Traveling for a Cause: Happymiles CAS Service Trip to Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka.
19-20 June 2024
The Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, is famous for its unspoiled beauty and abundant biodiversity. It served as the perfect backdrop for a transformative experience that blended education with community involvement. Recently, the Happymiles team, along with school students, ventured into this untouched wilderness for a service-driven trip as part of their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) learning program. This journey not only left a meaningful impact on the local community but also profoundly moved everyone involved.
Fig: 1 & 2 – A glimpse of Sinharaja’s incredible biodiversity, from baby tarantulas to the rhythmic sounds of flowing rivers.
The Site & The Experience: Immersing in Nature and Community
Traveling to Sinharaja felt like entering a completely different world. Surrounded by thick greenery and constant rain, the distance from city life made everything feel surreal. Every so often, a light rain would refresh the forest, adding to its magical beauty. But this trip wasn’t just about enjoying nature—it was about making an impact.
Our goal was to help a tribal school deep within the forest that was struggling with poor infrastructure. Together with the students, the Happymiles team visited the site, identified the key issues, and explored solutions. Although reaching the village was tough, the warmth and kindness of the locals made it all worth it. Despite the language barrier, we built real connections. Our mission was clear: to create a safer, more welcoming place for the children to learn and thrive.
Fig 3, 4, 5 : The state of the school before the revamp—worn-down classrooms with crumbling walls and a damaged Mangalore tile roof, partly due to falling mangoes from nearby trees.
Fig 6 & 7 : Sketch plates were created for each group to serve as activity charts, allowing them to share and discuss their design ideas.
Project Breakdown: Revamping a School for the Future
After a collaborative brainstorming session with the students and village community, we organized the work into several key tasks. The limited space made it difficult to accommodate all 56 students at once, so we divided them into smaller, focused groups to ensure meaningful contributions and efficient use of space.
The detailed project plan assigned groups to the following tasks :
Fig 5: The school project plan divided students into groups, each responsible for improving specific aspects of the classroom site.
- Pavement Design – Ensuring the pathways were safe and accessible, even during the frequent rains.
- Wall Protection – Adding necessary protection to the walls to withstand the elements.
- Brick Railings – For student safety, especially around staircases with high risers.
- Wildlife-Themed Murals – Bringing color and a sense of belonging to the students by painting the walls with scenes inspired by the surrounding forest.
- Roof Replacement.
Fig 5: The school project plan divided students into groups, each responsible for improving specific aspects of the classroom site. Overcoming Challenges Together
Throughout the project, the students worked tirelessly, learning about construction techniques, materials, and design. However, we faced several challenges. The original Mangalore tile roof, known for its charm and cooling properties, had been damaged over time by falling mangoes. While we wanted to preserve the tiles, we quickly realized a more practical solution was needed.
After consulting with the villagers, we opted for asbestos sheets for the roof. Though not our first choice, it was the most economical and feasible option. Given that the classrooms had parapet walls instead of full walls, the heat from the asbestos would be reflected outward, maintaining comfort inside, much like the Mangalore tiles. This compromise allowed us to address the problem practically while keeping the space livable for the students.
For the pavement, we got creative by repurposing old tiles found on-site. While not perfect, it was a cost-effective and sustainable way to make the most of available materials. The project became a lesson in adaptability, showing that even in less-than-ideal conditions, positive outcomes could still be achieved.
One group came up with a clever solution for wall protection—using the China mosaic technique to create stunning murals on the parapets. This not only brought vibrant color and character to the school but also provided durable protection against heavy rains.
Tackling the Brick Railing Challenge
Another group took on the tough task of building a brick railing along the main staircase, the primary access point and a play area for the kids. The lack of a railing and slippery conditions made the job even more difficult. The students chose brick as the material and brainstormed different interlocking systems to ensure strength and stability.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Heavy rains and inconsistent brick sizes caused setbacks, and the initial design failed. However, this became a valuable learning experience. The students adapted, learning practical skills in problem-solving and thinking creatively to balance aesthetics and safety. Despite the continuous rain, they showed resilience and innovation, making the most of the situation.
Bringing the Project to Life with Murals
The final touch to the project was something truly special—wildlife-themed murals and painted furniture. Our students, along with local children, brainstormed ideas to involve the school kids, aiming to give them a sense of ownership and pride in their space. They decided to write messages of encouragement in different languages and create a “tree of hands” on one wall, where the children left their handprints as leaves. Another wall was decorated with vibrant scenes of the Sinharaja forest.
The transformation was incredible. The classrooms, once dull, were now full of life and color. This project didn’t just revamp the space; it instilled joy and a sense of belonging for the students. To complete the makeover, we also donated whiteboards and other materials, making the classrooms fully equipped for learning.
Sustainable Goals : Building a Better Tomorrow
One of the trip’s highlights was its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Happymiles team and students consciously focused on:
- Using eco-friendly materials for construction.
- Repurposing old Mangalore tiles, emphasizing sustainable design.
- Involving local communities in decision-making, ensuring the project’s cultural relevance and sustainability.
Travel for a Cause : Benefits of Community Service for Students
At Happymiles, we believe in the power of purposeful travel. These trips go beyond sightseeing; they instill values of service, community, and environmental stewardship. The students returned from this trip with more than just memories—they came back with a deeper understanding of their role in the world.
Volunteering in community service projects like this offers immense benefits, not just for the communities served but for the students themselves. The Happymiles coordinators shared these key takeaways:
- Hands-on Learning: Students gained real-world experience in project management, teamwork, and sustainable design.
- Cultural Exchange: Despite the language barrier, students learned humility, kindness, and the value of cross-cultural connections.
- SDGs in Action: The students contributed to global goals like quality education, sustainable infrastructure, and resilient communities.
- Empathy and Responsibility: Service work fosters empathy and shows students that their actions can have a lasting impact.
- Confidence and Leadership: By taking ownership of their tasks, students demonstrated leadership and teamwork, growing in both skills and confidence.
Conclusion : A Day of Impact and Learning
The Sinharaja CAS trip wasn’t just about building a school—it was about building connections, skills, and a deeper understanding of what it means to give back. The students left with more than knowledge; they left with the satisfaction of knowing their hard work made a real difference.
At Happymiles, we continue to champion the idea of “travel for a cause,” believing that every journey has the potential to create ripples of positive change. This experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s rainforest is a perfect example of how service and learning can shape future leaders who are not only skilled but also compassionate, sustainable, and globally aware.
3 thoughts on “Traveling for a Cause: Happymiles CAS Service Trip to Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka.”
Perfect Trip!
Amazing
Thats great