Restoring Dignity and Health with Drinking Water and Sanitation Facilities in Badulla

We proudly announce the successful completion of a Health & Wellbeing Empowerment Project at B/Hindu College, Velimada, located in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. This initiative marks a vital step forward in improving student health, hygiene, and access to clean water in a community where many families face economic challenges.

Serving over 580 students, the project focused on renovating the school’s drinking water system and male washroom facilities, ensuring every student has access to safe, hygienic, and well maintained spaces that promote regular attendance and overall wellbeing.

Addressing Essential Needs for Student Health

Prior to this project, Velimada Hindu College faced severe water shortages and inadequate sanitation, leading to poor washroom conditions and irregular attendance among students. Most students come from nearby tea estate families, where parents work as labourers and household incomes are limited.

Recognizing this urgent need, we initiated a comprehensive renovation effort to restore the school’s basic water and sanitation infrastructure. The project included:

• Installation of a new water motor to ensure consistent water flow.
• Replacement of Eslone and conduit pipes for proper water distribution.
• Installation of new taps, iron valves, and aluminium doors for the washrooms.
• Painting, plumbing, and cleaning upgrades to restore hygiene and appearance.
• Provision of a new name board and operational follow-up to ensure long term maintenance.

These improvements now allow students to access clean drinking water and sanitary washrooms daily, significantly improving comfort, hygiene, and school participation.

Building Resilience Through Health and Education

Access to clean water and proper sanitation is not only a matter of hygiene, it is the foundation for dignity, confidence, and academic success. For many students at Velimada Hindu College, these renovations have reduced absenteeism caused by illness and discomfort, enabling them to focus more fully on their studies and extracurricular activities.

Teachers have also reported noticeable improvements in classroom engagement and morale, as students now learn in a healthier and more supportive environment. By creating safe and sanitary spaces, the project contributes to both physical wellbeing and psychological empowerment, reminding students that their health and education are valued.

In the long term, initiatives like this help strengthen community resilience by instilling habits of cleanliness, maintenance, and collective responsibility, values that extend beyond the classroom into daily life. Through this holistic approach, Vanni Hope and The Calais Foundation are not only improving infrastructure but also shaping healthier, more hopeful futures for the next generation.

Strengthening Community Wellbeing through Sustainable Action

The project was implemented in collaboration with the school administration, led by Principal Mr. V. Viveganandhan, who continues to oversee the maintenance of the facilities alongside staff and the student community.

To ensure sustainability, the school community has taken responsibility for regular upkeep, promoting shared ownership and accountability. This approach ensures that the improvements will continue to benefit generations of students in the years to come.

The renovation has already had a profound impact on student life. With reliable access to water and improved hygiene facilities, attendance rates have increased, and both teachers and students report a more positive and productive learning environment.

Clean and functional washrooms provide comfort and dignity, especially for young students, while improved drinking water facilities safeguard against waterborne diseases and dehydration during school hours. These changes collectively enhance student health, morale, and academic engagement.

Sponsorship and Acknowledgment

This project was made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Calais Foundation, whose unwavering dedication to community health and wellbeing has transformed the daily lives of hundreds of students in Velimada.

Their compassionate contribution covered all material, renovation, and operational costs, turning a long standing infrastructural challenge into a symbol of hope, dignity, and progress.

Vanni Hope extends heartfelt appreciation to The Calais Foundation for their continued partnership in uplifting underprivileged communities and creating lasting impact through meaningful action.

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