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GFF HELPS INDIA COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ENGAGEMENTS

Unleashing Creativity

On 31st January 2024, GFF Helps India organized an art workshop at the main center, aiming to help students unleash their creativity and learn watercolor painting techniques. Led by GFF Helps intern Ms. Sweta Rai, the workshop saw around twenty-five students creating beautiful butterfly bookmarks and greeting cards using watercolors. The session encouraged students to use their imagination vividly, resulting in positive feedback from both students and teachers. This workshop was part of the Winter Camp held at Bong SOGG Learning Centre, which included various activities such as chess, debates, and sports tournaments, running from January to mid-February. The camp, supported by GFF Helps India, also featured science projects, awareness programs, and film presentations. The Winter Camp concluded with finales at Bong, Pudung, and Chibbo SOGG Learning Centres in February, where students showcased their talents and received awards. These activities aimed to engage students during their winter break, helping them develop new skills and gain knowledge. The Winter Camp and art workshop were highly successful, leaving students ready to start the new academic session with renewed vigor and confidence.

Engaging in Knowledge and Skill Enhancement: Workshops Attended by GFF Helps India

On 26th February 2024, North Bengal Child Rights Network (NBCRN) held its first General Meeting of the year in Siliguri, attended by GFF Helps India representatives Surabhi Subba and Mr. Suk Tshering Lepcha, focusing on membership discussions and the formation of office bearers. On 19th March, GFF Helps India’s volunteers participated in a Waste Management and Conservation Principles workshop led by Mr. Kinzong Bhutia, emphasizing the impact of single-use plastics and zero waste practices.

On 25th March, 18 students from Kalimpong College’s National Service Scheme (NSS) program visited Bong SOGG Learning and Information Centre for a Special Camp, conducting a quiz session, donating books and sports equipment, and engaging in friendly matches with the students. GFF Helps volunteers Surabhi and Bipasha assisted in coordinating the event. On 19th April, a mushroom cultivation program at Chhibo, organized with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kalimpong, provided hands-on training to 15 participants. Senior scientist Dr. Basudev Kharga led the training, with GFF Helps volunteers Surabhi and Bipasha assisting.

On 20th April, a traditional broom-making workshop was held at Bong SOGG Centre, led by area coordinator Mr. Yugen Lepcha, teaching 17 participants of various ages how to make functional brooms from Thysanolaena plants, preserving socio-cultural ties. On 18th May, the GFF India team, including Project Director Mr. Saom Namchu and area coordinators, attended a workshop on Capacity Building and Awareness about the POCSO Act and Child Safety, featuring discussions led by Sister Subeshna from BSA and a session on Capacity Building by Mr. Milan Burdewa, benefiting centre teachers and others involved in child education.

Celebrating Reading, Women’s Day, and Creative Competitions

At Bong, Pudung, and Chibbo SOGG Learning and Information Centres, a Mobile Library session is held every month, bringing a fresh set of books covering various genres such as fiction, novels, comics, encyclopedias, and general knowledge. This initiative ensures that every student experiences the joy of reading.

On International Women’s Day, March 8th, GFF Helps India celebrated with the women and female students of Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung SOGG Learning & Information Centres. Representatives Surabhi Subba and Bipasha Maitra highlighted the significance of the day and discussed the theme “Invest in women, accelerate their progress.” The celebration included honoring the women with traditional dhaka khadas and a cake-cutting ceremony, during which women shared their positive experiences of societal changes and increased opportunities for independence.

On April 22nd, an art competition themed “Planet vs Plastic” was conducted among the children at all three centres. Surabhi Subba led the competition at Chibbo, while Bipasha Maitra conducted it at Pudung. The students created imaginative artworks, fostering awareness about making environmentally conscious decisions.Additionally, on May 24th, the GFF India Team met with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and RLWCS to discuss the feasibility of implementing the Soochanapreneur Scheme in Bong, Chhibo, and Pudung. Representatives Surabhi and Bipasha, who had prepared questions after reviewing DEF materials, received answers and planned further discussions. On May 25th, the GFF India Team warmly welcomed Mr. Tharaka Munidasa, a former GFF Helps Sri Lanka representative, with traditional silken khadas. The team and Tharaka exchanged introductions, shared their current work, and discussed future plans.

Bringing Healthcare to Villages

One of the major projects of GFF Helps India is the Health Project, which has been ongoing in the villages of Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung since 2020. This project provides blood sugar and blood pressure checkups to residents, particularly focusing on the elderly who cannot easily travel to health centers.

The primary goal is to offer these essential healthcare services at the villagers’ homes, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Area Coordinators from the Glenn Partner Project conduct these tests regularly in their respective villages, allowing those who are too sick or far from health centers to receive basic health checkups.

For three years, this initiative has successfully catered to the vulnerable sections of society in these villages, offering free blood pressure and blood sugar tests regularly. The SOGG staff from Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung have been actively conducting these health checkups, especially throughout May, providing critical support during emergencies and enhancing the overall health and well-being of the village residents.

FELICITATION OF MS LEEOM LENCHYO LEPCHA

On the 10th of May, Surabhi and Bipasha visited St. Philomena’s Girls Higher Secondary School to felicitate Ms Leeom Lenchyo Lepcha along with the other Madhyamik pass outs, who received regular free tuition classes from our partner Glenn Project Learning centre in Chhibo. Ms Leeom scored the highest percentage in her 10th standard board exams in the entire Kalimpong District. We teamed up with KTV to take an interview of her and her father at her school.

Joe FisherGFF HELPS INDIA COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT ENGAGEMENTS
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GFF Helps Nepal stewards towards Literacy beyound words

GFF Helps Nepal: Empowering Mothers through Adult Literacy Classes

The Adult Literacy Class is an ongoing project by GFF Helps Nepal, which began in September 2023 to teach English to the mothers of SEEP (Self Education and Empowerment Program). SEEP, launched by our partner organization CDS (Child Development Society) in 2008, focuses on educating and empowering women. Currently, mothers from SEEP and the local community benefit from these classes conducted by GFF Helps Nepal Representatives. In June 2024, the mothers learned the names and spellings of Nepal’s seven provinces and their capitals in English, an essential lesson given the establishment of these provinces in 2015. Additionally, they learned spellings of frequently visited places to navigate the Pathao app for booking transportation, as well as how to fill out bank cheques and deposit slips. They also learned about Nepal’s seasons, their spellings, and the corresponding English months. A class test followed by feedback helped mothers gauge their progress, with results recorded for future reference. In April 2024, new mothers from the Kapan area joined the class, starting with the alphabet, days of the week, and English months. Understanding the English calendar was challenging, so a bilingual calendar was introduced. Group activities promoted peer learning and cooperation, and revision sessions were held at month’s end. Feedback on class effectiveness and suggestions for improvement were gathered to plan future lessons. In March 2024, the focus was on writing and pronouncing English greetings, filling out bank cheques, and recording voice messages using a messaging app. Worksheets were incorporated into practice routines to enhance learning, with feedback sessions helping identify areas for improvement. Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration were encouraged throughout the program. The Adult Literacy Program, targeting two-women groups from SEEP, included practical lessons such as filling cheque deposit slips and learning numerals in Devanagari and English, with printed worksheets on days of the week, English months with Nepali pronunciations, and tracing English alphabets. This continuous effort by GFF Helps Nepal and CDS aims to empower mothers with practical English language skills, significantly improving their daily lives and fostering a supportive learning community.

