Our hope is to lay a foundation that nurtures children in their early years. Research shows that children who participate in quality preschool programs are more likely to enter school and later, adulthood, equipped with the self-esteem and confidence, coping strategies and resilience needed for ongoing learning throughout life.

The preschool arose out of a need to provide an early childhood education centre in an area affected by widespread unemployment, poverty, substance misuse and limited opportunity. The location intersects Catholic, Muslim and Hindhu villages bringing intra-cultural and religious interaction that nurtures values of respect, acceptance of diversity and reconciliation.

Preschool in Operation

  • Commenced in February 2024
  • Currently attended by 30+ children from six villages: Puthukkudiyiruppu, Olaithoduwai, Valan Nagar, Thailankudiyiruppu, Sinnakarisal, Bastianpuram
  • Staffed by one principal, four teachers, two teacher aids
  • Temporarily operating from Olaithoduwai with a permanent preschool being built in Puthukkudiyiruppu
  • Teacher upskilling provided by Dr Julie Wren, early childhood education specialist from Edith Cowan University, Australia, and sponsored by the Australian Government.

A Day at LTN

Children are encouraged to develop their creativity through storytelling, music, drawing, painting, games, play with animals, planting, adventure and other sensory activities. Play-based learning forms an essential part of child-centred learning at LTN where the teachers create a safe space that encourages a child’s natural urge to explore and experiment through play, sensory stimulation and movement. Nutritious breakfast and snacks are also offered to all children to ensure no child goes hungry.

Ripple Effects to Parents

In addition to children being nurtured to grow into healthy adults, we offer Better Parenting programs for parents to gain new insights into how to raise their children in a complex 21st century. Interactive workshops are offered where alternatives models of parenting, constructive approaches to discipline, basic requirements for a healthy life eg a nutritious diet, physical play activity, adequate sleep, and access to quality healthcare are covered. Most importantly these sessions provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment to model healthy habits.

We have set the monthly fee at Rs 800 (AU$ 4) as many families struggle financially. That brings in about Rs 28,000 (AU$ 147) each month. However the real cost of running the preschool amounts to Rs 300,000 or AU$ 1,580. Any financial support would be much appreciated for the physical, social and mental health of young children.

The Flow on to Community

Bridging Lanka’s ongoing commitment is to lift the standard of early childhood education in Mannar District. Training opportunities, educational resources and professional help will be offered to local pre and primary schools. LTN Preschool seeks to model best practice in early childhood learning by imparting creating teaching and learning strategies to other preschools in Mannar and across the Northern Province.

Out of the mouth of LTN Preschoolers …

“I like doing puzzles first thing when I get to preschool. I also like going outdoors to play in the sand pit or brush the little donkeys. Most of all I like Bushra teacher.”

“I like the way teachers talk to me. I don’t like naughty children but I love painting.”

“I love to create lots of things with playdough and I also look forward to playing outside and painting. Really, I like everything about our school.”

Testimonials From Parents …

“In this school you guys are focusing on many fun activities like playing and painting, not just writing, like other preschools.”

“We are very grateful that the school fees are affordable for us. Otherwise our kids would miss out on so many quality experiences. We could never afford to give our kids the type of educational resources and toys available at your preschool.”

“Most of the time our children are really happy. We love the zero violence policy at the preschool.”

“Our child’s behaviour at home has really improved. They even get annoyed with us if we don’t clean up, leave our shoes outside or say, ‘thank you’.”

“We feel so proud hearing our children speak English. When they say, ‘thank you’, ‘please wait’, ‘you’re welcome’ or ‘I’m full’, we are so proud of them, that they are being given opportunities we never had.”

Reflections from Our LTN teachers …

“I really like that we take in differently abled children into the school. I also like that we take the observation of children seriously, that our learning approach is child-centred and that we use lots of different teaching methods. The low fees means that the children whether ok or poor will have the same opportunity. They are becoming more social and interactive too.”

“Putting children first is one of the best qualities of our school. New admission kids are usually naughty but after being with us they settle down and change their behaviour quite a bit. They are so much more courteous and well-mannered than before. The children have grown in confidence and are doing their work more independently now.”

“When comparing the children now with how they were when they first joined, they have improved a lot. I like our school teaching methods. It’s very different to other preschools in Mannar. It’s also very new to us. We are learning so many new things here.”

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