About the Program
This important program provides quality care to Sri Lankan children. Volunteer engagement with the children elevates engagement in their learning and social development. The recent war, poverty and a very low standard of living has sadly resulted in many cases where children are left orphaned and un-cared for – requiring a home and adults to supply much-need care and attention. Volunteers will supply this – providing hands-on care and, most importantly, their time, talking to and playing with the children. They may also like to read to them and help with their studies. This one-on-one time will greatly help and boost their confidence levels. The children benefit from the support and attention that they receive from international volunteers, who are greatly appreciated by the local carers and children.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide care to vulnerable children in Sri Lanka
- Improve the future prospects of children with education support
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an essential role in providing early childhood education and care to young children in Sri Lanka. Volunteers undertaking this placement assist local staff with all aspects of the children's day, including lessons, organizing activities and games and at mealtimes. Depending on their experience, volunteers may also give additional assistance by providing basic English lessons and assisting the older children with their homework. Please note that this placement has a strict dress code. Volunteers should wear conservative clothing with knee length pants or skirts, and appropriate tops. Volunteers on the program are encouraged to use their skills and interests to assist carers in developing activities for the children, such as music and dance, sports, arts and crafts, etc. Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist local staff in running educational activities
- Engage with the children to promote social development and engagement
- Assist at mealtimes
- Create activities and entertain the children with games
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Sri Lanka. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this program are based in Wattala, 10 mins away from the capital city of Colombo.
Colombo was once known as the 'Garden City of the East' and still retains shady boulevards redolent of this era. The city has grown exponentially since then, however, with construction and commerce driving forces.
Thankfully the heart and history of the city is resurfacing through the restoration of colonial architecture, particularly in the Fort area, and buzzing local markets, beaches, shopping and delicious local food await the international visitor.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available in April, August and December each year. Programs start every SATURDAY and volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 3 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Colombo you will be met at the airport by our local team and taken to the Volunteer Centre in Wattala where you will stay until being assisted onto the early morning train to Badulla on Sunday. An orientation session will take place as and when time permits to cover local and regional customs, basic words and phrases, transport and, of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience.
On Sunday you will take the scenic 12 hour train journey inland to Badulla. Be sure to ask for a window seat and try to sit on the right hand side as you face forward from Colombo to Kandy as this will give you the best views once you get past Rambukkana. Vendors ply the train with refreshments (drinks, fruit, spicy snacks) at reasonable prices.
You will be met off the train in Badulla and taken to the Volunteer Centre and your host family (if applicable). Local staff will provide a training session pertinent to your placement and provide an orientation to cover local amenities, transport and answer any questions you may have.
All transport and accommodation arrangements are made for you by the local team and included in the program free.
- Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, Sri Lanka (Code: CMB)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this wonderful program are accommodated with trusted local host families in Watalla.
Host families are experienced at caring for our volunteers and make everyone feel welcome. Their homes may be basic by international standards but this is more than made up for by generosity of spirit.
Bedding, Wifi and laundry facilities are available free of charge. Volunteers need only bring a towel and personal toiletries.
Three simple and delicious meals are provided daily by the host family. Sri Lankan cuisine is redolent of many neighbouring countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indian. Full of flavoursome spices it is sure to delight every palate. Staples of rice and a wide range of curries are accompanied by divine vegetable dishes and condiments such as the chilli based sambal.
Note: transport to and from the placement is by Tuk Tuk and costs approx. US$12.
Fees
That’s just USD 25 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.