Assessment of sanitation and classroom environment needs in all tsunami affected schools in Galle Province has been an ongoing project for PG05. Work on the installation of the first toilets in schools commenced on 26^th January, and this led to full reconnaissance of schools in the area. We coordinate with school principals, and obtain a letter of consent from the Ministry of Education for all proposed works for temporary classrooms or permanent toilets. We are still identifying schools which were used as IDP camps, and are currently building permanent toilets where there is a need.  We prioritise schools by the extent of tsunami damage sustained and the likelihood of assistance fromother sources.

In terms of rebuilding schools, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the government and large companies and / or INGO’s for each school. Subject to the extent of damage, the position of the donor, and the challenges of identifying suitable land, reconstruction works for all the schools in the southern province should be complete by Christmas.

Due to the build time of the new schools, there is a need to provide temporary classrooms. PG05 has completed 4 such temporary buildings and has agreed with the Ministry of Education to build another 15. Each structure comprises between 3 and 5 classrooms.

PG05 has become one of the leading organisations providing toilets and temporary classrooms in schools in the Southern Province. Funding for these 2 projects has been provided by Hilswerk, along with a number of independent donations.