Description

Want to visit one of the best islands in the world?

Marco Polo described the island of Sri Lanka as the finest of its size in the world and he obviously knew his stuff. Legend has it that it's shaped like a tear drop because the mainland was so upset to see the island become cut off, and we can understand what they mean. But their loss is your gain because left to its own devices it has developed a unique natural environment full of surprises for you to enjoy. Save some energy for the project though because you can make a real difference to young people's lives by providing support with homework and English language lessons, as well as generating creative play through games, sports, singing, dancing and drama.

What's the project like and who is it for?

Most of the projects are under resourced and the children and young people are from disadvantaged backgrounds, with many of them being orphans. They will have had tough starts to their lives and you should be prepared for some challenging behaviour and emotional insecurities.

Volunteers at this project should have a genuine love of children and young people. Although you do not require any special skills, any experience working with children or young people would be valuable. Volunteers must be able to use their initiative and be motivated to work without guidance. Volunteers should be patient, compassionate, flexible, resourceful and imaginative.

Where is the project based?

Colombo is a bustling, vibrant city close to the coast, where you will be well placed for travel to other parts of the island and will have easy access to local amenities. The projects you'll be volunteering at are in quieter areas just on the outskirts of the main city.

Activities and Schedule:

You will be volunteering Monday to Friday with your weekends free to spend as you chose. Your schedule will be agreed during your introductions at the project and could consist of morning, lunch, afternoon or evening shifts, so you should be prepared to be flexible! Any extra time you want to give to the project will be greatly appreciated.

Please be aware that the work pattern is different in Sri Lanka to most Western countries: the pace of work is often slower and more sporadic. You should not expect to work the same number of hours every day. Also, there may be some unscheduled breaks from your work due to the frequency of public holidays in Sri Lanka.

You may become involved in a variety of activities, including homework support, arts and crafts activities, games, songs and social education. All of the projects involve an element of English teaching, but the amount required and the method of teaching will vary from project to project.

Your schedule will be flexible and will depend on the needs of the project. You may be asked to help the staff members improve their English or IT skills, or you may become involved with fundraising or improving the appearance of the project. You may also be involved in various extra curricular activities such as dancing, music, art and craft.

As the children go to school during the day you will be helping around the centre or looking after the younger children who do not go to school by teaching them English through songs and games. You will also be helping the children when they come back from school with their homework, playing games and just having fun!

Highlights

* Making a real difference to the lives of children in this stunning country
* Getting to know your homestay family - the best way to understand any country
* Learning about the troubled recent history of Sri Lanka and taking inspiration from the spirit of her people

Qualifications

What does the project do and why does it need volunteers?

In Colombo, we work with a few different community development projects based around the capital city of Sri Lanka.

The projects are orphanages or children's homes which house male and female children from disadvantaged backgrounds, aged up to 18 years. Some of the children are orphans, some would otherwise be homeless, and some have been abused or sent to live at the homes following court cases, or by single parents who can no longer afford to care for them. All of the children are now cared for, and are given an education. Your help as a volunteer is invaluable to help them rebuild their lives and improve their future prospects.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1249.00 for 2 weeks, USD 150.00 for every week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• Food
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Dependent on location; shared room in homestay or at project
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994