March 2022 |
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April 2022 |
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Sipsaru team visited our Health Promoting School, Dehigastenna Vidyalaya on Friday 11th March with Dr. Manoj Fernando, Head, Department of Health Promotion and the Senior Lecturer in Health Promotion, Rajarata University and Ms Dilukshi Navodani Soyza, the health promotion facilitator.
Interesting programme was lined up by the school:
- Discussion with the teaching staff on future plans, issues and specific activities to prepare the students for O.L Examination in May 2022
- Brief discussion on the planned mid term review of the activities 2018 up to date.
- Lecture discussion with the students of Year 9, 10 and 11
- Discussion with the parents of the students of year 9,10 and 11
On the day, 11 students who are chosen according to the selection criteria were awarded scholarships.
Participants: Dr Chandani Galwaduge (Secretary), Dr Udaya Rajapakshe (Programme coordinator) and Mr Lucky Galwaduge (Treasurer) along with Ms Dilukshi Soyza (Health Promotion Facilitator). Following are the observations:
- Moving of Primary school classes: Year 4 and 5 classes have been moved into laboratory building as the building which housed these classes is in danger of damage due to earth slips that occurred end August.
- Midday meal preparation:
- The six-member steering committee of mothers are very active and remain dedicated.
- The cooking is done in the abandoned primary school building and the preparation was in progress. Four mothers were involved and they attempt to keep the hygienic standards to the optimum. Menu was green leaves mallum, carrot with potatoes and fried sprats. Although the building does not have a chimney for smoke to escape, the harm from smoke to children is not there as the building is not occupied.
45. Aug 13 2024 Developing basic English language skills using Phonics - Aug 13 2024
SIPSARU had observed that the English reading ability of the children is very low; despite having a considerable number of English books in the school library, children do not borrow any and the main reason is the inability to read and comprehend the English language.
The Education Department commences teaching language from year 1 through songs etc and English letters are introduced only after year 3.
SIPSARU desires to commence teaching English language to children when they are still in year 1 & 2 using phonics in addition to the Education Department curriculum. Ms Hazeera Zavahir, former principal of the English teacher training College Peradeniya conducted a brief orientation programme for English teachers of Dehigastenna Vidyalaya, Kalaweldeniya Vidyalaya and Kelanigama Vidyalaya.
Ms Zavahir estimated the knowledge of the English teachers to be of high standard. The orientation was well received by the English teachers of all three schools.
It was decided to establish a WhatsApp group including all who participated for easy communication and to commence the new programme once schools reopen on 26 August 2024. Phonic lessons will be additional to the Education Department curriculum.
44. Experience sharing workshop with two other schools in the same Education Division - 27 Jul 2024
On 27 of July 2024, a workshop was held to share the Health Promotion programme experiences of Dehigastenna Vidyalaya with two other schools in the same Division. The teaching staff of all three schools; Dehigastenna Vidyalaya, Kalaweldeniya Vidyalaya and Kelanigama Vidyalaya participated in the programme.
Technical expert in Health Promotion, Dr Manoj Fernando of Rajarata University conducted the workshop and the Consultant Community Physician of the Office of Provincial Director of Health Services, Central Province, Dr Gamini Jayakody represented the Health Department. Two staff members from Dehigastenna Vidyalaya presented their experiences of the School Health Promotion programme and how the partnership with SIPSARU evolved over the years to yield satisfactory outcomes: 1)Improved motivation and team spirit amongst teachers, 2) improved educational performance; 3) enhanced value systems; 4) improved discipline; 5) Improved reading habits; 6) Increased opportunities for children to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and dancing; 7) Improved sanitary facilities of the school with enhanced personal hygiene; 8) positive impact the programme had on the parents and families and how the community participation improved over the years.
Dr Manoj Fernando conducted a discussion with the participants on principles and important steps in implementation of a school health promotion programme.
Dr Gamini Jayakody explained the partnership between the Health and Education Departments in implementation of the School Health Promotion programme.
The three schools discussed amongst their teams and came up with an immediate action plan; all three schools will set goals for next five years.
SIPSARU team agreed to visit all three schools on 30 th August to discuss the way forward.
