Without a doubt, COVID- 19  has allowed  students, teachers, parents, and other educators to  devise innovative ways to continue learning.  There have  been many amazing  stories of such innovativeness and of people ready to assist each other. However,  of all the stories that I have read  up until now, the teachers and students in one part of Sri Lanka deserve special praise and commendation.

Sri Lanka’s administration on Monday 12 th July, 2021, started a mission to inoculate all educators with the end goal of resuming schools soon. In the meantime, students and teachers in one part of the country continue learning by trekking through the forest even though they may come into contact with leopards and elephants.

In this part of the country, Internet connectivity is scarce but remarkably, the signal is available in the forest.  Students  also  don’t have enough devices to do their studies. However, undeterred, the students climb  into trees to get Internet signals  and they share the devices they have as they get the signals. Parents also accompany their children on their treks to the forest.

These teachers, students, and parents should be really encouraged.  Anyone who can reach out to them with any assistance should surely do so.  Internet companies,  computer stores, and others can surely make a difference by using this opportunity to have  an impact on the lives of these students.  In the meantime, their online classes in trees beat peanut butter on pancakes.  Read more of the inspiring store here.