Teach or help out in a school and orphanage in Sri Lanka

Read an account from a previous volunteer
Up to four responsible female volunteers have been requested for a project in Gampola, Sri Lanka.  Volunteers do not have to be qualified teachers, but should preferably be over 21 years old. This is a safe part of Sri Lanka with many opportunities for visits to major historic and religious sites, to walk, climb mountains and relax on the beach. Gampola is in the hill country about 15km south of Kandy, and the town has around 25,000 residents.

Minimum stay is four weeks and maximum three months (beyond that it may be difficult to get a visa). The school is run by Roman Catholic sisters, and while they do not ask for a Christian commitment volunteers must be able to work in sympathy with them. The school children are multi-faith.  The local community has Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian families. People will have to be able to relate well both to  that community of nine women as well as being aware of cultural, religious and ethnic differences within Sri Lanka.  Our briefing and contact with a former volunteer will give help on appropriate behaviour.  English is spoken widely in Sri Lanka. Dress is fairly conservative – shoulders should be covered, but short sleeves are OK; skirts should be at knee level or below.

Food can be very hot at times, but alternatives are offered. The climate is tropical, but the hill country is cooler.  April – September can be hot and humid.  It is suggested that visitors drink bottled water. A pre-departure health check is essential and anti-malarials will be needed.

People are needed throughout the year, but for the school work are obviously preferred during term times. Classes begin at 8.00 am and go on to 12 noon, and then from 15.00 – 19.30, Monday to Friday. Volunteers have no commitments at weekends and can use these to explore Sri Lanka. 

It is essential that English is the first language (or for non-native English speakers that they have English to higher school level). 

Accommodation is provided in twin rooms within an orphanage which is also run by the sisters, each with attached bathroom. Volunteers must therefore be prepared to share a room. Food will be provided at the placement at 7.30 am, 12.30 and 19.30 (with tea too in morning and afternoon). There will be cooking facilities, fridge, electricity and tap water. Locally there are shops, a bank and medical facilities. One requirement we have is that all volunteers should have adequate health insurance, which we can arrange for you if required.

Work will involve one or more of the following:

Assisting in Montessori classes run by the sisters

Helping with small children – bathing, dressing, feeding, activities such as playing, singing, some classes and outings (including to church)

Teaching English to older girls, and sisters and novices in the community

Teaching computer skills

Minding the phone 6.30 – 7.30 pm

Office work (letters, class lists, etc)

There is internet access in the town, local SIM cards are available for mobile phones and incoming calls can be received at the convent.

The sisters are happy to involve volunteers in community activities and this can be one of the enjoyable parts of the placement.

Read an account from a previous volunteer