Expanding Horizons: An Educational Partnership with Detagamuwa Junior School

At Makini Bush Camp, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond conservation – it reaches the heart of the community. We are thrilled to have formalised a unique educational partnership with Detagamuwa Junior School in Kataragama, aiming to empower the next generation.

The Spark of a Shared Vision

The idea for a dedicated school project began with a fundamental belief: that a venture thrives when it gives back to the community in which it operates. With the resources available to Makini – from global connections to our local team expertise – we envisioned coming together to share resources to empower children and to support their education.

This was quickly solidified during an initial discussion with the school's leadership, Principal Ms. Shyamali Abeysooriya. She articulated a powerful vision for her students: to see them come out of their shells and become confident English speakers. She explained how a pervasive fear of speaking English often holds back individuals in the community, and that initiatives like this, providing greater exposure to the English medium, are the crucial differentiators that allow students to truly excel.

The program was structured to provide supplemental support focused on three key pillars: English Exposure, Environmental Awareness, and Life Skill Development. Our goal is to grow this into a partnership that establishes Detagamuwa Junior School as a Makini Model School - a thriving example of community-supported education.

Connection and Discovery

To kick off the very first session, we welcomed our first two international resources, AIESEC sustainability graduates and volunteers, to facilitate. The programme brought together 25 students from Grades 6 to 10. 

Our goal was straightforward: to get a sense of their existing English skills and make them feel comfortable speaking up. The group was naturally a little shy at first, but their excitement soon started to show.

Engaging in Group Activities

Facilitation in Action 

Engaging in Individual Activities 

Teaching Dancing

By the end of the session, the atmosphere had completely transformed. The kids were engaged, curious, and eager to share a piece of their own world with us. They spontaneously taught Viola a dance full of energy and joy, and introduced Alexandre to cricket. It was a heart-warming moment of exchange where a mutual passion for fun transcended the language barrier.

When asked for feedback, the answer was simple but encouraging: they had fun through all the activities. A good foundation had been laid.

Feedback Session

This first session, though a small beginning, left us all feeling profoundly inspired and proved the immense potential for growth that lies ahead: A partnership that expands horizons and empowers.