Feature: Volunteering opportunities in Sri Lanka
The tear drop shaped island of Sri Lanka just off the south eastern coast of India is a tropical paradise of rainforest, wild animals and pristine beaches. Multi-coloured rickshaws drive through the hectic streets of Colombo, tea plantations line the cool hill country in the centre and street vendors serve the most delicious spicy food imaginable. But, while tourism here is thriving, Sri Lanka still remains a poor nation.
In 2004 the Boxing Day tsunami claimed many lives while a brutal civil war caused much suffering in the country’s north for almost 33 years. So volunteering here can really make a difference. And with a friendly and welcoming population, mystical Buddhist traditions and more than 2500 years of history, your experience here will be packed full of heart warming memories.
Working with disabled children
Centres dedicated to the care and assistance of people living with disabilities are few in Sri Lanka. RCDP International Volunteer works with one of the few that exist, based in the southern town of Galle.
With more than half of the town’s residents made homeless by the tsunami, it’s the volunteers who are tasked with distributing medical supplies, helping make food, conducting activities and providing support. You’ll stay in a local family’s home dining on delicious curries and experiencing rural Sri Lankan life. On days off you can visit ancient historical cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and hike to up Sigiriya Rock with its incredible scenery. Volunteer from anything between 2 and 12 weeks.
Buddhist culture
Sri Lanka has a strong Buddhist tradition. In most towns you’ll see boys and men of all ages wearing the bright orange robes that are synonymous with this religion. Leading strict but peaceful lives, they are highly social figures who receive good educations in monastic collages called Pirivena. English is rarely taught, but with a growing interest in Buddhism in the west many want to learn. IFRE Volunteers Abroad offer placements for two weeks to three months, living with a local family and working in a monastery. As well as teaching English, you can also engage in sport, art and other subjects, while learning about Buddhist culture yourself. Just understand that Buddhist monks are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, and volunteers have said this project is one of the most memorable things they have ever done.
Turtle conservation
With a population of 25 million for a country the same size as Ireland, it is understandable its wildlife sometimes suffers. But with more than 10 national parks and a healthy number of elephants, turtles, leopards and tropical birds, a lot of good work has paid off. However, the 2004 tsunami changed a lot of this. Along with destroying conservation equipment, the waves crippled the turtle population by destroying coral reefs and bringing in alien pollutants. Numerous companies like i to i and IFRE Volunteers Abroad offer conservation projects, where your job is to monitor populations, provide information leaflets for local people and rebuild damaged facilities like turtle tanks and visitor centres.
The new national park
Due to habitat loss and poaching, the noble Sri Lankan Asian elephant has drastically been reduced to less than 5,000 wild specimens. Choosing to volunteer with GVI will not only give you the opportunity to live in a jungle camp monitoring populations, but you’ll also join field scientists as they try to establish the first Trans-Climatic Zone National Park in the country! Based in the central part of the island, the camp is very remote so if you’re not prepared to rough it this project might not be for you.
Another great option is offered by i to i. From two to 12 weeks you’ll have the chance to volunteer in an elephant sanctuary, washing and feeding the giant creatures while learning about their place in Sri Lankan culture. In your spare time you can explore the beaches, hill stations and forests of this magnificent island. What more could you want?
A bit of everything
Before the 2004 tsunami, an enterprising and caring Sri Lankan called Janaka de Silva built a small library and study centre to help local children. After the devastating disaster it was rebuilt with British aid and Janaka opened the project to volunteers. The great thing about his centre is that no matter what skills you possess, he’ll find something for you to do! A four week placement costs around £400 which includes en-suite bedroom in Janaka’s house and three meals a day. If your skills are relevant no two days will be the same and opportunities range from building houses, and teaching English to street children to repairing water pipes and showing children how to paint. People who have skills in photography and music are also required as local people can learn how to make money in different ways.
Sri Lanka truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Buddhist culture strictly forbids violent crime, so you can look forward to a safe visit with memorable experiences. Saying that, it is worth checking before you travel to the far north due to possible after effects of the long civil war which only recently ended. But away from this expect a tropical wonderland of fresh food, very welcoming people and stunning tranquil beaches to take your breath away.
