After some weeks of struggle we finally got the units released from customs only yesterday and moved them to our home office in Colombo.

We could not have done this without the help of CIMA Global (thank you for donating the units), Ensior (thank you for covering the transport costs), AmarisIT (thank you for helping with the customs clearance, and preparing the units for transport) and the many individuals that offered their help.

The computers are now being sorted into batches and prepared for collection by the various institutes. We expect the first batch to be collected this Friday.

Regular updates on this project will follow shortly. We will follow the computers to their final destinations and show you how they make a difference to the lives of those in need.


 

I have done a fair bit of international travel, and have met many people. I have to say, Sri Lanka was one of the best times I have had.

I usually do not dish out complements like ice cream, but I feel the LEO Project Foundation did a magnificent job hosting and supporting me. From delayed bag to lost passport, there was no shortage of “unfortunate events” in my trip.

It was the first time such things had happened to me in such a large way. Yet, I was never truly upset or worried. There was so much support from the staff (both in Sri Lanka and without).

The reason I picked LEO was for the quality of services offered (I was looking for a transport-all meals-lodging included program).

They were cheap and after gazing through the website, which answered most of my questions, I decided my money would be going to not only a great holiday, but a great cause.

I am so happy I supported them to keep on their great endeavour. I e-mailed the foundation and was met by JR, who from then on responded to all my inquiries and notes amazingly quickly. Out of six programs, the LEO Project Foundation really was the most personable and immediate in response. I was impressed and surprised.

Amal, Anne, and Simon hosted me in their Colombo home for the first few nights while I waited for my bag. By the end of my time with them, I was hoping dearly to come back and spend time with them. I immediately fell into a close friendship with them…and I only knew them ONE MONTH!

The only thing I was disappointed about was them saying they would visit me at the elephant location, but then (through a family event and my failure of a phone) they never made it. I got to see them when I went in to Colombo to get an emergency passport. They were very accommodating and, per usual, hilarious. I think we formed quite a few inside jokes in only five days. Impressive.

I always felt comfortable and among friends with the LEO Project Foundation. The elephant foundation with which they have a partnership was like another Sri Lankan home. There were amiable and fantastic people all around.

My trip had many complications, but they have faded in my mind to shades of comedy. I only remember the amazing friends and programs with which I worked. They made my trip what it was. With anyone less friendly or competent, my trip could have gone a completely different direction.

I am so glad to have gone to Sri Lanka! I WILL return and get together with LEO, because not only are they a great cause, but they make me feel at home when it is so far away.

Cheers,
Elena

It all started out so amazingly well. CIMA Global kindly donated 155 computer base units. Ensior kindly offered to pay for the transport from London to Sri Lanka. The UK shipping company was professional a quick in getting the units onboard a ship heading for Sri Lanka and then the nightmare started…

In Sri Lanka it is always hard to understand what you really need to do to get things done. Probably because no one really knows. So our guys have been running around all week to get the required forms and some letter from ministries to get these computers through customs.

Unfortunately there is a final charge of about £300 to get the goods released and get these PCs to those that need them. Please help us raise that money on: http://www.leoproject.org/sponsor/#sponsor.

Who needs these computers?

These units are meant for a number of learning institutes for children and young adults and will greatly help them in their education and broaden their chances of finding a job in the near future.

One of the receiving institutes is a school for physically disabled children. Usually disabled people are seen in bed totally dependent on their family, but thanks to this school they learn how to become independent and learn a trade. A major trade for these people to get into is computer related. Hence these donated computers are vital to this institute as goes for many others.

Help and donate now on: http://www.leoproject.org/sponsor/#sponsor
You are a star!

Our newest video available now on our new youtube channel.
Enjoy our video showing the daily life at an orphanage in Sri Lanka.

Watch our video on the first ever movie night at the orphanage. Organised by LEO volunteer Pieter in cooperation with our team it was a night to remember. The orphans enjoyed a Hindi movie with popcorn and faluda.

Get to know the team behind LEO. We now have pictures & brief descriptions of our dedicated team members and why they are working for LEO.

The list of team members is not yet complete.

I was happy to find the Leo Project on the net as I wanted so much to visit Sri Lanka and do some volunteer work, work that I felt was actually helping in some way, without costing me a fortune.

I feel to pay a couple of hundred pounds for board and lodging in addition to giving your time is fair, whereas many of the organizations I had enquired with were requesting a large amount of money for the privilege of giving my time! In addition the flights are not cheap and none of us are made of money.

Before I knew it I had arranged to arrive in Colombo in early February. Scarry when I realized I was completely on my own. I tried to ask around the travelling pages to see if anyone had experience of the Leo Project, all I received were scam mails selling their tour knowledge. So I flew out alone, with many hopes.
 

My hopes were certainly met! I was quickly made to feel at home by Anne and her partner Ahmal (our LEO Staff members eds.). Anne is part English and both speak fluent English, as I am utterly hopeless with languages I was relieved!

We arranged visits to varying establishments where I taught basic first aid, something I had never done before and was unsure whether I would enjoy.

I am an emergency medical technician at home so I knew my stuff but to teach it is a whole different thing. I found I thoroughly enjoyed teaching as my ‘students’ were so keen to learn. The last group I taught were girl guides which was particularly rewarding.
 
 

In addition I worked in the orphanage in Colombo, an orphanage for some 200 children from birth to 18 years old. Children who so need some love and affection! I wanted to ensure that I spent my time where it was seriously needed ( I have five grandchildren at home therefore not lacking in babysitting demands).

I have returned home knowing that I made a difference in those children’s lives. If only a big hug here and there, or an arm around a shoulder.

One whole day was spent cheering them on at their volleyball competition, which with great pride I report they won!

They have so much love to give and no-one who wants to take it.

So if you are thinking about joining the Leo Project…..do it! You will not regret it and you will forever be a greater person for your experiences. >> More about Sri Lanka on Chris’ blog.

Ms Chris Land
Maidstone
Kent

This would not have been possible without our project manager Amal. His translating and taking part in the demonstrations contributed greatly to the success of the courses.

It was three fun days for our audience as well as us. Chris had with her recess Annie, a life size dummy, which helped tremendously as everyone took turns to practice on her.

Undoubtedly everyone learnt a great deal and left feeling confident to perform some of the simple techniques which could actually save a life.

Amal enjoyed taking part in the choking demonstration where he had to be held from behind and help regurgitate what ever was stuck.

All in all it all three days were a huge success and we really have to thank Chris for taking the time out to share her knowledge with everyone in order to save lives!

Donated toys, all the way from the Netherlands, arrived in the hands of these happy orphans after a long journey by air and sea.

First they travelled by plane from Amsterdam to London as part of my regular luggage.

Then they stayed in London awaiting collection by the shipping company. Once collected they went on a 4 week journey by sea to Sri Lanka. Total transport costs: £5.-

Most orphans in Sri Lanka have little to no toys. The orphanages simply can’t afford them.

This particular donation consisted of toys for very young children which was an excellent fit for this orphanage.

At this Colombo based orphanage they have a special unit for babies and toddlers who could really do with toys.


The images on this page show us the effect the simple gesture of donating our used toys can have.

And toys are not the only way we can make a difference to the lives of others.

Coming to Sri Lanka on a responsible holiday, donating money or using easysearch and easyfundraising also greatly benefit those in need.

At LEO we welcome any ideas you have to put a smile on their face!

With many thanks to Mr. Laurent Koelink, director of Ensior BV (our major sponsor for an upcoming project), for donating these toys!