BlueBird Nursery School was built in May 2005 in Kalmunai, Ampara region, Sri-Lanka, with the goal of providing free education for children aged 3 to 5 years. The school was built based on a successful formulae; 26ft by 16 ft internally, and made of brick with tiled roofing and tiled floors. They have ceiling fans, desks, chairs, a store cupboard, plastered and painted walls so that the children and staff have a comfortable and secure place to learn. The buildings were constructed by local builders who were known to the community and followed a structured project plan adopted by LifeCycle across the country. LifeCycle are happy to report the school was opened and overcame numerous issues including monsoon rains, shortages, inflation and the simmering civil war.

The village is a fishing village, however, all of the fishing boats and local school were destroyed by the 2004 Tsunami, forcing many families into Relief Camps or surviving cities. Kalmunai was clearly a region in need. The school was purpose built to enable Montessouri education and will be supported by the Seedewa Teacher Training Centre. Funding for this project was made from proceeds from the TVF’s Annual Event and the school was named after Gary and Loretta Bird (and their pet dog Blue), two key members in the Annual Event Committee.

This school was built in partnership with the Schools Helping India Voluntary Association.