Empowering Women through Celebration, Health, and Entrepreneurship: GFF Helps Nepal’s Initiatives

GFF Helps Nepal, in partnership with CDS (Child Development Society), organized a “Women’s Day Celebration Program” for the mothers of SEEP (Self-Education Employment Program) who are also enrolled in the Adult Literacy Class at the CDS training hall. The event, attended by 17 participants, included speeches, a documentary on the inspirational Jhamak Kumari Ghimire, games, and a cake-cutting ceremony. Notebooks and pens were distributed to the mothers as a token of appreciation.

On April 16, 2024, the ‘Health Checkup Project’ provided health checkups for mothers in the adult literacy class. The 12 participants had their blood pressure, blood sugar levels, height, and weight checked. They received information on leading a healthy lifestyle, disease prevention, and health counseling. The initiative was facilitated by GFF Helps Nepal representatives and Mrs. Samikshya Tiwari, the Health and Program Coordinator of CDS.

 

On February 9, 2024, GFF Helps Nepal conducted the ‘Pickle Making Project’ for two mother groups from SEEP. Ten mothers, along with GFF Helps Nepal Representatives and facilitator Mrs. Radhika Thapa, participated. Ingredients were prepared a day ahead, and on the project day, mothers peeled, cut, and mixed the ingredients under Mrs. Radhika’s guidance. The pickles were then stored in containers, and the total cost calculated.

Following the success of the initial session, the ‘Pickle Making Project-II’ took place on April 9, 2024. This project supports women in becoming successful entrepreneurs, preserving food, and boosting the local economy. Mothers learned new recipes and techniques for pickle-making from Mrs. Radhika Thapa, enhancing their skills and financial independence.

GFF Helps Nepal Empowers Students with Hygiene, Motor Skills, and Career Guidance Programs

GFF Helps Nepal conducted a ‘Handwashing Program’ for Grade 6 and 7 students of Shree Balkumari School at the CDS training hall. The event was attended by 49 students, 2 teachers, Samikshya Tiwari, the health in-charge of CDS, and GFF Helps Nepal Representatives. The program included an interactive session on the importance of handwashing, a video demonstration of proper techniques, and practical exercises guided by Mrs. Samikshya. Liquid handwash was also distributed to the school.

On April 21, 2024, GFF Helps Nepal organized the “Hand Mobilization Project” at Srijanshil School for children with special needs in Naikap. The project aimed to improve fine motor skills and hand coordination in children with autism. Eleven participants were divided into two groups and engaged in activities involving different shapes and colorful glittery sticky papers to enhance their motor abilities, hand-eye coordination, sensory integration, and color recognition.

Additionally, GFF Helps Nepal conducted the RIASEC test for Grade 9 students at Bal Kumari School to help them identify their career interests and preferences. The test, based on the Holland Codes by John Holland, helps students understand their strengths and interests, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future educational and career paths. The test aims to develop self-awareness among students, guiding them in choosing the right stream in high school.

Joe FisherGFF Helps Nepal stewards towards Literacy beyound words
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GFF Helps Philippines Celebrating Progress

Empowering Students Through Literacy and Numeracy: GFF HELPS Philippines’ Ongoing Remedial Classes

The remedial classes at Sigcay Elementary School and Lapnag Primary School, partners since the inception of GFF HELPS Philippines, are pivotal in aiding students to achieve competencies in core academic skills like literacy and numeracy. With a focus on English and Mathematics, we prepare and print worksheets to enhance these skills. Rewards such as stamps, stickers, and snacks are used to motivate students, especially low performers, boosting their confidence with consistent praise.

Recognizing the diversity in learning styles, we’ve embraced the concept of remedial classes, including house-to-house sessions at Ugsod and Laserna Villages. These personalized sessions cater to children’s needs in comfortable spaces, ensuring targeted academic support. As a result, students show significant improvement, reading English words and sentences, and identifying differences among objects.

With the end of the school year approaching and the Holy Week around the corner, our activities vary based on the students’ levels and monthly celebrations. We also celebrate the achievements of Grade 4 students at Lapnag Primary School, who will be graduating this May and moving on to new educational journeys. While we will miss them, we are immensely proud of their progress and the memories we’ve created together.

Fostering Strategic Thinking: The Ongoing Sports Project at Lapnag Primary School

The Sports Project at Lapnag Primary School continues to thrive, with students in Levels 3 and 4 engaging in Scrabble and Chess. These games, introduced last year, have become a platform for students to develop strategic thinking and teamwork. Most students can now play independently, coaching each other and excelling in the games.

We plan to organize one-on-one matches for top players to compete. This month’s sessions saw a plethora of new words in Scrabble and innovative moves in Chess. These activities foster not just skills in board games but also essential life skills like communication, cooperation, and resilience.

Team sports and board games alike are essential for relationship-building and character development. The students’ enthusiasm and progress are evident as they eagerly participate, strategize, and laugh together, creating lasting memories. Their loud “yes” when asked if they enjoy playing Scrabble and Chess speaks volumes about their engagement and the positive impact of the Sports Project.

We continue to monitor their games to ensure fair play and adherence to rules, supporting their journey of learning and growth through these timeless, mind-engaging activities.

Promoting Health: The Importance of Hand Hygiene at Sigcay and Lapnag Schools

Hand hygiene, especially handwashing, is crucial for removing germs and preventing disease spread. At Sigcay Elementary and Lapnag Primary Schools, children are taught proper handwashing with soap and water, effectively eliminating bacteria.

Recognized by the WHO as a vital disease prevention method, handwashing is even more critical in the COVID-19 era. Our mentors guide children in integrating hand hygiene into their daily routines.

The eager participation of students in handwashing activities, despite challenges like water supply issues, highlights their commitment to health. Weekly, we provide antibacterial soap, utilizing classroom sinks when necessary, teaching students the importance of cleanliness and resourcefulness.

