As part of your family volunteer program in Sri Lanka, you will engage in various activities:
Sea Turtle Center (days 3 and 5):
Your volunteer journey begins with an immersive visit to our sea turtle hatchery, where you’ll learn about the critical efforts to save endangered sea turtles, a vital part of the Indian Ocean’s ecosystem, especially in Sri Lanka. Here, you and your family will dive into hands-on conservation work. This includes nurturing and feeding the turtles, providing care for the more vulnerable ones, meticulously cleaning their tanks, and refreshing their habitats with seawater to replicate their natural environment. Guided by our experienced hatchery staff and project coordinator, you’ll contribute significantly to the preservation of these magnificent creatures.
River Cleaning on Canoes (day 4):
In the morning, you’ll embark on a vital river cleaning mission at the Gin Ganga River, a majestic watercourse stretching 116 km from the Sinharaja Rainforest to the Indian Ocean. This endeavor supports local communities and protects diverse flora and fauna. You’ll navigate the river’s tributaries by canoe, removing plastic and other pollutants, equipped with all necessary gear like life jackets, canoes, and cleaning tools. This activity combines environmental stewardship with teamwork and adventure, set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s stunning rural landscapes.
Educational Activities with Children (day 5):
In the morning, your family will engage with young children, aged 3 to 6 years, in a series of educational and entertaining activities. With the support of our Educational Coordinators, who will assist in planning and language translation, you will lead and take part in interactive sessions. These activities, designed to be both fun and instructive, include arts and crafts, educational games, drawing, singing, dancing, and storytelling, offering a rich, immersive experience for both your family and the children.
Beach Clean-up (day 6):
The final volunteer activity of your week is a collaborative beach clean-up at a notable local beach. This session is an integral part of our broader environmental conservation initiatives. Together with your family and fellow volunteers, you’ll work to remove plastic and other harmful waste, contributing significantly to the preservation of the marine ecosystem. This activity emphasizes teamwork and is a crucial effort in safeguarding the health of our oceans.
Please note:
- The schedule and days may change because of weather and other factors.
- Before each shift or activity, the local team will coordinate a transfer to pick up your family, along with other volunteers.
- The sea turtle volunteer placement is approximately an hour’s drive away from the accommodation.
- Depending on the age and abilities of the kids, the local project coordinator and hatchery staff will assign tasks accordingly.
- Because of the cultural norms of Sri Lanka, participants are required to remove anybody piercings and cover all visible tattoos while at the project site.
Local Achievements: We are thrilled to announce the opening of our transformative new Community Centre, made possible through the incredible support of our international volunteers! Located in the heart of Galle town, this first-of-its-kind facility serves as a free school and support center for the greater Galle community—home to our volunteer programs. This milestone marks a powerful step forward in uplifting the vibrant Galle community, and is a testament to our dedicated volunteers from around the globe!
