Sri Lanka Orphanage Project

Sri Lanka is a beautiful place to spend time, but like many other of Asian countries there are many disadvantaged children who could also do with a bit of your time! So why not combine the two? Enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka and dedicate some time to help orphans with their education – something that will make a huge difference in their futures. As well as tutoring Maths and English, you’ll get to rediscover your inner child to keep the kids entertained, help with the running of the home and prevent the elderly from feeling lonely…

Minimum age
18, maximum decided on the potential participants health.

The Volunteer Project

The Yakkala Orphanage
The Yakkala orphanage offers sanctuary to girls and women between the ages of 2 and 18 years old and also elderly women. All the residents are well cared for by the orphanage staff, who manage as best they can with the limited resources that they have.

The Polonnaruwa Orphanage
This orphanage benefits for better funding than the Yakkala, and because of this it is set amongst seven acres of land full of mango trees and margosa and is able to maintain seven buildings within this area.

This orphanage accommodates both male and female orphans as well as the elderly. Currently there are 35 girls between the ages of 5 and 18, 20 boys between 5 and 16 and 20 adults (15 male, 5 female). There are three matrons and a number of supporting staff.

Each age group has their own living quarters and there are also common areas, including a library, an office building, a kitchen and a playground.

Volunteer Activities
All children should attend school up to the age of 16/18 and from here (especially at the Polonnaruwa orphanage) they receive assistance in going to University, getting some vocational training or help finding employment.

The main activities that volunteers can expect to do on this programme will be assisting in the day to day running of the orphanages, spending time with the elderly at the home as well as working with the children to improve their English and Maths skills. Any help in these particular areas will be much appreciated, as the better the children are at these subjects, the better their future options are. There is also the opportunity to do some work in other subject areas, such as creative lessons, games, drama, sports and reading.

Unfortunately, you are unable to choose which orphanage that you will be volunteering at. The Yakkala orphanage places are always filled first, there are two spots available for volunteers here, and once these two spots are taken, there are six spots at the Polonnaruwa orphanage.

Project Support
Throughout your stay in Sri Lanka, you will have the support and guidance of a local coordinator. They will provide you with assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Orientation
On arrival at Colombo airport you will be met and taken to your guesthouse accommodation for your first night. The next day you will be taken to the orphanage where you will be given a comprehensive orientation.

The orientation will include:

Accommodation and Meals
You will be living with a local Sri Lankan family in Polonnaruwa/ Yakkala within walking distance from the home. You will receive three meals a day. Lunch can either be at the home or you can take a packed lunch with you from your homestay.

If you have any questions or would like to have a chat about the programme, please feel free to contact the South East Asia team at the office on 01892 516164.