43. English Books Donation by Dr. Nimmi De Silva - Mar 23 2024
42. Scholarships - Mar 23 2024
In the month of March, SIPSARU awarded scholarships to 15 selected students for the year 2024. These children were selected by the school using the agreed criteria. These students received the needy items to further improve their education performances.
41. Improving Sinhala Reading Ability of Year 1 & 2 Children - Mar 10 2024
At the request of the school SIPSARU in March 2024 purchased the small booklets to facilitate teaching- learning of Sinhala letters for year 1 & 2 children. It was quite gratifying to note that the teachers are using those educational aids and the tremendous improvement of abilities of year 2 children within 6 months.
40. Primary Section Exhibition - Mar 1 2024
39. Support from Doctors Welfare Association (DOWELS) for school Primary band and donation of a laptop - Jan 1 2024
In the year 2023, DOWELS (Doctors Welfare Association) supported the school with new melodicas to revive the Primary Band of the School. In the year 2024, again DOWELS very kindly facilitated to stitch a new band costume. The children from year 3 to Year 8 are participating as members of the Primary
Band. DOWELS also donated a laptop to the school in March 2024 and the school is very appreciative of this invaluable support.
38. School Initiative on English Language Development - Dec 16 2023
In December 2023, the two English teachers of the school planned and commenced implementing an initiative to improve the English grammar skills of the students of year 6 -8. SIPSARU purchased the necessary books and educational aids. The teachers conduct extra classes before the schools starts.
Already the programme is demonstrating a positive impact; as a result of this initiative, children are scoring higher marks at the term tests.
37. Social Science Quiz and Debate Competition - Dec 11 2023
35. Children's Day Celebration by the School Community - Oct 23 2023
It is heartening to observe the school community planning and implementing the activities independently. The school celebrated Children’s Day 2023 by conducting a special programme. On that day, the teaching staff cooked and served the mid-day meal to all the children on their account.
34. Teacher's Day - Oct 6 2023
33. Vanilla Cultivation - Aug 29 2023
32. Netball Training - Aug 23 2023
31. Dr Manoj Fernandos Visit - Aug 14 2023
On 14 August 2023, technical adviser of health promotion, Dr Manoj Ferando visited the school along with the Health Promoter. Discussion sessions were held with the teachers, students and parents.
30. Improvement in Dancing - Aug 18 2023
Since the appointment of a committed dancing teacher, the school is showing tremendous improvements; SIPSARU supported the repair of the drums that were in unusable condition. At the recently held inter-school dancing competitions 2024, the school dancing troop secured first place at the Zonal level and fourth place at the Provincial level in the category of less than 200 students. More and More students are selecting dancing as the optional subject for GCE (O.L) examination.
29. Health Promotion Discussion - Jul 28 2023
28. Improvememt of the Library - Jul 20 2023
27. Purchase of Model Question and Answer Papers - 12 December 2022
Sipsaru purchased model question and answer papers (monthly and term test) for all subjects for classes from year 6 to year 11. And also purchased Science and Mathematics past question and answer papers of the Western Province for the year 10 and year 11 classes. These books will be kept in the library enabling teachers to borrow the same as and when necessary.
26. Scholarship Programme - 2022
Sipsaru supported purchasing of needed educational supplies for one year for twelve children ( six each girls and boys). These children are chosen per the agreed criteria. Seven are from the Primary section and the remaining from the secondary section.
25. International Teachers Day - 06 October 2022
The school celebrated the International Teachers Day on 6 October 2022. The programme comprised of speeches, singing and dancing items. Beautifully decorated traditional oil lamp with Gok leaves was a master piece demonstrating the esthetic and creative abilities of the students who did these with the guidance of teachers. Highlight of the day was the speech by the student who proposed the vote of thanks to teachers in English language.
24. World Children’s Day - 03 October 2022
The Primary School celebrated World Children’s on Monday 3 October as the Children’s Day fell on a Saturday this year. The theme was “Let us pursue our dreams”. It was colourful site to see these kids as they were allowed to come in colour clothes on the day. Many games and items were organized. All the children received a gift (educational materials) from Sipsaru. those were purchased for Singithi Bakmaha (Sinhala New year) festival that was cancelled due to sudden school closure as a result of the economic crisis of the country. Children had a joyful time playing singing and taking part in games. It was heartening to note that teachers cooking a special midday meal using their money and time to feed the Primary school children on the day.
