Description

Rewarding volunteer work coaching football to underprivileged children at different schools in the local community of Ja-Ela, Sri Lanka. These children play on dusty pitches with minimal equipment and no grass in sight, but they benefit enormously from your assistance and enthusiasm! A very satisfying placement.

Sri Lanka is an exotic island, famous for its 1,600 kilometers of unspoiled, golden beaches and diverse climate zones. It is a wondrous island, with flora and fauna to match - the proverbial paradise island!

Highlights

Project Overview:
You can coach football at a number of different schools in the local community. The facilities are basic but the children are excited about playing football and being coached by our volunteers. The pitches in Sri Lanka are typically gravel and dirt pitches which makes the game of football very quick and exciting as it is played at a very different pace and style to European football.

The schools we help cater for the poorer and underprivileged children and have about 400 to 500 pupils ranging from 5 to 16 years old. 'Pitches' can be covered in dust instead of in grass, but that adds to the charm and cultural experience of coaching sports in Sri Lanka!

The way the schools run is very different to our Western way of doing things, which means that sports practice is not as organized as you would probably like, so you do have to have lots of initiative on this placement. However, the rewards are wonderful. You'll get a great deal of satisfaction from your efforts.

Location
Our program runs in Ja-Ela, midway between Colombo and the popular Indian Ocean resort of Negombo. Ja-Ela is a good point at which to start your exploration of the island's many beaches and beautiful inland resorts.

What you'll gain from doing this Project:
- An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Latin America.
- The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
- New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
- An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
- And maybe best of all.. an unforgettable experience!
Our placements are very flexible and you can combine any of our projects to give you a broader experience of life on the inside in Sri Lanka.

What to do next

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a good interest in the 'beautiful' game! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers program, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

• Sports

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 1,345 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

* Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

* You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

* Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Sports
• Street Kids
• Teaching
• Volunteering

Age Range

from 17-70

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995