School of Early Learning Celebrates 25 Years In Preschool Education
AThe shared passion and vision of Mrs. Adhirupini Tyagarajah and Mrs. Ayoma Fernando brought about the birth of ABC School of Early Learning in January 1992. Peaking about what motivated them to start such an institution, Adhirupini said “my fascination for children and the desire to be with them and share my enthusiasm and creativity drove me to start this establishment with Ayoma”.
As for Ayoma, “when my daughter was enrolled at a preschool in Colombo and stopped going after two weeks it got me thinking.... Hence together with my friend Adhirupini the idea to start up a preschool and establish ABC School of Early Learning was mooted”.
Surangie Munaweera joined the ABC School in 1994 and thereafter was invited to the Board and was appointed the principal of the school. “From my childhood, I always played the mother role to my siblings and cousins. Where ever I went, Kids would respond to me as if they’ve known me. I then realized I needed to pursue a career in teaching”.
In its 25 year history, the ABC School has achieved much as well as facilitated many new initiatives.
The school has nurtured over 3500 children through their formative education. Today most of the kids have excelled not only in the field of academics but also in Sports, Art and Music.
The ABC School of Early Learning has always been in the forefront setting new educational trends. “We are one of the first preschools to introduce karate, piano, voice training, Kandyan dancing and Art, during and after school and we have a Day Care Centre for the Students attending our School as well” said Adhirupini.
The ABC School opened their first branch, the ABC Preschool on 06th September, 2006. “We have initiated and done workshops for teachers. Presently, we are a model school for undergrads from the University of Kelaniya (Speech and Language Department). Ladies College Vocational Studies Department too sends their students for a period of three months for training and observing. Students of Psychology also participate in our internship program”, said a justifiably proud Ayoma.
About 12 years ago the ABC School launched a Special Needs Department, as they realized there was a very high demand for Integrated and Inclusive Education. “We have two in house Therapists, one for speech and the other as our Behaviour Therapist”, said Surangie.
As for future plans, the ABC School is currently collecting funds to improve the facilities in the Special Needs Department as well as open a school for Special children where they will be trained to fit in to a normal school routine.
As for what past students and parents think of the ABC School, well the proof of the pudding is in the eating so they say !
“On hearing that two people as pas- sionate about the wellbeing and welfare of children were to start a preschool, we were some of the First parents to sign up for our oldest child. We knew the Cofounders, with their exacting standards, strong emotional intelligence and indefatigable energy, would surely transfer that same energy to children, so what better way than to commend our precious charges to their charge. We were one of the first 5 parents to sign up and were secretly thrilled to have the small numbers which go with a start up school. The curriculum of ABC School of Early Learning is a blend of Montessori and Preschool which we now know laid the foundations for our children to fulfill their potential and reap the benefits in years to come. ABC Nurtured creativity, curiosity and confidence as well as a passion for learning, and am sure as the schools have progressed have established much more in early learning education” says past parent Shalini Wickramasuriya who is the Founder/ Trustee of the Music Project
Mrs. Harshini Wanasundera Ratnayake, Ex. Head Teacher of the ABC School who now resides in the United Kingdom said “it is with great pride and honour that I’m writing this message to congratulate the ABC School of Early Learning on celebrating 25 years of dedication, hard work and commitment towards imparting knowledge and moulding young lives in to successful and accomplished individuals throughout the years. I was fortunate enough to be a part of this fine establishment for 14 years and treasure every moment I spent there as a Nursery teacher. I have been a witness to the relentless persistence and devotion of Sugi, Rupini and Ayoma in making what ABC is today. I myself ‘grew up’ with ABC and accumulated a vast wealth of experience about working with young people as well as working with a fabulous team of exceptional ladies who love and adhere to the principle ‘ Total Development of the Child’ and ‘ Inclusive Education’. All the very best my dear ABC and may you shine bright as always”.
Dr. Maduka de L Dias had this to say about the School ; “My husband and I put a lot of effort in to finding the perfect preschool for our boys, we visited over five pre schools before we were able to find the perfect one down Chithra lane. ABC school of early learning! It was January of 2014 when I took my then 3.5 and 2 year old boys to ABC, they were both of different personalities, Kevan who was ever ready to tackle the world practically waved me off the school premises that first day, he fell in love with his class and his aunties of Nursery 2 immediately. Avin my little one who started off at the toddler class was a little bit cautious that first day ( he didn’t cry , his aunties cuddled him enough for him not to feel too home sick) but he had his brave face on. Regardless of their personalities they both love love loved the school, the teachers the teaching/ learning/playing methods and the overall atmosphere. While praising the teachers I must also highly commend the support staff at ABC they have fed, washed and played with my babies, entertained them while they waited for me to come pick them. Many a day I have called school and said “Im getting late” and I have always been reassured “don’t worry, they are ok”. Thank you ABC for loving my babies, Thank you for giving me peace of mind knowing that my babies were safe and happy. Congratulations on your 25th anniversary…… All the best for the future…… and I will be coming back to you with my third boy ( Where else would he go ! )”.
As for Shehan Gomesz - Past pupil, Head Prefect Year 2012 Royal College Colombo ;
“The best part about the ABC School of Early learning has got to be the lifelong friendships that I have made with the people I met during the time I spent there. ABC offered all of us a solid grounding and although we all went our separate ways in terms of our studies beyond that point, the connecting factor being the preschool we went to, has always been a fond part of our childhood and given us plenty of amazing memories and incidents to have a good laugh and chat about whenever we meet”.
As the ABC School celebrates 25 years of glorious learning, they are committed to the next 25 years of fostering and nurturing many more students who they hope will grow up to take their place as responsible citizens .