For several years Asian Elephant Support has helped fund the Biodiversity & Elephant Conservation Trust’s educational program reaching hundreds of schools each year. This one day program gives Sri Lankan middle school students a well delivered program covering the history of the Sri Lankan people with Asian elephants, the biology of the Asian elephant, and calming the natural fears of elephants that sometimes raid crops or destroy homes searching for food. Better ways of living peacefully in elephant country and the importance of this majestic, if powerful, species to the Sri Lankan culture are all discussed.
This year, with school on hold or on line in Sri Lanka from COVID-19, the Trust has turned its efforts to fund raising for their School Book Donation Program. This program delivers school books, sufficient for one year, and a school bag, to children of families whose parent has been killed by a wild elephant. The moment a parent is killed, the family faces severe economic problems and most times the children cannot go to school. This program is in its 12th year. 341 children have benefited from this project so far. At present their list has 85 children who receive the benefits of this project. Four of the children who have been supported over the years have entered universities and two have already graduated. This is a very creditable achievement.
The total cost per child, per year, for books and school bag is $35. If you would like to help a child with a year’s schooling, funds can be wired via Western Union with the following information:
Biodiversity & Elephant Conservation Trust
Sampath Bank Plc, No. 316, Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
Account. No .112260973706
Swift code: BSAMLKLX
Bank Code: 7278
Branch Code: 122