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The School of Joy

The Start of a Dream
In 2008, an opportunity to purchase arose and Leena was promptly assisted to make the acquisition by sponsors in Melbourne, Australia. In February 2009, a few short months later, some from the ServeTrust team traveled to be with Leena in the commissioning and opening ceremony of the new facility built in this space - The School of Joy. Below are shared moments from that event:

A Royal Welcome
Arriving for the opening, we were greeted by the students of the school carrying flowers and wearing curious smiles. Prior to the opening of this new facility, 60 plus children of the school had been crammed into a nearby school building. The opening of this new building is its second dedicated facility. The children whose ages range from four to twelve can now be divided into younger and older groups, producing a stronger sense of identity and offering a better teaching opportunity. With this special welcome from the children, we were ushered in so the ceremony could begin.

Blown Away
We were greeted by shy smiles and excited faces. The color, energy and vibrancy of the performances, singing, dancing, and gymnastics are easily remembered. It was a poignant moment. The children had come so far in the eight years since the school was started. Signs on the walls advertised free education, food, and basic medicines - but for those who remember the beginnings for these children, we celebrate what the signs did not say - confidence, identity, hope, and a sense of belonging - the schools greatest gifts.

Formalities observed
No ceremony is complete without a few speeches. The Rev. Ken Luscombe was on hand to commemorate the opening of the new building. Leena translates for all those attending, and they learned Ken is the husband of the recently deceased Joy Luscombe, after whom the school has been named. Ken spoke of the wonderful opportunity the school represents for the children to search out a brighter future for themselves, and the honor it is for him and his late wife Joy, to be associated with such a school.

A Dream Realized
The ribbon was cut, the school opened, and we were ushered within. Hanging on the wall was a photo of Joy, a teacher herself of immeasurable talent, energy and vitality. Joy taught in schools around the world in her challenged and challenging career. Leena met Joy and others on her 2007 trip to Australia, and these relationships continue to strengthen as more are introduced to the work of Serve Trust and the seemingly endless energies of Leena Lavanya.

As Leena is in our hearts, Joy is now with Leena and her students, and we know, no greater inspiration for learning and the pursuit of a dream will or can be found. May the work of the school be blessed.

Leena Lavanya

"Walking the Walk"

... we do because someone must