Ensuring Good Health for All: Blood Pressure Monitoring for Adults and Seniors in Sigcay and Lapnag Villages

Adults and senior citizens need equal health benefits and government support. During our recent House-to-House Remedial Classes, we discovered that many villagers were not regularly monitoring their blood pressure, doing so only during village meetings with health workers.

Taking this into account, we initiated weekly free blood pressure check-ups for adults, seniors, and teachers at Sigcay and Lapnag schools. Mothers and grandmothers, often waiting for their children’s dismissal, were thrilled with this service. Some had high blood pressure but were neglecting their medication.

Given the distance to health clinics and costs, many villagers ignore their blood pressure, risking their health. Our weekly visits help them stay conscious of their health, encouraging them to seek medical advice when necessary. As part of our Health Project, GFF HELPS Philippines provides free blood pressure and weight checks during all our community projects, ensuring that everyone stays informed about their health.

Promoting Literacy and Health Awareness Among Indigenous Youths in Aklan

Reading skills are crucial for academic success, especially among indigenous youths. We organized a reading workshop in the Ati Community, Aliputos village, Numancia, Aklan. Ms. Cristine Joy Planos, a Licensed Professional Teacher, read English stories and translated them into Filipino and Aklanon. The children enjoyed and understood the stories, sparking their interest in reading.

Additionally, through GFF HELPS Philippines, we conducted a seminar on Menstrual Care, Hygiene, and Nutritious Foods for women. Around 10 women attended, where they learned about menstrual hygiene practices and the benefits of foods like avocado and fish. We provided handouts and conducted health checks, revealing health issues due to late-night work and limited access to nutritious food. We encouraged regular medical check-ups.

The GFF HELPS Philippines Team also made a significant impact on the education of the AETA Indigenous Community in Aklan Province by introducing ADULT LITERACY classes. Licensed Professional Teachers LP and Stef conduct language classes every Tuesday afternoon. Many of these adults did not have the opportunity to attend school in their childhood due to poverty, location, and sometimes, bullying because of their physical appearance.

We look forward to continuing our work with the Ati Community with upcoming projects in May.

“My daughters and granddaughters, as well as some other women here in our community prefer using the traditional menstrual cloth during their menstrual period. Thank you GFF HELPS for educating us on how to maintain cleanliness with our bodies, diet and menstrual care” – Chieftain Alice

Spreading Love: Teaching Values Through Action

During this month, we’ve focused on expressing love to those close to us, especially through initiatives with children in villages. Our team provided materials for card-making, guiding children through cutting, writing, and designing. The heartfelt letters they created were given to their mothers, whose faces lit up with joy upon receiving these handmade tokens of gratitude.

At Lapnag Primary School, we continued spreading joy with a “happy hearts” video greeting created by the children. This gesture aimed to share positivity and love with everyone.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, honoring women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality remains crucial. This year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” highlights the importance of diversity and empowerment in our society. To mark this occasion, we conducted activities in schools, providing coloring and writing materials for students to create heartfelt cards and messages for the influential women in their lives. Guiding them through this activity, we ensured they grasped the significance of celebrating women’s contributions and achievements.

Through these efforts, we aim to instill values of love, gratitude, and inclusivity in children, both at home and in school, fostering a brighter future built on respect and appreciation.

Joe FisherGFF Helps Philippines Celebrating Progress
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GFF HELPS January 2024 updates

GFF HELPS January 2024 updates

GFF Helps Philippines

REMEDIAL CLASSES

On 19th January 2024, in a fantastic display of talent and cultural diversity, students of English for Village program took the spotlight at the Ekiriyagala SANASA Community Hall. The highlight of the event was their performance of the folk drama ‘Nari Bena’ (The Fox, Son-in-law).

Joe FisherGFF HELPS January 2024 updates
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DECEMBER 2023 HIGHLIGHT OF GFF HELPS INTERNATIONAL

DECEMBER 2023 HIGHLIGHT OF GFF HELPS INTERNATIONAL

GFF HELPS PHILIPPINES

ADULT LITERACY

ENGLISH FOR VILLAGE PROGRAM

GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY

We continue to bring the antibacterial soap to schools and keep on reminding students to bring their toothbrush every Tuesday. This is to reiterate the importance of hygiene after the celebration of Global Handwashing Day. Before we started the Remedial Classes, we asked the students to fall in line at the sink and wash their hands. Some students bring their toothbrushes, so we also put toothpaste and let them brush their teeth. The students are always enthusiastic when it comes to this activity. We always assist them to prevent wasting water and to play around.

SPORTS PROJECT: SCRABBLE and CHESS

We successfully ended this year with the Sports Project that started in April of this year. We will continue the project until all of the students can master the different strategies for winning the board games. We saw students who excelled in these games, and we asked them to help their fellow players. We also never fail to supervise them if we see them struggle. We saw a lot of improvements from them. Most did not know how to play these board games when we introduced them. Now, they can play alone with minimum supervision from us. We always thank the teachers for their utmost support to us. It wouldn’t be possible if they didn’t remind their students about our schedules.

REMEDIAL CLASSES

This is the last week that we visited the schools. The second week of December is the schedule of Christmas parties. We brought some worksheets about Math and English for Grade 3 and 4 students (they are the only present grade levels in school). After answering and checking their answers, we congratulated them for the job well done this year. They greeted us in return. We told them that we will be back next year with more activities. They are all happy to know that we will still visit them once a week. The bond that we formed with these students has become so strong that we are considered part of their progress in academics.

PROJECT EVALUATION

Before the year ends, we conducted an evaluation of our projects in schools. This is to determine the success and impact of our projects in schools. We prepared the evaluation forms, the same as last year. During our last visit in school this year, we asked some of the teachers to answer the evaluation form. After they finished answering the form, we interviewed them about our projects. We are happy to receive good feedback from them. They also told us that we are part of the students’ success this year and they are hoping to have us again next year. We told them that we are honored to work with them and that our projects will continue in their school.

SEWING PROJECT

Before the year ends, we also visited two of our Sewing Project beneficiaries. We checked their sewing machine, and we also asked them how the machines helped them. Mrs. Zenie told us that she has no confidence in sewing bedding and clothing, but she can repair minor damages. Some parts of her machine were malfunctioning, so she could only repair their family’s clothes. However, Mrs. Jinky is a certified sewer, and her mother owns a small sewing shop. She works there but uses a different heavy-duty machine. When they can’t finish their projects in their shop, she brings them home and uses the GFF HELPS sewing machine to continue. They are happy about our visit, and they are proud to show their work to us. We will visit the remaining women once the holidays are over. We received news that they are spending the holidays with their families, but they said that they will inform us next year so we can pay a visit.

