16th August 2023 11:03:19 Hours
The Saraswathi Preschool is situated in the Pudur, Kathiraweli, and offering early childhood education to 41 students from the Pudur village. Despite operating under the Provincial Council, the preschool has faced significant challenges in acquiring essential resources like desks, tables, chairs, and proper sanitary facilities with water systems, building maintenance, and a functional kitchen. The dedicated teaching staff, comprising three educators, including a remarkable female teacher with a 16-year tenure, have been instrumental in nurturing and preparing several students for higher education.
In a proactive Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative, the troops of the 233 Infantry Brigade at Vakarai, guided by the 23 Infantry Division at Punani, and Security Force Headquarters East undertaken the project. The project's initial phase, driven by these troops, effectively addressed the fundamental requirements of the children. The construction of a kitchen, a pivotal second stage aimed at enhancing cooking facilities, remains underway. The troops of the 233 Infantry Brigade and the 3 Engineer Service Regiment have been passionately involved in this endeavor, which has also received generous financial backing from kindhearted donors.
On the 13th of August 2023, a significant ceremony marked the official handover of the improved facilities to the children. This occasion was graced by Brigadier Nilantha Premaratne, the General Officer Commanding 23 Infantry Division, who honored the event as the chief guest. In attendance were also Commander 233 Infantry Brigade, government officials, presidents of Rural Development Societies and parents of the preschoolers. As an added gesture, gift packs were distributed among the children, further enriching the significance of the day.
