Community Work in Coastal Sri Lanka

  Sri Lanka

Colombo Central,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Multiple start dates year round

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Fancy helping a paradise lost?

Some of the most beautiful places in the world often have the biggest problems and nowhere is that more evident than in Sri Lanka, where the tropical peace was ended by the 2004 tsunami. Our partner projects work in a variety of settings from temporary houses to community centres helping to rebuild and support tsunami-affected communities. You'll get the chance to use a wide range of skills from tree planting to painting as you help the environment and the people get back on their feet. You also have the unforgettable chance to see the islands stunning natural diversity and spectacular sapphire seas up close by helping out the turtle project in the area. This is a project for the flexible amongst you who don't mind pitching in, but the chance to make a difference in such a beautiful island is ample reward for you efforts. Our TEFL certification is included to give you ideas for fun educational activities.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"It's an extremely worthwhile project and I was pleased to contribute to it. The pre-departure and in-country support was great and the information I was given was clear and concise. Zoe (the in-country coordinator) was very friendly and approachable." (Amanda Smith)

Some of the most beautiful places in the world often have the biggest problems and nowhere is that more evident than in Sri Lanka, where the tropical peace was ended by the 2004 tsunami. Our partner projects work in a variety of settings from temporary houses to community centres helping to rebuild and support tsunami-affected communities. You'll get the chance to use a wide range of skills from tree planting to painting as you help the environment and the people get back on their feet. You also have the unforgettable chance to see the island's stunning natural diversity and spectacular sapphire seas up close by helping out the turtle project in the area. This is a project for the flexible amongst you who don't mind pitching in, but the chance to make a difference in such a beautiful island is ample reward for you efforts. Our TEFL certification is included to give you ideas for fun educational activities.

Qualifications: The most important skill you must bring to this placement is flexibility, as the work will vary depending on the needs of the projects and will develop over time. This placement would suit a volunteer with a lot of initiative, who can work and communicate with people from all walks of life. Team-work skills will be needed, as well as an appreciation of cultural differences. You will be working in hot, basic conditions with few resources, and is important that you are reasonably fit and don't mind getting your hands dirty.

Cost in US$: $1545.00 for 2 weeks, $200.00 for every week thereafter

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions and forms
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety and culture shock
- English teacher training course (TEFL)
- contact details to pass along to your family

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Sri Lanka Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994