Info

Spend time w/ orphans and little ones in a local orphanage and combine your work with some time at a centre for disabled children and adults. You will be able to do so much good at once!

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The children in Sri Lanka have the biggest smiles and the cutest brown eyes… they will melt your heart the moment you meet them. They have an enthusiasm for life that will no doubt rub off on you too!

You'll spend part of your project at the orphanage in Ja-Ela, doing some teaching and making the childrens’ learning lots fun and engaging! You will also play with them after their mid-morning snacks and offer them all the love and attention you can give. At the centre for disabled children and adults, located in nearby Negombo, you will provide assistance to the staff in helping with the care of the attendees. If you'd prefer to only work at the orphanage or the care centre, we can do our best to accommodate your preferences.

You don't need to have any prior qualifications and this project can also be combined with some teaching or sports coaching in the local government schools to older children if you wish to add some variety to your placement.

Ja-Ela and Negombo are small bustling towns on the west coast - an excellent position for exploring the stunning beaches in the south. Both locations are only a few hours drive from the famous Pinawala elephant orphanage, where you can also volunteer!
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.

Sri Lanka is a vibrant country, rich in its diversity of culture, race, language and religion. The island is rich in natural resources, animals, lush flowers, mountains, rivers and beautiful beaches. It is located at the crossroads where East meets West and is regarded as the gateway to South Asia.


WHAT YOU WILL 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 résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!


LOCATION
The office is situated in an amazing location right next to the Negombo fishing beach – all the houses here are typical of Colonial Sri Lankan style, and the streets are lined with trees. It is very picturesque, brimming with atmosphere, and has a great vibe about it.

Negombo is a popular tourist resort and is the closest beach to Sri Lanka’s international airport. This fishing village was very lucky and avoided most of the impact of last years tsunami. The beach is beautiful with long stretches of orange sand, palm trees and some beach front hotels. A little further back and there are many boutiques selling Sri Lankan handicrafts, markets and the general hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka.


ACCOMMODATION

You'll live in a traditional Sri Lankan house in Ja-Ela. It is spacious and comfortable, with a garden, several balconies, two lounge rooms and many bedrooms. You will most likely share a room with other Travellers volunteers. There is a TV and DVD player for evening entertainment, in the upstairs lounge area and with the latest DVD copies just a pound to buy locally, there is usually something to watch!

Our Teaching, Work Experience and the Colombo Zoo placements are all based in Ja-Ela and so the house is often full and offers a lively, sociable atmosphere – there will be no shortage of friends to spend weekends at the beach with! Ja-Ela volunteers also have the advantage of easy access to Colombo’s facilities, major bus stations and also The Airport Gardens Hotel - a luxury hotel which offers facilities including a fantastic pool. The hotel is only a short trip away from the volunteer house: perfect for those lazy afternoons!

There is a local live-in cook at the Travellers house who will prepare your breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, throughout the week. The food is usually local cuisine which means lots of curry, rice and salads. Whether a curry fan or not, you will be by the time you return as Sri Lankan food is delicious! You can buy snacks and treats including a growing variety of Western tastes (chocolate!) from the local store. There is also a KFC in Ja-Ela for those who need a fix of home.

Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.


ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

• MEDITATION COURSES at a Buddhist Retreat for a few days or as long as you choose. Relax and be inspired! This optional extra programme can be combined with any project in Sri Lanka.
• COOKERY COURSES (coming soon) that give you a good insight into how to prepare some typical Sri Lankan dishes.
• 1-WEEK ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE in the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, n experience you’ll never forget!. You’ll stay in our Travellers house in Kegalle with other Travellers volunteers.
• SIGHTSEEING: As well as the above, all our volunteers use their weekends and free time to do a lot of travelling around the southern part of the island. There are many, many attractive tourist sights to see, ranging from glorious beaches to impressive temples. The towns and villages are fascinating and very different to what we're used to.


WHAT TO DO NEXT

-Talk to us - We're there to help you. +44 (0) 1903 502595
-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.


OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...

"I just wanted to let you know, that I had the time of my life in Sri Lanka. It was FANTASTIC, I wish the entire experience had never had to end. I would just like to say thank you to your team of organisers for organising the spectacular trip. And also a big thank you to Roshan, Shivani ... and all the boys at the house for making my stay very welcoming and memorable. I miss them all very much. And I will definitely want to return and pay them a visit."

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £895 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is 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.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, 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.