Volunteer in Sri Lanka

What can be more exciting than teaching a child to learn.  In this program volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to under developed community education needs. Volunteers will not only work in the classroom as an assistant they can be part of finding solutions for education challenges in a developing country like Sri Lanka.  Volunteer will work with small children (kindergarten and primary age kids) teaching basic English, sharing knowledge about health and hygiene practices and social issues such as gender equality.

Volunteer hours approximately 35 hours per week Monday to Friday.  The school has 120 students with 15 classrooms. Volunteers will work with small groups of children, focused on those that need extra support/attention. 

General responsibilities include:

• Assist with lesson planning
• Organize extracurricular activities
• Introduces subjects such as music, dance, arts and sports
• Dedicate 35-40 hours per week in the school

Volunteering in a conservation project is a great way to learn about environmental concerns of a community.  Sri Lanka is home to several turtle nesting beaches. Poaching by predators as well as humans can be detrimental to the turtle population. To safe guard against extinction, the Sri Lanka government has commissioned safe hatcheries along the coastline. 

Hatcheries provide a haven for sea turtles and promotes new births to increase population numbers. Volunteer support the work at the hatcheries, which typically rely on limited government and tourist donations.

Volunteer responsibilities includes beach cleaning, filling up water tanks, cleaning tanks, feeding turtles, transplanting eggs when necessary. Depending on the time of year volunteer may be involved in community outreach and awareness projects.  The volunteer shifts can be both morning and late afternoon (4-6 hours per day).  Volunteers work directly with the veterinary doctors for treatment of sea turtles which oversees the feeding, cleaning, nesting and hatchery histories.

Sri Lanka is known to have a very good preventative health care system within South Asia. The success of Sri Lanka's health sector is largely due to its effective public delivery system, which provides both preventive and curative care at low cost. Government-provided healthcare is free for all citizens and accounts for almost all preventive care and most in-patient treatment.

This program gives volunteers the opportunity to learn about healthcare in a developing country.  ABV has partnerships with local clinics and hospitals throughout Galle which medically trained volunteers are welcome to apply.

Medically trained volunteers and currently enrolled medical students and student nurses are welcome to apply. Healthcare electives and medical internships can be organized (based on the scope of the volunteers’ experience). Volunteers will work 6-7 hours per day in different departments and clinical areas. 

Volunteer responsibilities are determined by the local medical supervisors, as well as the patient base and need to the clinic.  This means, like in any medical setting, volunteers need to be flexible and proactive and be ready to jump in where they are needed most.

It is a great opportunity to do volunteer work at an orphanage for different age group children. Unlike you and us, these children in orphanages end up in such homes, because of poverty, natural disasters, neglect, abuse, abandonment and other related issues. So this is a chance for you to give your helping hand to these unspoiled, lovely children by taking care of them, teaching and playing with them. You will give them a new hope to build their confidence, and to develop their skills.

General responsibilities include:

• Provide love, care and affection to the children
• Teach English, Mathematics, Science or any other subject
• Teach extra- curricular activities such as Music, Dancing and physical education

The livelihood of the most people in coastal areas is fishing and others earn a living by using the resources from the sea, coconuts and cinnamon. Empowering the local entrepreneurs is the main task for this project and gets a chance to learn the Sri Lankan culture. Supporting to make handicrafts using sea shells is one of these projects and can experience how the cinnamon comes out that way to the market.

General responsibilities include:

• Handicrafts project
  • ✓ Collecting sea shells on the beach
  • ✓ Cleaning sea shells and drying before use
  • ✓ Helping the craftsmen to make fancy crafts
• Processing of cinnamon project
  • ✓ Harvesting cinnamon sticks
  • ✓ Removing knots, scraping, rubbing with brass rod
  • ✓ Peeling the cinnamon bark

Volunteers play an important role throughout the year at the Elephant Welfare program, contributing to daily functioning and future development. We welcome volunteers from all over the world, with all kinds of skills and interests. Through the different elements of the voluntary elephant conservation project, volunteers have a unique experience, managing to enter the local community, working with local people to improve education and promoting the important work of the elephant center for achieve better care and conservation of the elephant, protecting not only our own herd, but also elephants throughout Sri Lanka!

