Almost 6 months on from the terrible events of 26 December 2004, the process of long term reconstruction is still getting underway in many parts of South East Asia.

I am sure that you gave generously to the initial relief appeal, but the Association is now challenging its members to contribute to the longer term recovery process, with a particular focus on school rebuilding in Sri Lanka.

As a matter of policy, the Association has always made a financial contribution to appeals from Education International (EI) where a disaster has affected some community or country. This money comes from the funds of the Association, and is thus your money. We will continue this policy and as a part of this we will be donating £5000 to a specific project, organised by EI and Oxfam (Netherlands) to rebuild 14 schools in the most affected areas of Sri Lanka.

Our challenge to members is to add personal donations to this and to double the amount raised to £10000. This will cover approximately half of the cost of rebuilding one school.

At our annual Congress, a collection in the hall raised almost £500. If every member were to donate as little as 50 pence, we would easily reach our target. If every member gave £5 we would be able to finance the rebuilding of two whole schools in addition to the many already promised.

The funds will be channelled, as usual, through EI with help from Oxfam and our Sri Lankan Union colleagues.

The Association asks you to give generously to this appeal and thanks you for doing this.

Cheques should be made payable to ‘SSTA’ and sent to the SSTA office attached to a donation slip available from your school representative. Please do not send cash in the post.

DAVID EAGLESHAM
General Secretary