ANNUAL REPORT AND CARDS FOR SIR OWEN AND COMPANY

The Philippine Team compiled all the Monthly Newsletter to came up an Annual Report along with the heartful message for Sir Owen.We expressed how thankful we are for all the support that the Philippines have been receiving since 2018. They have been a great instrument of hope to my countrymen. Attached are the cards that were handmade by the children and teachers from our school partners.They were very grateful for all the projects we had here at schools and they are hoping that we could continue our projects with them in the coming year 2024. We then created a collage of all the photos and cards so that it would be in one small artbook, with all the messages and photos of each sender. We printed the cover pages with the sender and recipients so that it would be easier for us and the courier to track. We sent separately the cards and reports for Sir Owen Glenn, Madam Jen Connah, Mr. Chris Rumore, Mr. James Keir via DHL Courier and Mr. David Mackintosh and Mr. James Long via Philippines’ Post Office.

WEBINAR ON BASICS IN EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

We successfully conducted the Basics in Effective Leadership Webinar for the GFF HELPS International Team to share the things that we learn from the Weminar we attended here in the Philippines last November 10th, Friday evening., 2023.

This webinar was actually conducted by a Private Educator, MSTConnect and Stef and I were approved by Sir Saom to attend. It was actually a 3-hour webinar which happened last November night, via ZOOM, and it was attended by less than 100 Filipino professionals all over the Philippines and Stef and I were able to gain something from it and we told sir Saom that we could give the whole GFF HELPS Team the gist of it. This was actually intended to teachers, young and leaders that are new in the Project Team or company.

On 21st December, atleast 12 participated, together with all the GFF Representatives, Volunteers and Interns and guests, during the 1-hour webinar, everyone was encouraged to express themselves. We prepared some activities for everyone to think of and each country contributed ideas for us to know every country’s setting. Because we differ from everything, we have different culture, language, work ethics and all.

From the kind of family we were raised, from the kind of government we have, from the kind of school we had, we are socially different and as well our mindsets .. But our heart has one common goal when we started to volunteer here at GFF HELPS. Because we are also envisioning Sir Owen’s vision and mission. And through this webinar, we can get ideas on how to effectively lead each country.

GFF HELPS INDIA

LPG GAS FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM AT PUDUNG SOGG LEARNING CENTRE

On 9th of December, Saturday, LPG Gas awareness safety program was held at Pudung SOGG Learning center. The program was held to generate awareness around safety measures one take while using the LPG Gas and Stove. Since a large number of people living in the rural village do not fully know all the mechanics of the LPG Gas, the program was very informative and productive. The residents of the village were very happy and grateful to be able to receive such a workshop in their village. The resource person was from David Gas Kalimpong and we were extremely lucky to have them agree to hold this awareness workshop again. Through the workshop we hope that the residents were able to get answers for their doubts preventing any mishaps at their homes.

BAKING WORKSHOP AT BONG, PUDUNG AND CHIBBO SOGG LEARNING CENTER

One of the major areas GFF Helps works in is Skill Development as it enables a person to become more independent and increase their knowledge. GFF Helps India decided to hold a baking workshop at Bong, Pudung and Chibbo Village. Our resource person was Mr. Devi Ram Rai from Darjeeling who is a chef in trekking companies and has many years of experience. As baking requires many expensive utensils that are not available in many households, in our workshop the women were taught how to bake in a traditional and easy way using utensils present in each and every household.

This is what made our Baking Workshop very unique and accessible to all. Mr. Devi Ram taught the women how to bake cake, banana pie, pizza and spring rolls. The women were very happy to be able as they now learned that such items could be prepared easily at home. This made them more enthusiastic and paid their full interest in the baking workshop. There were around more than 50 participants in all the three day workshop, so the impact of this program was quite large as well.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WITH THE CHILDREN OF BAL SURAKSHA ABHIYAN

Christmas is the time of joy and sharing love therefore it is also known as one of the happiest holidays. Every year GFF Helps India celebrates Christmas with our dear children of Bal Suraksha Abhiyan. This year too on 23rd of December the yearly Christmas celebration was held. We took a lovely Christmas cake for the children and also provided packet lunch for all the children, respected sisters and staff of Bal Suraksha Abhiyan. All of us gathered at the hall and sang wonderful Christmas songs and then the youngest children came forward to cut the cake. Our Project Director Mr. Saom Tshering Namchu also spoke about Sir. Owen and his love towards the young children. We ended the program by distributing the cake and wishing everyone of a wonderful Christmas.

GFF HELPS NEPAL

Adult Literacy is an ongoing educational program that started from October 2nd 2023, with its orientation class held on September 26, 2023 and has reached its second month on December 26th 2023. Due to the month-long national holiday in Nepal, for the festival of Dashain and Tihar, the classes stopped. We continued the regular classes from November 27, 2023. From then, three to seven women participated in the program on a daily basis, all of whom come from the women’s school under Ward no. 12 of Budhanilkantha Municipality. The program was led by GFF Helps Nepal, whereby the teach the women group the basic alphabets of English in both capital and small letters.

On December 18 and 19, 2023, the seventh and eighth week, we prepared Meta Cards using chart papers and wrote individual capital and small alphabets. We introduced an activity named “Arranging the letters alphabetically through meta cards” and it was hugely successful with a total of five participants that week. The main goal of introducing this activity was to induce visual learning and stimulate their brain functioning. As a picture speaks a thousand words, and promotes memorization, this activity was successful to meet the goal. It also brought them together when they were divided into teams while also engaging thoroughly in this group activity. Hence, this activity and the regular classes helped them in recognizing the letters individually and also correct the other team members if they didn’t place the alphabets in order.

CHRISTMAS CARDS AND ANNUAL REPORT 2023 FOR THE INTERNATIONAL GFF HELPS TEAM

From November 30, 2023, GFF Helps Nepal started planning on making Christmas Cards and our annual report. The following week, we started making Christmas cards using colored papers and chart papers. We also coordinated with the students of Shree Balkumari School, Kapan to make cards for Sir Owen, Ms. Jen Connah, Mr. Chris Rumore, Mr. David Mackintosh and Mr. James Long. Since a beautiful festival was on the way, GFF Helps Nepal as well as the entire team of GFF Helps wanted to wish our supporting pillars on the occasion. We wanted to express our gratitude for supporting us on our attempts to give help to those in need, and let them know that their help has reached many homes and hearts. On December 10, 2023, we made three physical copies of the GFF Helps Nepal Annual Report 2023. We completed sending off the Christmas cards and the annual report via courier and post office services on the final week of December 2023.