23. Midday Meal - 29 April 2022
Recently the school has noticed more absenteeism amongst students as a result of them suffering from hunger due to prevailing failing economic situation in the country. The Government supporting scheme for midday meal is almost defunct due to insufficient allocation of mere Rs 30/ per child along with numerous restrictive conditions attached to it.
Sipsaru team unanimously approved provision of a midday meals for a Primary School student for an approximate cost of Rs 50/ per child. As there are 46 students in the Primary section a decision was taken to allocate Rs 2500/ day with a monthly total of Rs 50,000.
The school commenced providing the midday meal on 29 April. They have established a committee of 6 mothers to steer the programme along with the teachers. Mothers themselves who are working in groups of four are preparing the meal each day. The teachers monitor the preparation process and food hygiene.
Children are given boiled eggs at least two days a week.
We will be maintaining a separate ledger of accounts for midday meal.
22. Training of teachers on teaching strategies for children from poor socio- economic families - 2 April 2022
Our technical expert Dr Manoj Fernando conducted a days’ training programme for teachers on teaching strategies for children from poor socio-economic families. Dr Manoj Fernando used participatory methods comprised of lecture discussions, group work, roleplays and individual presentations.
The process helped the teachers to identify the main reasons for the poor educational performance of the students and the structural factors that they can address as teachers.
Level of engagement of teachers was exemplary. All the teachers came up with a minimum of two activities that they would undertake individually during next six months to enhance the educational performance and wellbeing of the students.
Teachers gave very positive feedback of the programme to Sipsaru. They mentioned that this training programme was very catalytic for them to realize the amount of interventions they could implement as teachers to enhance the education performance and wellbeing of the children.
Teachers agreed to discuss with the Principal on a monthly basis, the progress of what they planned during the training programme.
21. Health Promotion Programme 11 March 2022
Sipsaru team visited the school on 11 March 2022 along with our Health Promotion expert Dr Manoj Fernando.
Six sessions were held:
- Discussion with the teachers - Sipsaru, Dr Manoj Fernando and teachers discussed the General issues including of the existing teacher vacancies and non-functioning of the school library.
- Teachers and Dr Manoj Fernando – Dr Manoj Fernando conducted a discussion exclusively with teachers to gauge their motivation, willingness and the ability to continue the Health Promotion activities with the Sipsaru.
- Discussion with the students of year 9, 10 and 11 – Dr Manoj Fernando with Ms Dilukshi, Health Promotion facilitator conducted the session. It helped to understand the support the students get from the families, school and the structural barriers for studies and health. The students agreed to undertake a few activities individually as well in a team to improve the situation.
- Discussion with the parents of the year 9, 10 and 11 students- Dr Manoj Fernando with Ms Dilukshi conducted the discussion using participatory methods to understand the family support to students as well as the structural barriers for health and studies they face. At the end the end of the session the parents came up with a few activities they can undertake to improve the situation.
- Dr Manoj Fernando had another session of discussion with the teachers of their future plans: There was a request for training on education strategies for disadvantaged/ deprived children.
- Further, the teachers requested Rajarata University to get involved in school/community research on health promotion thus enabling the school to benefit from those.
- Dr Chandani Galwaduge conducted a discussion with the female students of year 8 and above on menstrual and personal hygiene.
Health Promotion facilitator and the teachers will monitor the progress of the planned activities by the students and parents.
20. GCE OL Crash programme
Children sitting for G.C.E (ordinary level) were badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to continued school closure since March 2020. No availability of internet connectivity and smartphones prevented online studies. Sipsaru, with the school, implemented a crash programme since November 2020 for the children by purchasing a photocopier, past papers and providing lunch and tea thus enabling the teachers and students to yield the maximum results within the limited time available. Series of discussions were held to motivate the teachers, students and parents.
Hats off to the teachers for their commitment.
19. Construction of Pavilion/outdoor classroom - February 2020
Constructed a pavilion cum outdoor classroom. This space is used as an outdoor classroom and also enables the school to hold public assemblies in which children get the opportunities to improve their leadership and oratory skills.
18. Regular monitoring with students and teachers on Health Promotion
Ongoing since March 2019
Conduct regular visits to the school to monitor the Health promotion activities.
