Description

Projects Abroad offers placements teaching basic IT and computer skills to children in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a country swathed in palm fringed beaches, tea plantations and lush tropical forests. The tragedy of the Tsunami is contrasted here with smiling children, rickshaws, orange-robed monks and Buddhist temples. Sri Lanka is popular with tourists and volunteers.

In the 21st century, computer literacy is a skill which is valued almost as highly as standard literacy! It is therefore a huge advantage to learn the basics of computer use and this is something which our volunteers can help with. By sharing their knowledge of IT with students and teachers alike, volunteers increase the prospects of each individual they help.

Just like children throughout the world, Sri Lankan children are fascinated by computers and eager to learn how to use them. Teaching such a useful skill is invaluable, both to individuals and the communities they live in. From developing a better understanding of computers, job opportunities which would not previously have been available present themselves. With IT skills, children also find themselves in a position where they can benefit from all that the worldwide web has to offer.

Volunteers are needed to help teach very basic computer programs like Word and Excel, however, if you are also able to develop databases and assist with any maintenance work your help will be much appreciated. This IT Project is suited to volunteers of all abilities; you don't need to be a computer whiz to be helpful.

* Volunteering in IT Centers Teaching Computer Skills with Projects Abroad

Based in a tiny village on the coast near Wadduwa in the rural setting of Mawala, volunteers work in an IT center set up by Projects Abroad. Children come from miles around to take classes on the course we have established there. We have recently converted two bedrooms at the center into an English Classroom and a small IT classroom with five more computers.

* Volunteering Abroad on an IT Project in Sri Lanka

Many people in this part of Sri Lanka have never used a computer before and helping them become computer-literate is invaluable for their future education and job prospects. Volunteers who wish to help in the IT center should have a reasonable working knowledge of the main Microsoft packages - but you don't need to be an expert since it is just the basics that you'll be teaching most of the time.

Volunteers are required to teach a variety of computer skills ranging from how to switch a computer on and off and explaining what a 'mouse' does, to explaining software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and how to use the Internet for research and communication. Children can also have fun with some educational games and receive a certificate when they complete the course.

There is a set course to follow and you will benefit from the help of an English and Singhalese-speaking local who has done the course. The help of volunteers on the IT project is always greatly appreciated; computers are a hugely useful resource and being able to use one is a great advantage.

Highlights

Sri Lanka, Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean, is home to heavy warm air, sweet fruit scents and incense and bright colours pouring out of every nook and cranny. From the extraordinarily lush foliage and bright offerings of flowers outside temples, to orange robed monks under their umbrellas and glamorous Sari's whizzing past on the back of motorbikes (normally with the limbs of their child peeping out between the mother and the driver!), there are many fascinating and beautiful sights to be enjoyed.

All accommodation is organized, paid for, and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Sri Lanka.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications

no qualifications or experience required

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Computer Training
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

Open minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992