SUPPORTED CDS HEALTH CLINIC

We are continuously supporting our partner organization as per their need. This December, we engaged in assisting the health clinic. We assisted her in technical aspects as well, like helping her to create a first-aid box, documenting it on our devices and keeping a record of it on Google Drive. We also helped her in creating physical documents and proof-reading the physical documents of the list of visitors for the month.

Whenever the health clinic in-charge Mrs. Samikshya Tiwari was absent or busy in the daycare we would inform her about the patient and co-ordinate if we can provide some immediate relief. Otherwise, we assisted the patients with certain treatments such as putting ointment on the hand injuries, putting bandages, cleaning the wounded area, and providing medicines as per the instruction of Mrs. Samikshya. supported her in the clinic. Usually, the students of Balkumari school and people from the local community come to seek treatment.

GFF HELPS SRI LANKA

SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE GARDEN

We are continuously supporting our partner organization as per their need. This December, we engaged in assisting the health clinic. We assisted her in technical aspects as well, like helping her to create a first-aid box, documenting it on our devices and keeping a record of it on Google Drive. We also helped her in creating physical documents and proof-reading the physical documents of the list of visitors for the month.

The prevailing economic crisis in Sri Lanka has triggered a swift and alarming increase in vegetable prices, presenting a critical challenge to the accessibility of affordable and nutritious food for a significant portion of the population. This unfolding situation not only places individual households under considerable strain but also exposes community health and overall well-being. The economic hardships have resulted in a risky situation where many individuals face difficulties in affording essential vegetables, compromising nutritional security. As the need for urgent intervention becomes apparent, a viable solution emerges in the form of a sustainable home garden project. Such an initiative holds the potential to empower individuals, diminish dependence on fluctuating market prices, and strengthen food security and empower them economically by selling the excess.

In a laudable initiative, GFF HELPS Sri Lanka has taken strides to provide invaluable English language education to underprivileged children in rural areas. This program, conducted twice a week without any financial burden on the participants, is meticulously designed to cultivate essential language skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing in these young learners. The core aim is to bridge educational disparities prevalent in rural communities and equip students with a comprehensive set of tools to enhance their overall language proficiency. By adopting a holistic approach that covers all aspects of language development, including effective communication and text comprehension, these sessions not only impart language skills but also foster a well-rounded language learning experience. Beyond linguistic capabilities, this initiative holds the promise of empowering children to broaden their horizons and seize new opportunities, recognizing the significant role English proficiency plays in the globalized landscape.

MOBILE LIBRARY

A weekly mobile library initiative unfolds in Ekiriyagala, catering specifically to rural students. The primary objective is to instill a passion for reading English storybooks among these young learners. This mobile library, a recurrent event, seeks to bring the world of literature closer to the students, fostering not only a love for reading but also an engagement with the English language. Through this ongoing effort, the aim is to cultivate a habit of exploration and discovery through the pages of diverse stories, enhancing the students’ language skills and overall cognitive development. In essence, the mobile library stands as a beacon of knowledge and imagination, reaching out to the rural students of Ekiriyagala with the transformative power of literature.

Joe FisherDECEMBER 2023 HIGHLIGHT OF GFF HELPS INTERNATIONAL
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GFF HELPS SRI LANKA OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE

Parents Awareness Program on Child Development

To celebrate the children’s day on 1st October GFF HELPS Sri Lanka coordinated, an Awareness program for parents on Child development at SANASA Campus on September 27th 2023. Ms. Geethanjali Kaluarachchi, Graduate on Psychology and Mediation Officer at Yatinuwara DSD conducted the program as the resource person. In recent times, Sri Lanka has witnessed a concerning rise in the harm faced by children, largely attributed to their addiction to mobile phones. This issue has reached a critical crisis, with five tragic cases of student suicides directly linked to phone addiction. A significant contributing factor to this problem lies in the declining parent-child relationships in the country. The role of parent in guiding and nurturing their children is vital, yet these crucial connections are weakening, leaving children vulnerable and unhappy.

At the heart of the matter is the pressing concern of worried relationships between parents and their children. This friction is causing significant interruptions to the growth and well-being of Sri Lanka’s youth. To address this issue effectively, GFF Sri Lanka coordinated an awareness program to enlighten parents about the vital importance of building strong bonds with their children. The program covered essential aspects of early child development, including mental, physical, emotional, social, language, and motor skills. It stressed the importance of nurturing discipline over punitive measures, allowing children independence, refraining from depreciating minor mistakes, and maintaining open communication for a friendly relationship. Furthermore, the program addressed phone addiction and its signs, such as anxiety, declining academics, social withdrawal, anger, reduced cognitive capacity, inattention, and disrupted sleep. To combat this issue, parents were advised to encourage alternative activities, avoid using phones as rewards, supervise usage, and set passwords.

Awareness program on Breast Cancer

Since October 19th was World Breast Cancer Prevention Day, GFF HELPS Sri Lanka co-ordinated a breast cancer awareness Program for rural community women on 20th October 2023. Mrs. T.N Maithreepala, Nursing Officer of Kegalle Hospital conducted the program.

The aim of our initiative was to empower the women of Ekiriyagala with comprehensive knowledge and awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection during the month of October. During the program she educated women in Ekiriyagala about the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection. She raised awareness regarding the risk factors associated with breast cancer and dispel any misconceptions. She promoted the significance of regular breast self-examinations and clinical screenings and encouraged women to seek timely medical attention if they detect any potential breast abnormalities.

A booklet on early breast cancer detection and prevention was distributed to participants with the aim of raising awareness within the broader community as well.

English for Village

GFF HELPS Sri Lanka has undertaken a commendable initiative by offering free English language education for underprivileged children residing in rural areas. These educational sessions are conducted twice a week and are entirely cost-free, designed to empower these students with valuable skills that encompass listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language.

The primary objective of these sessions is to bridge the educational gap that often exists in rural communities and to provide students with the tools to enhance their language proficiency. By focusing on all aspects of language development – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – these sessions offer a holistic approach to English language learning, ensuring that students can communicate effectively and comprehend written texts.

This initiative is not only about imparting language skills but also about empowering children with the means to broaden their horizons and opportunities. English proficiency is often a valuable asset in the globalized world, opening doors to better education, employment prospects, and overall personal development.

English Language Day for Kids

At Akiriyagala Preschool, an innovative approach to English language learning is adopted, which includes practicing English songs and simple dramas. These activities are designed to engage and captivate the young students, with the ultimate goal of organizing an English Language Day.

By incorporating English songs, students have the opportunity to learn the language in a fun and memorable way. Singing along to songs can improve their pronunciation and vocabulary while making the learning process enjoyable.

