The shared passion and vision of Adhirupini Tyagarajah and 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 mother role to my siblings and cousins.
Whereever 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 3,500 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 6th September, 2006. “We have initiated and conducted 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 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.