Staff and pupils in class at the Thikilivattai Government Tamil Mixed School in Batticaloa District.<br /> <br /> Thikilivattai Government Tamil Mixed School reopened in May 2008 after local conflict between the LTTE and SLA  troops eased. There are now 351 students in grades 1-9 with a teaching staff of 18. The school has no water supply. Though many of the pupils' parents are not well educated themselves (most are employed in casual paddy cultivation, fishing and seasonal day-wage labour), there is a parents' mobilisation committee that encourages pupil attendance and is involved in helping keep the school clean. The school has an active sports department. Many of the students suffer with the trauma and stress associated with those living in conflict situations. The staff must deal with these issues as well as the personal difficulties that they themselves suffer living in a conflict environment. UNICEF have provided three temporary learning spaces to make up for the lack of space in the original school building. A further two classes must be accommodated beneath trees. UNICEF have also supplied the school furniture.<br /> <br /> Photo: Tom Pietrasik<br /> Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka<br /> September 30th 2009
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