The main focus of the volunteers is the daily care and management of the elephants that live with us. Upon arrival, you will be assigned an elephant to work and will help you with your daily care and, if necessary, medical treatment. Working under the direction of your elephant's mahout and with other volunteers, you will be asked to help him with his food and bath during his entire stay; and hope to build a special relationship with your elephant! This requires dedicated care and responsibility.

Accommodation

Accommodation is onsite surrounded by palm trees and overlooking paddy fields. Mosquito nets, clean linen and towels are provided. The bungalow and cabins are maintained by volunteers and our Bungalow keeper Abey. Your volunteer placement fee includes three local style meals a day, which are provided at the Colonial House, lunch is a vegetarian meal - food that you will be helping to grow in the Eco-garden! and wherever possible special dietary requirements will be accommodated.

The Bungalow - Bedrooms are shared facilities with bunk beds with in-suite western bathroom facilities, there is also two refreshing outdoor showers. There is a basic kitchen area with sink, kettle, water filter and fridge freezer, washing bowls for your clothes and a lounge area with books to read and free WIFI.

The Jungle Cabins - Five cabins that can each sleep three people. All cabins features a bunk bed and a single bed. The jungle cabin facility has its own shower and toilet block attached. Volunteers in these room will also have access to the bungalow for the facilities there.

We offer a fabulous opportunity to complete Nursing observational visits at leading private and public hospitals in Colombo. 

Our placements are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the Sri Lankan nursing systems in the following areas, but not limited to:

1. Community Health Nursing: Providing health education, conducting screenings, and assisting in community health projects.
2. Maternal and Child Health: Focusing on prenatal care, maternal health, child development, and pediatric care.
3. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases: Learning about common tropical diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and leptospirosis.
4. Mental Health Nursing: Exposing students to mental health facilities and clinics, allowing participation in counseling sessions and therapeutic activities.
5. Nursing Research and Public Health: Participating in research projects or public health initiatives focused on healthcare challenges in Sri Lanka.
6. Emergency and Trauma Nursing: Gaining experience in emergency departments and trauma centers, including triage and trauma management.
7. Nursing Leadership and Management: Learning about healthcare management practices, including hospital administration and quality improvement initiatives.

Program Highlights

1. Clinical Rotations: Interns will participate in clinical rotations across different healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. They will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced nurses and healthcare professionals, gaining practical experience in various nursing specialties.

2. Patient Care: Interns will be actively involved in providing direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses. They will assist with tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, dressing wounds, and providing personal care to patients.

3. Educational Workshops: Interns will attend educational workshops and training sessions conducted by experienced nursing educators. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including nursing fundamentals, patient assessment, infection control, and communication skills.

4. Specialty Exposure: Interns will have the opportunity to explore different nursing specialties, such as medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, maternal health nursing, mental health nursing, and community health nursing. They will gain exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings, broadening their knowledge and skills.

We offer a fabulous opportunity to complete Medical observational visits at leading private and public hospitals in Colombo.

Our placements are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the Sri Lankan medical systems in the following areas, but not limited to:

1. General Medicine: Rotating through different medical specialties in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient departments.
2. Pediatrics: Working in pediatric wards, outpatient clinics, and neonatal units, learning about pediatric health issues.
3. Surgery: Observing and assisting in surgical procedures across various specialties.
4. Obstetrics and Gynecology: Focusing on women's health, including prenatal care and gynecological procedures.
5. Emergency Medicine: Gaining experience in emergency departments, responding to medical emergencies.
6. Infectious Diseases: Exposing students to common infectious diseases in Sri Lanka and participating in diagnosis and treatment efforts.
7. Psychiatry: Working in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and community mental health centers.
8. Public Health and Community Medicine: Focusing on public health challenges and initiatives in Sri Lanka.

Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, this program offers hands-on clinical experience, exposure to diverse medical practices, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.

Program Highlights:

1. Clinical Rotations: Participate in clinical rotations across a variety of medical specialties, including emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and internal medicine. Gain practical experience in diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals.
2. Hospital Observations: Shadow healthcare providers in hospital settings, observing medical procedures, patient consultations, and diagnostic tests. Learn about the healthcare system in Sri Lanka and the challenges faced in delivering quality medical care.
3. Community Health Outreach: Engage in community health outreach initiatives, conducting health screenings, health education sessions, and preventive healthcare activities in rural and underserved areas. Contribute to efforts to improve access to healthcare and promote public health awareness.
4. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture and traditions, participating in cultural activities, language classes, and cultural exchange events. Explore the rich history and vibrant heritage of Sri Lanka during your free time.

Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care: Provide direct patient care under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals, including taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with medical procedures.
2. Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records, including patient histories, treatment plans, and progress notes. Ensure compliance with patient confidentiality and data protection regulations.
3. Education and Counseling: Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive healthcare measures. Provide counseling and emotional support to patients facing medical challenges.
4. Community Outreach: Participate in community health outreach activities, including health screenings, immunization campaigns, and health education sessions. Collaborate with local healthcare providers and community organizations to address health disparities and promote health equity.

Join our Women Empowerment Volunteer Program and contribute to the advancement of women’s rights and opportunities in Sri Lanka. As a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in empowering women from diverse backgrounds, helping them build confidence, acquire new skills, and pursue their aspirations for a brighter future.

General Responsibilities Include:

1. 1. Skills Training: Facilitate workshops and training sessions focused on developing practical skills such as literacy, numeracy, vocational skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, tailored to the needs and interests of women participants.
2. 2. Educational Support: Provide academic support and tutoring to women and girls who may have limited access to formal education, assisting them in improving their academic performance and pursuing further educational opportunities.
3. 3. Leadership Development: Organize leadership development programs and activities aimed at fostering self-esteem, assertiveness, and leadership skills among women and girls, empowering them to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond.
4. 4. Health and Well-being: Raise awareness about women’s health issues, including reproductive health, hygiene, nutrition, and mental health, and provide access to resources and support services to improve overall well-being.
5. 5. Income Generation: Support income-generating activities and microenterprise development initiatives that enable women to generate sustainable livelihoods, achieve economic independence, and contribute to their household’s financial stability.
6. 6. Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to build support networks, foster dialogue on gender issues, and mobilize community resources to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in Sri Lanka.

By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls, empowering them to overcome barriers, realize their full potential, and become agents of positive change in their communities and society at large.

Join our Kindergarten Teaching Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children in local communities. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to work closely with enthusiastic and eager-to-learn kindergarten students, providing them with valuable educational support and nurturing their development in a fun and engaging environment.

General Responsibilities Include:

1. Assisting Classroom Teachers: Collaborate with experienced educators to plan and implement age-appropriate lessons and activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development.
2. Facilitating Learning: Engage students in interactive learning experiences, including storytelling, arts and crafts, games, and educational songs, to enhance their language, literacy, and numeracy skills.
3. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment: Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere where every child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to participate.
4. Individualized Support: Provide one-on-one assistance to students who may require additional help or guidance to overcome learning challenges or language barriers.
5. Promoting Health and Hygiene: Educate students on the importance of personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing and dental care, to promote overall health and well-being.
6. Cultural Exchange: Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture, learning from local teachers, students, and community members, while also sharing your own cultural background and experiences with others.

By volunteering with us, you will play a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success for young children in Sri Lanka, while also gaining valuable teaching experience and creating lasting memories.