Incorporating simple dramas is an excellent way to encourage students to apply what they’ve learned in a practical context. It not only enhances their language skills but also boosts their confidence and public speaking abilities.

Akiriyagala Preschool’s approach to English language education, through songs and drama, not only facilitates learning but also fosters a love for the language among young students, setting them on a path to become confident and proficient English speakers in the future.

Drama Club

GFF HELPS Sri Lanka hosts a weekly drama club as a dynamic approach to generate enthusiasm for learning the English language. This innovative initiative serves as an engaging platform for participants to explore English in a creative and interactive way, fostering a deeper interest in language acquisition.

Through drama activities, students can improve their language skills in a fun and immersive environment. They have the opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even acting out scenarios in English, all while enjoying the process. The drama club not only enhances their language proficiency but also boosts their confidence and communication abilities.

By incorporating drama into their language learning journey, GFF HELPS Sri Lanka is making English education more engaging and accessible for its participants, thereby creating a positive impact on their language development and overall educational experience.

Art sessions

GFF Sri Lanka’s weekly art sessions for Yusuko Ono preschool students lasting one hour have had a deep impact on the children’s creativity and their love for nature. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for young minds to explore their artistic potential. By engaging in various art activities, the students have discovered their innate creativity and developed a strong connection with the natural world. The hands-on experience of creating art has fostered a deep appreciation for the beauty of the environment, leading to greater awareness and a desire to protect it. GFF SriLanka’s commitment to these art sessions has helped instill a lifelong passion for both artistic expression and the preservation of our planet in these young students. Through this weekly initiative, GFF Sri Lanka is sowing the seeds of creativity and environmental stewardship, ensuring a brighter and more environmentally conscious future.

Joe FisherGFF HELPS SRI LANKA OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE
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GFF HELPS INDIA OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE

World Elderly Day Celebration

October 1st is celebrated as the World Elderly Day each year to celebrate all the senior citizens, and acknowledge their contributions to our society. The UN has declared the present decade (2021-2030) as the decade of healthy ageing, which is aligned to the SDG goals of ensuring improvement of lives of older people. GFF Helps India, observed this day by celebrating it with the senior citizens of all the three villages of Pudung, Chibbo and Bong. We started the event by offering them with traditional dhaka khadas to pay our respect to them and celebrated the day by cutting cakes holding a fun quiz competition. The children also got to learn a lot from the elders about the culture and history of the place through the quiz competition. The elderly people were very happy as it was the first-time celebrating World Elderly Day which made them feel honoured and special.

Art Therapy Workshop

Engaging children in art has many benefits for their healthy development and creative expression. GFF Helps India conducted an Art Therapy Workshop at Pudung SOGG Learning and Information centre on 7th of October. The resource for the workshop was Miss Achal Agarwal who specialises in Art Therapy and has worked with many schools and Kalimpong Police Department as well. Through this workshop Miss Achal taught the children how art can bring physical, mental and emotional stability which can enhance patience and one’s focus.

The children learned how to use different kinds of paints and materials to create art. A vital part of this workshop was to show children how playing with colors helps in generating happiness and bringing calmness within oneself.

Children’s Safety & SA Awareness Program

Ensuring a safe environment for children is an utmost priority and responsibility of a society. Young kids are vulnerable and therefore it is very important to educate them about the laws protecting them and how and where to seek help. On 14th of October we held the “Childrens Safety & SA Awareness Program”, at Bong SOGG Learning and Information centre. Both the parents and children from Deorali, Lower Bong village attended the program. We were very lucky to have Miss Manju Rai from Bal Suraksha Abhiyan (BSA) as the resource person. The children were made aware about the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and about various cyber crimes taking place. Miss Manju also explained the parents about the importance of creating a friendly environment for children as it helps creating a sense of safety and trust in their relationship. The children were taught about good touch and bad touch and how there is no shame in asking for help. Miss Manju addressed all the queries that the children had in their minds. Awareness around children’s safety and SA is very important as it helps the children be informed, protect themselves and seek help.

GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) Relief Work

On the morning of 4th of October, a very disastrous event took place in Sikkim and Kalimpong district. The South Lonak Lake (glacial Lake) burst, causing sudden rise in the water level of Teesta resulting in flash floods leading to massive destruction. GFF Helps India representative, Surabhi Subba volunteered in field assessment, relief distribution and visited the affected areas – Rangpo, Teesta, Bhalu Khola. Many people lost their family members, livelihood and houses. In such testing times, coming together as a community and helping each other is extremely necessary and GFF Helps India will continue to extend our support

Joe FisherGFF HELPS INDIA OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE
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GFF HELPS NEPAL OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE

SPORTS PROJECT: SCRABBLE

On 7th September Scrabble was introduced to over 50 eager students, alongside their English teachers, who have proven to be a valuable addition to their educational journey. This classic word game enhances vocabulary and spelling skills, fostering accurate communication. It also nurtures critical thinking and creativity, igniting their imaginations as they form meaningful words from a limited set of letters.

Active engagement in Scrabble has fostered increased confidence in the use of the English language among our students, leading to enhanced fluency and more polished articulation. Beyond these valuable academic gains, Scrabble serves as a platform for meaningful social interaction, enabling students to forge meaningful connections with their peers and teachers. Additionally, essential life skills, such as sportsmanship and resilience, will undoubtedly serve them well in their personal and academic journeys.

On the 6th of October, the final session of Scrabble was conducted, with nearly 20 students from Shree Balkumari participating. The winning student received a motivational reward in the form of a diary and a pen. Principal Indra Kumar Rai and Coordinator Bikash Sir delivered inspiring speeches, expressing gratitude to GFF for their timely support. Additionally, Mrs. Prachi Jain, the session facilitator, was recognized and appreciated with a token of love. This initiative transforms education into an enjoyable and memorable experience, equipping students with essential skills for academic success and real-world challenges.

REWARD TO ACTIVE PARTICIPANT: SIGN LANGUAGE

With the generous support of GFF, Nepal actively engaged in the sign language project initiated by GFF Helps Philippines. Seven eager students from Shree Balkumari School, primarily teenagers, enthusiastically embraced the program. The essential materials for this initiative were thoughtfully provided, ensuring its effectiveness. Consequently, these students acquired the invaluable skill of sign language communication, enabling them to connect with individuals who rely on it in their daily lives.

The impact of the project was profound, empowering these students to communicate effectively through sign language. Their newfound ability allowed them to engage meaningfully with members of their community who depend on sign language. Beyond the practical benefits, the program also instilled empathy and a sense of inclusivity in the participants, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse communication methods.

