Uplands school – playing field

Shining Life worked with Uplands School to provide a playing field in a very hilly area of the country. The playing field is part of the school premises but is also used by the surrounding community. Both adults and children use it for sports, games and recreational activities. The community was involved in the creation of the playground, thereby instilling a sense of ownership.

The aims of the project were:

• To promote the physical development of the children in the community

• To provide a space whereby sports activities within the school can be promoted and to develop these skills in the students.

• To further develop a positive relationship and links with the community.

• To help increase school attendance and minimise the numbers of students who drop out.

The land had to be cleared and then levelled - some large rocks were found unexpectedly which had to be removed. Some of the fathers who had building skills erected the fence and gate. Other community members will laid the turf and planted the trees.

The playing field has now been completed.

AS K/Upland Tamil School Playground Maintenance Committee was set up whose role is:

• to ensure the upkeep of the playground through cutting the grass and pruning the trees and ensuring that it is kept clean and tidy

• to organise tournaments in order to collect funds for maintenance such as minor repairs

• to ensure that any minor repairs are carried out immediately.