"Rebuilding shattered lives". OST helps communities in (mostly eastern) Sri Lanka which have been left damaged by the 2004 tsunami and the 25 year civil conflict . It supports capital projects (building/developing community/school buildings and facilities), education through child sponsorship schemes, and Pre-School education, by establishing new Pre-Schools and supporting/training/paying teachers who work there. OST pays Sri Lankan groundworkers to conduct its operations in Batticaloa. OST further encourages links between British educational organisations and similar in Sri Lanka. An important feature of OST work is the regular hands-on support given through Sri Lanka visits by Trustees and other Volunteers. The impact of OST's work is manifold: a) personal support for young people to improve their education: b) community support - providing Pre-School education where previously none existed: c) raising awareness amongst UK communities about the needs of developing countries following natural or man-made traumas.
The Trustees meet bi-monthly, to discuss and review progress, develop policy, discuss and direct forthcoming fundraising events and actions, and allot monies to projects when and where appropriate.
Trustees organise fund-raising events which both raise monies and awareness. Regular events are a Curry Evening and a Talent Show evening, but there are several "ad-hoc" activities arranged on our behalf by supporters, some known to us, some supporters gained through our website. Further funds come via donations and bequests.
Trustees focus particularly on the operation in Batticaloa to get best value from groundworkers' work and processes for whom the Trust pays.
