Sri Lanka - Orphanage and Community Work

Location

Sri Lanka is a small, tear-drop shaped island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of India with a population of about 18.5 million people. This volunteer project is specifically located in Kandy, one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka. Kandy lies amidst the rolling hills of the Kandy Plateau. It is also home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist temple.

About the Program

The program is run in conjunction with an experienced volunteer organization that has developed partnerships with local community and orphanage projects around Kandy. 

Depending on interests and qualifications, volunteers will have the opportunity to work in one of a variety of projects including primary education, orphanage work, temple construction, elderly care, or a women's rehabilitation center.  

The program base and accommodations are located in a beautiful village around 20 minutes from the center of Kandy. Volunteers will start their placements with a fun cultural and practical introduction week, allowing them insight into Sri Lanka and the program. Participants will then start volunteering at their chosen projects.  

This program requires that volunteers get a police clearance.

Volunteer Work and Contribution

Teaching program: education is an extraordinary tool when it comes to development. Here you will be encouraged to teach English & Special Education in a self-chosen fashion, allowing you the freedom to customize your teaching experience.  At these placements, you will be focusing on teaching at local schools and temples. 

• Schools or pre-schools: you will be helping to teach English, German, French, and/or computer science. If you are teaching in Upper schools, you will have the opportunity to teach sports as well. You will have 2 to 3 lessons, 45 minutes each per day. This may vary according to the school's schedule. You will also need to observe and make lesson plans.        
• Teaching at local temples: you can play a vital role in providing English education for local students who would otherwise not have access to private English classes as well. These lessons are usually split into three different groups and run for an hour and a half each. You may also have to arrange classes for monks or village communities.

Orphanage project: if you choose the orphanage program, you will spend your days playing with the orphans, teaching them English, and generally facilitating the their over all happiness. You will start your day by assisting with the under 5 year olds, after which you will proceed to look after the needs of the babies under 12 months old. This includes feeding, diaper changes, playing with the babies, changing their beds, and generally being of assistance to the staff. The afternoons will be spent in the playground developing the children's imagination with fun outdoor games.

Temple construction: this placement involves the construction and renovation of the old Buddhist temples in and around Kandy. These constructs are a symbol of hope to the villagers. This is a unique and challenging opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan construction methods that are done manually, with no machinery involved. Besides construction, the placement will require general maintenance work such as cleaning and painting. You will also be required to interact with the local children and villagers while assisting the temple representatives to arrange community centers for the youth of the village. 

Women's shelter project: the women's rehabilitation center was founded in 1985 by the Women's Development Center of Sri Lanka with the intention of helping battered women of Sri Lanka. The shelter welcomes female volunteers from all over the world. The shelter is home to women ages 12 to 25. The women tend to be extremely shy and reserved, however we have had wonderful volunteers in the past who have been able make them feel comfortable enough to open up and rediscover the many joys life has to offer.

This program is open to female participants only. We strongly encourage volunteers familiar with self-defense, dance, and arts & crafts to pass on their knowledge to these women. You must be able to communicate in English. Additionally, for this project specifically, there is a 4 week minimum participation.

Important notes: You will be expected to work five days a week for all of the projects listed above. Weekends are free for personal time giving you plenty of time to go on excursions around the country or just relax.

Following registration it is possible to choose one of the above projects, according to availability. Volunteer work and allocated projects may change due to unexpected changes, thus it is important to have a flexible attitude.   

Depending on the project location, volunteers will commute 15 - 60 minutes from the program base to their allocated project by local busses. This is considered by many past participants as a great opportunity to experience the local culture and meet people. 

Living Arrangements

Accommodations: during this project volunteers will be living in a comfortable volunteer house in a beautiful village near Kandy. Home stays are also available upon request and is an integral and enjoyable part of the cultural immersion process. Volunteers may live with up to 6 people a room. Private rooms are available at an additional fee. 

Volunteers get from the volunteer house (located in an authentic village) to their project by bus - fares included in the program.

Laundry: not included in program.

Internet: available at Internet cafes for a fee.

Introduction Week

This is the first step towards a great stay in a new country! It's an action packed and fun-filled week in Kandy that is dedicated to introducing you to Sri Lanka and all its cultural aspects with a firsthand live-in experience.

You will also get time to meet the local people, taste the local cuisine, and get familiar with Sri Lankan customs. 

Travel Highlights

Kandy is home to a host of incredible attractions and activities. Check out holy Buddhist shrines such as the Temple of the Tooth and the Temple of the Gadaladenia. Meander through the exquisite Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Peruse ancient temple paintings, jewelry, statues, and masks at Waruna Antiques. Explore the Garrison Cemetery and Horton Plains National Park. Explore beyond Kandy as well; Sri Lanka has much to offer! Hit the sandy, white beaches on the coast, trek through the lush valleys and mountains, or relax by one of Sri Lanka's many scenic waterfalls. GoEco can arrange tours for an extra fee during the weekends or after the volunteer placement, which can be booked following registration for an extra fee. Some examples include:

• Sri Lanka tropical beach week: US$370 
• Yoga and meditation week: US$370
• Trekking and adventure week: US$370

Minimum Requirements

• Min age 17
• Police clearance
• High level of English
• Motivation to work with children or adults and meet new cultures
• Full travel and medical insurance
• Immunizations (please consult your doctor)