Overview
The aim is to building a multicultural society based on reconciliation, enriching social, economic, cultural, and environmentally friendly values.
Mission
Generating a positive influence towards communities in Sri Lanka.
What is this Volunteer Program?
This program is designed with the goal of making a positive impact in communities across Sri Lanka. Our focus is on equipping volunteers with hands-on experience and the necessary support to work effectively in cultural sensitivity.
Cultural Immersion - Volunteers reside with local families, use local transportation for projects, and are encouraged to deeply engage and integrate with local communities.
Project managers are actively engaged in every phase of the volunteer placement, from reviewing applications and conducting interviews to welcoming volunteers to their placements and offering support throughout the entire experience.
About the 6-week Volunteer Program
This placement is far from a "one size fits all" approach; it's personalized to the volunteer's experience and education level. It's the perfect fit for anyone passionate about global social work and eager to explore how cross-cultural factors impact lives in Sri Lanka.
By joining us, volunteers not only acquire 70+ hours of practical, hands-on experience but also fully immerse themselves in the dynamic and vibrant cultural activities of Sri Lanka on a definite win-win culture.
And there will be various opportunities offered to the volunteers:
Over 68 hours of hands-on experience including volunteering at the National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka
Field Trip to a Regional Hospital
Mindfulness Workshop
Introduction to Mindfulness Workshop
Culture Discussion
Mental Health Q&A Session
An intensely immersive cross-cultural experience
Supportive and friendly staff
Weekends off
Moreover:
Opportunities to channel their passion for improving lives and making a difference in entire communities
Providing lasting benefits and positively changing the lives of underprivileged and marginalized people
Enjoy the adventure in total safety with secure facilities that have undergone extensive vetting
Sample Placement Schedule
This is a sample schedule only. Workshop schedules are subject to change based on facilitator availability.
Projects
Our projects reflect the diversity of the service users/providers, encompassing various ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Despite this diversity of all projects share a common focus—maximizing positive impact by boosting confidence, and self-esteem, and enhancing key life skills within Sri Lankan communities.
Mental Health for Youth & Elderly: Engaging in a meaningful partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health in Sri Lanka, our program focuses on Mental Health for Youth & Elderly. Volunteers have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with individuals facing mental health challenges at this institute. This experience not only provides valuable therapeutic exposure for volunteers but also contributes to the well-being of those in need.
Children’s Development: Partnering with children's development centers, primary schools, and after-school clubs, we offer extracurricular activities and English lessons with the goal of nurturing essential skills in these children.
Special Education Activity Support: Volunteers engage in schools and initiatives catering to those with specific needs. While these projects can be challenging, volunteers can apply their knowledge of developmental psychology, utilising a blend of physical and mental activities to unlock the creative potential of the service users.
This involves any environmentally friendly initiative conducted alongside a group of young people in the relevant area. Whether it's a tree planting project, beach cleaning, or a community awareness campaign, the aim is to promote eco-conscious practices.
Animal and Wildlife Conservation Project (optional):
Volunteer at a DOG RESCUE CENTER
Volunteer at a SEA TURTLE HATCHERY
Volunteer at PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
Opportunity to accompany a SNAKE RESCUE MISSION
The aim is to promote awareness of and action fostering a sense of stewardship for our natural world. Through hands-on involvement and education, volunteers contribute to the well-being and survival of these animals while advocating for sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.
Accomodation
Throughout their placement, they're not tourists in Sri Lanka; they'll be residents. Sharing a house, room, and facilities with teammates, living with a local family provides the chance to truly immerse themselves and become integral to the community. The homestay, situated in the same rural area where they work, offers basic but comfortably accommodations during the week.
The homestay is far removed from tourist areas or attractive environment, prompting volunteers to venture out on Friday afternoons to spend weekends embracing culture and comfort.
Whether they fancy lounging on a beach or scaling some of the world's most impressive cultural sites, the weekend holds endless possibilities, while their homestay family enjoys well-deserved time off with friends and family.
Homestays also include breakfast and dinner, with lunch during the weekdays and weekend they can enjoy as they wish, being an opportunity to explore various local restaurants.
Weekends (Your free time)
Volunteers can feel free to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka during their weekends, where they'll encounter breathtaking beaches, landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, and more. While we don't organize activities during this time off, our local staff members and coordinators are ready to provide invaluable assistance in arranging travel around Sri Lanka, (a natural paradise in Asia.)
For those staying with host families, there's the opportunity to engage in various rituals and cultural activities that are part of Sri Lankan home life. Wander through streets and markets, embark on hikes or cycling adventures, and connect with local residents to deal deeper into their culture and traditions.
Some must-visit places in Sri Lanka include Nuwara Eliya and its Tea Plantations, Colombo city area, Mirissa, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Great Adam's Peak, Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth, Galle with its Dutch Fort, Whale Safari, and Yala National Park (home to the Asian Elephant and Leopard).
Optional Activities
Volunteer at a DOG RESCUE CENTER
Volunteer at a SEA TURTLE HATCHERY
Volunteer at PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
Opportunity to accompany a SNAKE RESCUE MISSION
In-Country Support
Upon volunteers' arrival in Sri Lanka, they will be welcomed by a seasoned team of in-country field staff. This dedicated team consists of mature, educated, and socially respected individuals with a strong commitment to humanitarian work, boasting extensive experience in collaborating with international volunteers.
The main point of contact for volunteers will be the in-country coordinator. This individual takes charge of organizing airport transfers, arranging accommodations and meals, providing a comprehensive orientation covering culture, safety, and service work, facilitating introductions to host families and project staff, and conducting periodic visits and calls to monitor progress. Volunteers are encouraged to reach out to the coordinator at any time for questions, concerns, or advice, and the coordinator will gladly offer assistance.
Our Fees
Our commitment is to offer top-notch volunteer programs at the most affordable rates, ensuring that everyone, particularly students, can participate in international volunteering and exchange program in order to contribute positively towards others. We uphold a philosophy guarantee of a transparency, assuring the volunteers trustworthiness.
The one-time registration and program fee from £2400* covers administrative expenses, staff salaries, rental costs, and etc.…. This fee included housing, food, and other expenses related to their visit to the regional mental health facility and other workshops.
Program Fees Covers
Accommodation (host family)
Food (local food: breakfast & dinner)
Airport Pick-up
Program Orientation
Project Handbook
In-country support
Personalized projects
Speaker session: Mental Health in South Asia
Mental Health Q&A workshop
Pre-departure information
Certificate of completion
Fundraising ideas and letters
Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude
Visas
Airfare
Insurance
Personal expenses on soft drinks and food
In-country transportation expenses excluding project travelling