Involvement Volunteers International

I spent 9 weeks at the turtle conservation in Ambalangoda and 2 weeks at the special needs program in Kandy. My experience was truly amazing, working with the turtles was a fun experience, and the special needs program was such a rewarding program for me. Everything went smoothly from the pick up at the airport to concerning any problems to the staff. The staff were very friendly, always helpful and tried to do their best. They did all they could to make everything as comfortable as possible for you. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget. A big thanks to the organisation, as well as the staff. Would definitely recommend doing voluntary work.

My advice to future volunteers is simply follow the lead of the teachers who will have a clear idea about what they want you to do. Be humble about your own abilities and the impact you can have, but be thirsty for knowledge and experience YOU can gain from the volunteer work.The local team who run all the volunteer programs in the country are warm and engaging, and very well organized. We get three meals a day provided, although so far I tended to skip breakfast in favour of getting a decent coffee at Highland Coffee and a croissant. Lunch in the staff restaurant was fine: simple rice with vegetables and meat (plus a small bowl of soup) on Monday, and a big bowl of noodle soup on Tuesday, steamed rice, green beans (which I put in my small bowl of vegetable soup to warm through) and a small portion of pork and shrimp another day. You won't go hungry. Meals in the evening are provided at a small family-run restaurant across the road from the college and we have to pre-order the day before. One night I had fried rice with chicken and a pepper sauce. There was a lot of rice and a chicken drumstick, but it was very tasty. I opted for a single room and got a single bunk in a dorm with eight beds. It was fine for a week but if I were to volunteer for longer I would want to pay for a hotel room. I think this should be an option.

This was truly an unforgettable experience with so many highlights to share. The kids are the cutest human beings ever - they excitedly await your arrival from the gate yelling "Teacher ... Teacher ..." running towards you to embrace you in a warm hug and share with you a friendly smile. They grab your hand and pull you in the classroom, grab a seat and sit patiently as you prepare to teach. Their enthusiasm to learn is unmatched; they scream the answers, they give you their full attention and they are genuinely interested in what you have to teach them. Across age groups spanning from the 3 year olds to the 5 year olds, we taught many different topics such as ABCs, numbers, transportation, colours, shapes, animals, body parts and we had a blast doing it. Some highlights would definitely be trying the local cuisine, stopping at the Local Bubble tea place on the way home from school each afternoon, sight seeing on the weekend (e.g. we embarked on a Ha Long Bay Boat Cruise), the kiddos smiles and laughter, learning about local culture and language and so much more. Volunteering is such a beautiful way to both see and change the world. I am so grateful that I have been afforded the opportunity to share my passion and love for teaching with others through Involvement Volunteers International (IVI).