17. Engagement of parents on health promotion
Ongoing since March 2019
Engaged the parents to enable them to understand “happy family” concept. Discussions are held with them periodically to motivate them to provide an enabling home environment to children.
16. Bio- farming
Ongoing from October 2019
Awareness programme on Bio-farming was held. Programme was initiated by planting a few selected trees in the compound. An organic farm is being established in the school with participation of the parents.
15. Renovation of girl’s toilets and Primary section toilets “Dignity and menstrual hygiene are girls’ rights”
June 2019
Renovated the Girls’ toilets and constructed a separate toilet for young female teachers in the primary school with continued water supply and hand washing facilities.
14. Kitchen cum Home-Science room
February 2019
Kitchen cum Home-Science room
Constructed a small kitchen cum home science room and provided three phase electricity. Provided necessary equipment; Gas stove, blender/grinder and an electric oven.
13. Engagement of students on health promotion
February 2019
Held a one-day workshop for students in grade 8 and above on health promotion
12. First Aid training “let’s be skilled to preserve lives in emergencies”
February 2019
Provided a two-day First Aid training to a total of forty; including students, teachers and a few selected parents with the support of St. John Ambulance Brigade. All who qualified received certificates as professional First Aid workers. Follow up refresher trainings are planned.
11. Upgrading of the multipurpose shed “provide more physical space to study”
February 2019
Renovated and transformed the outdoor multipurpose shed in to an outdoor classroom. The school could move one classroom here. As there is no school hall, the school uses this outdoor classroom for their meetings and trainings as well.
10. Training of teachers on health promotion
January 2019
Conducted a one-day workshop for teachers on health promotion. At the end of it the teachers came up with a broad health promotion activity plan.
9. Construction of toilets for male students “Personal hygiene a priority”
January 2019
Constructed toilets for male students. Provided uninterrupted water supply and hand washing facilities.
8. Preparation of students for GCE OL
2018 October onwards
Purchased past papers and students were motivated to study using health promotion techniques. In the year 2019, the school recorded a historical success rate at the GCE Ordinary Level examination in which 9 out of 10 children qualified to do Advanced Level.
7. Scholarship programme
August 2018
Although majority of the children need financial/material support for their education, due to resource constraints, a few children were chosen as beneficiaries. Will increase the number of beneficiaries annually according to fund availability.
The support is tailormade to individual needs of the children and monitory support is not provided unless it is really indicated.
6. Sports goods “Healthy body – healthy mind”
July 2018
Handed over sports goods to motivate the students to take part in sports. Cleaned up the playground to make it more suitable for playing.
5. Motivational discussions with students “Let’s strive to reach our optimum potentials”
July – September 2018
Organized a series of motivational discussions with the secondary school children. Guest speakers were artists, entrepreneurs as well as respected professionals who are from the area. Held lively discussions enabling children to think, express and discuss their aspirations.
4. Facelift to library “Learning to learn”
July 2018
Colour washed the library room, removed the old books that were beyond reading status, painted the book shelves, fixed new lightings for better illumination. Provided new books; both Sinhala and English and improved the cataloguing system.
Motivate the children to read, whilst ensuring the students who are lagging behind are not marginalized.
3. Health screening of the school community
March 2018
Facilitate the annual School Medical Inspection by the area Medical Officer of Health and screening of teachers and parents for Non-Communicable diseases.
2. Making the Laboratory functional again
January 2018
We handed over laboratory chemicals and supplies sufficient for five years, enabling the school to recommence the science practical sessions that was on hold for several years due to lack of these. Performance of the laboratory and the use of chemicals and supplies for practical sessions are being monitored both by the school and Sipsaru Organization.
1. Planning/consensus building meetings
September - October 2017
Sipsaru team along with the Ginigathena Medical Officer of Health and his staff made several visits to Dehigastenne Vidyalaya to observe the areas for improvement. Series of discussions were held and consensus was reached on the broad plan of Health Promotion Activities. Also, agreement was reached on the guiding principles of the partnership between Sipsaru and the school.
Date: January 2018
Activity: Making the Laboratory functional again
Description: We handed over laboratory chemicals and supplies sufficient for five years, enabling the school to recommence the science practical sessions that was on hold for several years due to lack of these. Performance of the laboratory and the use of chemicals and supplies for practical sessions are being monitored both by the school and SIPSARU organization.
