Night School’s light at day's end
A night school established in a Buddhist temple in Kotavehera in Welimada, in 2002, has been providing free education for less privileged students, irrespective of race or religion.
It started when the Ven. Kotavehera Kasyapa Thera began giving night lessons in the Udagama Sri Subadrarama temple for three students from the village, who had failed their A/Ls.
They were successful in their second attempt and gained admission to the university.
Consequently, the villagers pleaded with the Ven. Kasyapa to provide education for the local youth.
Although glad of an opportunity to give back to his community, the Ven. Kasyapa foresaw problems of conducting a night school in a temple. So, when the night school commenced, it was subject to a set of stringent rules.
Initially, the teaching staff comprised Ven. Kasyapa and his three former pupils.
Of their maiden batch of 11 A/L candidates, 9 gained admission to university, while the other 2 enrolled for the GAQ.
Now the night school has nearly 300 students, and the 80 teachers who are all past pupils, work voluntarily. Everything, down to printed notes, are provided free of charge.
Any student unable to afford private tuition can attend classes at the night school, while those students who cannot attend weekend private tuition because of Daham Pasal, are also given priority.
The night school’s routine begins with an hour of devotion. While Buddhist students attend bodhi pooja, children of other faiths observe their religious practices.
Study time is from 6 pm to 9 pm. Classes are held for Grade 5 Scholarship candidates, as well as for O/L and A/L exams. Teachers and students cannot use mobile phones during classes.
In its 13 years of existence, the school has had 150 students entering university.
R. P. Nisansala Priyadarshanie of Kotavehera, a teacher at the school, said that the night school is a boon to the financially constrained. Her father, a driver, could not afford private tuition for her. So she started attending night school for her O/ Ls. At present, an undergraduate at Kelaniya University, Nisansala teaches at the night school as frequently as she possibly can.
The night school focuses on IT Education, Music and English.
The night school welcomes donations. Those desirous of helping these deserving students with financial assistance, could remit their contributions to Sampath Bank, Welimada Branch, Account # 108160377595.
Text & Pix By Welimada Rajamanthri