community to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence.

As well as the generous $1.2 million grant from the Victorian Government – the largest single contributor to the school – Australian individuals and organisations also supported the Ruhunu school construction. Plan received other donations including more than $20,000 each from fundraising activities held by the University of Canberra and Sydney’s Reddam House School.

Ian Wishart, CEO of Plan in Australia, says the Sri Lankan community can now provide high quality education for the Ruhunu school children including child-friendly methods of teaching and the introduction of children’s and parents’ clubs.

"The new Ruhunu school is ‘one of a kind’ and rivals any modern school in Australia. It will contribute significantly to raising the educational standards for Sri Lankan children, serving as a model for schools throughout the country," Mr Wishart says.

The Ruhunu school includes 30 colourful primary classrooms; 56 secondary classrooms; science labs; trade skills and arts workshops; a library; audiovisual room; administration block; staff room; activity area; playground; modern toilets blocks for each area; and access to running water.  During the three year construction phase, students have attended classes at other schools in the district, under extremely over-crowded and challenging conditions.

"The children were in absolute awe when they first laid eyes on their new school. It was the first time the children have ever had access to such facilities. The whole community is aware of the great opportunities the school will provide for their children," Mr Wishart said.

After the official opening in Sri Lanka today, ongoing operations of the school will be funded by the Sri Lankan Government, with support from the local community.

"In line with Plan’s commitment to community empowerment – our long-term sustainable approach to community development- the school’s children and their parents have been very much involved in planning for the future direction of the school. We are all very proud of that achievement. We have provided more than just bricks and mortar for the Ruhunu school children, we have provided a real first class educational experience for them. It is a huge change in the right direction," Mr Wishart said.

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For photographs or interviews, contact:

Tim Cansfield-Smith, Plan Brand and Communications Manager
0411 642 194

Emma Smith, Plan Media Officer                   
0409 004 372