General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
The idea to be volunteering alone in Badulla, Sri Lanka at first was a bit scary: I was sure it would have been a great experience, a story to tell, but how would I have felt in the process? I have never done volunteering abroad, I have always been living in well-developed cities and not to mention the fact that I am not even used to being alone.At first I was sceptical about Badulla and also about what I could brig to the children I was going to assist: will I be useful at least??
Well the experience exceeded all of my expectations!
The host family in Badulla was amazing and they made me feel like a member of the family from the first moment. They assisted me to organize travels during the week/weekend and I managed to see incredible places around the country, where I met lots of other foreigners and travellers.
At the school project I was assigned to the teachers helped me right away to bond with the kids – and they even brought me delicious food during break times!
But the true protagonists have been the kids: their eyes full of joy, despite the utterly poor condition of the school, were making me eager to play with them and communicate with them.
I would totally recommend volunteering abroad and Sri Lanka specifically to anyone. This place is the perfect spot where you can give to the Sri Lankan community through a variety of projects, but also to feel authentic emotions of joy through the people you are helping. Awesome experience!