NEWPORT-ort Grammar School (NGS) students recently collected books for children of a rural school in Sri Lanka.

Situated near the hill capital Kandy, Hiriwadunna is a small village. There is no church, no Buddhist temple, nor even a grocery store in this village, according to NGS Principal Sandy Burchett

"Yet, the attendance at the only school there is significant," said Burchett. "About 350 students attend grades 1-12 year round. They study a variety of subjects including English as a second language."

Students in the small, rural village cannot afford to buy books, Burchette said. One steel cabinet with glass panel is full of storybooks from Tennessee. Four other cabinets are on the way.

"Our school is hoping the books collected by our students will help in filling these four cabinets," said Burchette.

"Principal K.G. Gnanaratna was quoted as saying, 'Sri Lankan students are grateful and treasure with absolute delight colorful picture storybooks. There's no better gift you can give the children than an opportunity to discover the fun of reading.' The students are encouraged to read, some stay after school hours just so they can read these books!" Burchette added. "There is a 90% literacy rate."

Burchette said NGS also has other projects going on to help Sri Lankans in the wake of their recent disaster. NGS students and staff recently donated $1,970.45 to the American Red Cross to assist in the Tsunami relief.

"We at Newport Grammar are hoping to instill in our students the importance in reaching out to others in an attempt to make a positive difference," said Burchette.