Location
Sri Lanka is a tiny tear-drop shaped island in the Indian Ocean with a population of about 18.5 million people. This volunteer project is more 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 project
Depending on interests and qualifications, volunteers will have the opportunity to work in one of six community programs: primary education, orphanage work, medicine, construction, elderly care, and women rehabilitation. All facilities rely on the help of international volunteers.
Volunteer work and contribution
Teaching Project: Education is an extraordinary tool when it comes to development. We encourage volunteers to teach English & Special Education in a self- chosen fashion, allowing you the freedom to customize your teaching experience. You will be teaching at the local Kandy primary school, as well as volunteering at the center for educational activities during & after school. The students' ages range from preschool age to high school age. We are looking for volunteers to teach sports, English, German, French, and/or computer science. The most important thing is that you have a passion for education and children.
Orphanage Project: Volunteers that choose the orphanage program spend their days playing with the orphans, teaching them English, and generally facilitating the children's over all happiness. During the day, the orphans are at school; therefore volunteers are expected to participate in general maintenance of the facility such as cleaning and cooking. During the months of April and December, schools are closed and therefore volunteers have the full day with the children. We are looking for motivated, fun, compassionate volunteers for this program.
Medical Project: Participants will be placed in a local Kandy Hospital where they will be expected to report for their daily shift. Volunteers in this project get the unique opportunity of working in a Sri Lankan hospital alongside the local medical staff. Volunteers are also taught basic medical procedures and operations. On this project you are not only helping the patients and staff immensely but yourself as well; through this program you will acquire a lot of experience in the medical field.
Construction Project: The construction projects vary seasonally. Some examples of projects include:
- Construction projects at temple sites
- Cleaning in and around the temples
- Re-painting temples
- Create community centers for the village youth
- Painting the pre-school classrooms
- Cleaning in and around of the schools
- Renovation of the dilapidated school buildings
- Painting classroom furniture (desks, chairs, murals, etc)
This project is uniquely rewarding; when you are finished you can look back with the comfort of knowing that building wouldn't be standing if it weren't for your hard work.
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've 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 the women. Volunteers must be able to communicate in English.
* 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.
Introduction week
For your first week we warmly reccomend that you join the Introduction Week. This is the first step towards a great stay in a new country! It's an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know Sri Lanka in 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 the Sri Lankan customs.
The Introduction Week will take place in the hill town of Kandy. Loads of new things will be introduced to you and it will be the time to get used to the local culture.
Accommodation
During this project you 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 typically live two or three to a room. Local, vegetarian dishes are served on site. You will be provided with three meals a day during the week, and two meals per day on weekends.
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. Why not try out Buddhist meditation? 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.
Minimum Requirements
- Min age 18
- Good level of English
- Motivation to work with children or adults and meet new cultures
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)