Furthermore, to honour their commitment and achievements, the active participants were presented with diaries, pens, and certificates, recognizing their dedication to this meaningful endeavour.

SPORTS PROJECT: CHESS

On August 25th, the Chess project was inaugurated with the primary aim of fostering critical thinking, bolstering student confidence, and encouraging self-belief, thereby allowing them to both harness their strengths and work on their weaknesses. Chess, a mentally demanding game requiring intense concentration, was chosen as the vehicle for these valuable life lessons, as every move made in the game parallels choices made in life. National-level chess player Shurshut Dahal initiated the program, which saw enthusiastic participation from seventy-six students in grades 7, 8, and 9, under the guidance of school coordinator Mr. Bikash and Principal Indra Bahadur Rai. Mr. Dahal began with motivational videos and chess techniques, capturing the students’ interest and igniting their enthusiasm.

ADULT LITERACY FOR COMMUNITY WOMEN

An introductory session for women’s literacy classes was held on September 28 with the goal of empowering their learning experience. Literacy gives women the knowledge and skills they need to pursue work, participate in their communities, and make informed decisions. Adult literacy promotes gender equality by empowering women to stand up for themselves, take part in social and political life, and make contributions to the growth of gender equality and general societal advancement. In essence, adult literacy programs for women encourage empowerment, equality, and sustainable development by acting as a catalyst for good change. The class start date, the class times, and the participants’ areas of learning interest were only a few of the significant topics covered in this session.

A six-day adult literacy class has recently concluded with an encouraging turnout of nearly 18 women attending each day. These dedicated learners displayed remarkable enthusiasm and determination to acquire new knowledge, particularly when it came to English vocabulary. Over the course of the program, they not only learned to write their names in English but also significantly improved their pronunciation, making them more confident in discussing various locations in Kathmandu.

Joe FisherGFF HELPS NEPAL OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE
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GFF HELPS PHILLIPPINES OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE

GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. Responsible hygiene also teaches kids good habits that they will benefit from for life. Children come into contact with germs every day. Proper handwashing can help stop the spread of many illnesses – from the common cold to more serious illnesses like hepatitis A. Oral hygiene, for instance, sets kids up to have good oral health into adulthood. We know how important these two things are to the children in schools who like to play and eat sweets. We purchased antibacterial soap and toothpaste for the handwashing and tooth-brushing activities in schools. We contacted the teachers to ask their students to bring their toothbrush, and they said yes. We did these activities in Sigcay Elementary School, Lapnag Primary School, and Polo Elementary School. We plan of doing this activity before starting our regular Remedial Class Projects. We are thankful for the support of teachers to make these activities successful. They also took pictures and notes to include in their documentation.

SIGN LANGUAGE WEBINAR – POST-ACTIVITIES

We are delighted with the successful outcome of the recent Sign Language Webinar that we did. We are grateful for our participants who are eager to learn the language of the deaf. We want to recognize their efforts by presenting a simple gift of appreciation. The GFF HELPS Philippines purchased a few school supplies for the two active participants in our country. Other country teams also presented their active participants with gifts and certificates. We delivered our gifts and certificates to Atasha and Rojelique’s houses. Their parents were proud of their new learnings and thanked us for the gifts. This webinar is one of the most successful events that we hosted including the other country teams. We made a video and a special report to narrate the story of how we prepared for the event itself and the post-activities. We are looking forward the phase 2 of this webinar.

SPORTS PROJECT: SCRABBLE and CHESS

The students in Lapnag Primary and Polo Elementary Schools are our regular recipients and participants of Chess and Scrabble games after every Remedial Classes. Our regular students are Level 4, 5, and 6 students. And they are continuously learning the techniques and strategies on how to play chess strategically. Children also knew how to create longer English words as they play the Scrabbles. This games were played into groups of 3 or 4 so that everyone could participate and they will have the chance to support and think as a group.

REMEDIAL CLASSES

SIGCAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This school is our first school partner this school year. They are also included in the previous school partners that we had last school year. The Remedial Classes continue for Grades 2 and 3. The teachers have been very supportive of our activities, and the students were very excited every time we went there. As usual, we focus on literacy and seldom on numbers because they are mostly “struggling readers”. They have difficulty reading and spelling words in English, so we use English flashcards with eye-catching pictures. We never forget to compliment and reward them if they do well in the activity.

LAPNAG PRIMARY SCHOOL

This school is also very close to us because it has been our school partner ever since GFF HELPS started here in the Philippines. The teachers knew all of the previous representatives and volunteers and never failed to support us in every activity for their school. This year, they are still with us, and we have developed a strong relationship with their students. Our Remedial Classes usually focus on reading for lower levels and answering varied worksheets for higher levels. If there’s a global celebration to observe, we discuss and provide activities for them related to that celebration. The teachers always include our activities in their reports.

POLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This school year, we had a new school partner, Polo Elementary School. This school is the farthest of all our school partners. This is located in the heart of Polo Village and has a cozy ambiance. We have to travel by bus or jeep to reach this town. Our schedule is also at noon after the lunch break of the students. The teachers and the students welcomed us warmly. We are conducting Remedial Classes for students in Grade 2 to Grade 6. They were all labeled as “struggling readers” by their teachers.

We use Filipino and English words for reading and spelling. We usually make a spelling drill and reward them with stamps. Students are eager to learn and motivated by the stamps. They are always excited when they see us enter their school. The teachers were grateful for our presence, and they always prepare some snacks for us.

TOWN VISIT AT NEW WASHINGTON (THE SEAFOOD CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES)

As the Team embark to a new town, and find what is the best for them, we planned on visiting the Seafood Capital of Aklan Province, the New Washington town, which is 10 kilometers from the GFF HELPS Office in Kalibo Town. It is in the Eastern part of Panay Island, facing Sibuyan Sea, hence always prone to flood and red tide. It is approximately 5 kilometers from the Kalibo International Airport. Transportation are often tricycles and multicabs, and mostly are routing to the Kalibo Town. The residents in this town are used to walking to the nearest Town Center, Town Market, Town Church. Their Municipal Mayor is Hon. Jessica R. Panambo with 16 village leaders coming from the different sub-barangays.

New Washington is known for being the main producers of seafood, dried fish, shellfish, where many restaurants in Manila order shellfish and other seafood. Some areas are surrounded by human made fish tanks, oysters plantations and other shellfish, hence, it is an agricultural area, with the residents being either the owner or the fishermen/tenants of fishing boats while housewives tend to look for their children, they sell their husbands’ harvested fish, oysters, shellfish, and cooking fishball, barbecue, fried banana, cooked vegetables, and other street food for that could help them add for their daily needs.

The children are studying in a government-funded school, Mabilo and Tambak Elementary Schools, and New Washington Elementary School, and Comprehensive High School for middle school.

