India

No major activities were planned at Boys Town Gummidipoondi during March, due to final examinations taking place. Regrettably, because of the subsequent curfew and lockdown, the examinations for students in the 6th, 9th, 10th and 11th Standards were cancelled and seventy two students had to return home to live with their parents/guardians. The 12th Standard examinations took place on the 24th of March, when the country’s lockdown was announced so ten students had to remain at the village with staff. Food and essential items were made available to them and everyone remained in good health and followed their usual routines. The students were also able to spend time in the grounds engaged in gardening activities and housekeeping tasks took place in the evenings. They have since been able to return home.

In June, the Government of Tamil Nadu announced the cancellation of public examinations for all students in the 10th and 11th Standards and declared that they have “passed” their examinations. The 12th Standard exam results should be out soon.

Sri Lanka

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools and pre-schools have remained closed, including our ‘Saplings’ pre-school in Ratmalana. Before lockdown, teachers managed to visit most of the families and gave workbooks to the children so that their parents could help them at home. Staff remain in regular contact with the families by telephone. Until the lockdown, there were twenty nine children attending the project – sixteen girls and thirteen boys aged between three and five years.

The Government has made a decision to reopen pre-schools on July 1st.