Funds raised from Bryanston’s Spring Term A2 Charities Weekend have supported two important charities in Sri Lanka. Donations given to Ayati, the only centre for disabled children in the country, have helped provide transport to and from rural areas for children in need in addition to supplies of assistive devices. Additionally, Child Action Lanka (CAL), the second Sri Lankan charity, has been able to complete several impactful projects at the Akkarayan Child Development Centre: a new cricket practice net, provision of school bags and vouchers for school shoes, for local children.
CAL, a charity supporting vulnerable Sri Lankan children, focuses on enhancing educational and personal growth in underdeveloped areas. The cricket net fulfils a need in Akkarayan, a rural village with limited sports infrastructure but a strong interest in cricket. Now, with this dedicated facility, young athletes can receive structured training from qualified coaches, helping them compete at the district level.
A local student, Pratheeban, said: “I have always loved cricket and dreamed of playing in big matches, but the lack of facilities made it difficult to develop my skills to a competitive level. Now, with the new cricket practice net, there is renewed hope for me and my friends. We can now aim for district-level competitions.”
CAL thanked Bryanston for its donation, expressing their eagerness and excitement to see the positive impact it will have on young people in the community. It is hoped that Maddie B and Harry B, two of last year’s A2 pupils, will visit the project in the next few months.
Bryanston’s Head of Charities, Hannah Fearnley, added, “Our involvement in a variety of charities is an important aspect of life at Bryanston. As we approach our annual Charities Fair at Bryanston, it is wonderful to see the difference the A2 Charities weekend has made in Sri Lanka.
We now turn our minds to our long-standing connection with Right4Children in Nepal. Over thirty pupils and staff have just returned from an inspirational half-term trip to Nepal, where pupils have seen first-hand the benefits of this brilliant charity and involved themselves in their important work. We look forward to continuing our support for meaningful causes and encouraging a spirit of giving among our school community.”
Last year’s Nepal Fair raised more than £16,000 for charity and it is hoped to equal or exceed that amount this weekend. We are very grateful for all the support from the Bryanston community so far this term which has included the donation of more than 100 recipe bags to the Blandford Food Bank and generous donations of children’s coats and pyjamas by Prep School families to the clothes bank at The Centre in Ferndown, which is linked to Wimborne Food Bank.