SEMINAR ON HAIRCUTTING FOR MEN AND WOMEN
by Mr. JOHN BARRERA (Senior Hair Cutter/Hair Stylist)

Haircuttign seminar is the highlight this October. It was held last 23rd October and LP and Stef lead the program by introducing the GFF HELPS before the semianr started and giving of Certificates to John and the participants after the seminar.

The dropped out youth and adults was able to gain knowledge and ideas on haircutting for men and women through the help of John Barrera, a Senior Hairstylist in a Local Salon in Kalibo Town. He managed to talked about the trainings and seminars he had at the age of 18, he has been working in the field of haircutting and styling for 15 years now. He also talked about the different materials used in haircutting and the salary of every employee and part-timer. He also demonstrated how to cut male and female’ hair with the proper use of tools. The 19 participants really enjoyed and learnt at the same time. They are also askign about the next seminar that we would give them.

Joe FisherGFF HELPS PHILLIPPINES OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE
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GFF SRI LANKA UPDATE OF NOVEMBER 2023

ART EXHIBITION

On the 30th of October, Art Exhibition was held at Yusuko Ono Preschool, in collaboration with GFF Helps Sri Lanka. The respected Reverend Wimalaratana, Vice Chancellor of SANASA Campus, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The presence of Dr. Kiriwandeniya, the Chancellor, and his wife, Mrs. Kiriwandeniya, added a touch of prestige to the event. SANASA Campus lecturers and the devoted parents of the preschoolers joined hands in support, creating a warm and encouraging atmosphere.

In the previous months, the young talents at the preschool had attentively poured their creativity into crafting remarkable pieces of art. The exhibition appeared as a grand stage for these budding artists to showcase their skills and imagination to a wider audience. It became a platform for them to unveil their talents to the world. As a token of appreciation, certificates were given upon each participant, acknowledging their contribution to the art exhibition. The joy that radiated from the students was intense, as many of them received certificates for the first time.

In a sign of gratitude, a Bluetooth speaker was presented to the preschool on behalf of the students, a thoughtful gift for future activities facilitated by GFF Helps. The ceremony continued with a mixture of fun, as the students presented dances and songs. The use of the Bluetooth speaker added an extra layer of novelty, enhancing the overall experience.

Expressions of thanks echoed through the preschool as students and teachers alike extended their gratitude to GFF for arranging a day filled with joy and appreciation. It was indeed a memorable day, celebrating the blossoming talents and the spirit of unity at Yusuko Ono Preschool.

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAY

English Language Day was organized by GFF Helps Sri Lanka at Akiriyagala Preschool on November 3rd. During this event, the focus was on celebrating and promoting the English language in a fun and interactive way. The day likely included various activities and programs aimed at engaging the preschoolers and fostering an interest in English. The principal of Akiriyagala School, The chairman of Akiriyagala SANASA society graced the occasion as chief guests. Parents and well-wishers also joined with us. The event involved Language games, songs and dramas perhaps even some basic language lessons to make learning English enjoyable for the young participants. Such initiatives help create a positive environment for language acquisition, laying the foundation for future language skills.

English Language Day at Akiriyagala Preschool, facilitated by GFF Helps, likely contributed to creating a supportive and enriching educational experience for the children, emphasizing the importance of language development in their early years. A certificate was awarded to appreciate and acknowledge the participation of the students. This recognition likely served as a way to encourage and commend the efforts of those involved, fostering a sense of achievement and motivation.

 

ENGLISH FOR VILLAGE

The initiative aimed at underprivileged children in Akiriyagala and Paragammana, directed by GFF Sri Lanka, is a transformative educational attempt conducted twice a week, spanning over two days to ensure a consistent and impactful learning experience. The program is exactly structured with a well-rounded curriculum that covers the essential language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These activities are thoughtfully designed to create a comprehensive language learning environment, offering a balanced and immersive approach to language acquisition.

One of the program’s distinctive features is its strong emphasis on enhancing grammar and vocabulary through a variety of engaging exercises. By incorporating diverse learning methods, the program not only helps students gain proficiency in English but also facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language. The carefully created activities aim to make the learning process both enjoyable and effective, fostering a positive attitude towards language acquisition.

One of the program’s distinctive features is its strong emphasis on enhancing grammar and vocabulary through a variety of engaging exercises. By incorporating diverse learning methods, the program not only helps students gain proficiency in English but also facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language. The carefully created activities aim to make the learning process both enjoyable and effective, fostering a positive attitude towards language acquisition. Beyond language skills, the program reflects GFF Sri Lanka’s commitment to the holistic development of these rural children. The thoughtful design of the program goes beyond the conventional methods of language instruction, demonstrating a dedication to empowering young learners for a brighter future. It recognizes the unique needs of underprivileged children and addresses them through a program that not only imparts language proficiency but also encourages a sense of confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.

GFF Sri Lanka’s dedication to the education of these underprivileged children is evident in the thoughtful design of the program, reflecting a commitment to breaking down barriers to education and providing a pathway for these young learners to overcome challenges and succeed in their academic journey. This initiative stands as a ideal of hope, illustrating how education can be a powerful tool for empowerment and positive transformation in the lives of underprivileged youth.

DRAMA CLUB

The weekly Drama Club for the students of Akiriyagala serves as a dynamic platform aimed at cultivating essential communication skills and fostering a sense of confidence in using the English language. Held once a week, this initiative is a dedicated effort to create an engaging and interactive space where students can freely express themselves through the medium of drama. The primary objective of the Drama Club is to provide students with a creative outlet that not only makes learning English enjoyable but also encourages them to overcome inhibitions and express themselves with confidence.

During the sessions, students actively participate in practicing simple dramas, demonstrating an enthusiastic approach to the creative process. These drama exercises serve as a practical and immersive way for students to apply and reinforce their language skills in real-life scenarios. Through the portrayal of characters, dialogues, and storylines, students not only enhance their linguistic abilities but also develop a deeper understanding of the distinctions of the English language in a appropriate setting.

Furthermore, the Drama Club contributes significantly to building the students’ confidence in using English fluently. By engaging in dramatic performances, students learn to articulate their thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively, breaking down communication barriers and gaining a sense of accomplishment. This holistic approach to language learning not only enhances their language proficiency but also instills valuable life skills that extend beyond the boundaries of the classroom. The Drama Club stands as a evidence to the commitment to providing a well-rounded and engaging educational experience for the students of Akiriyagala, empowering them to navigate the world with confidence and proficiency in the English language.

 

Joe FisherGFF SRI LANKA UPDATE OF NOVEMBER 2023
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