Sri Lanka – Kindergarten Teaching & Education Enrichment

In the picturesque southern region of Sri Lanka, the Kindergarten Teaching Project is hosted across multiple schools that thrive on the dynamic involvement of international volunteers. These schools are in less prosperous areas and benefit from the additional resources and energy that volunteers bring.

Volunteers stay in comfortable accommodations, either a villa or guest house, near the stunning Unawatuna Beach in the Galle district. This setting provides an opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers from various projects. A daily shuttle service efficiently transports volunteers to and from the kindergartens, with each trip taking about 30 minutes.

The Galle area boasts lush landscapes and proximity to premier beaches, some known for excellent surfing conditions and others for tranquil relaxation. The area is also culturally rich, highlighted by the Galle Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient religious sites, and museums. Galle’s modern appeal includes trendy cafes, unique specialty shops, and stylish boutique hotels, creating a perfect blend of history and contemporary lifestyle.

The Kindergarten Project addresses the educational disparities in southern Sri Lanka by providing high-quality early childhood education support in rural communities. The initiative aims to equip young children with essential skills that are foundational for their future academic and personal growth. By integrating global volunteers, the project leverages diverse experiences and teaching styles to enrich the learning environment.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the daily operations of the classrooms, offering support to local teachers and engaging with children in a variety of educational activities. The work involves a hands-on approach to teaching and nurturing young minds in a setting that lacks adequate educational resources.

Examples of volunteer tasks: 

• Teach basic English language skills.
• Lead activities that develop reading and pre-reading skills.
• Conduct educational games and activities.
• Assist in the creation and execution of lesson plans.
• Provide emotional support and care for the children.
• Engage children in arts and crafts.
• Help organize and clean classroom areas.

Schedule:

• Morning Sessions: Volunteers assist in classrooms from the morning for 3-4 hours, focusing on interactive and educational activities.
• Afternoon Planning: After classroom sessions, volunteers spend approximately 4-5 hours weekly on lesson planning and preparation.
• Weekends: Free time for volunteers to explore the local area or rest.

Availability: The project is open and fully operational for seven months of the year—February, March, May, June, July, September, and October. Availability is limited in January, April, and November because of local holidays. Please reach out to us to confirm specific dates if you plan to volunteer during these months. Note that the program is closed in December and August.

Internet: Each volunteer may use up to 5 GB of WiFi in the volunteer house during their stay.

 Laundry: Laundry services are available for an additional fee.

 Accommodations: Depending on availability, volunteers will be placed in one of two main program houses located about 100 meters from one another. Except for separate bedrooms and dining areas, all volunteers will have equal access to all facilities, including the common features across both properties.

• Main Volunteer House: The main volunteer house is the hub for all volunteer programs and activities. This main house offers single-gender rooms in a volunteer villa overlooking the beach and Indian Ocean. The villa has 11 bedrooms with fans, 11 bathrooms and showers with hot water. Rooms are shared with a maximum of 4 volunteers per room. There is also a private pool on site for all volunteers to make use. The house has eco-friendly features including solar heating panels. There may be up to 52 volunteers in the house at a time. Private rooms (single or double) and AC rooms are available for an extra fee.
• Secondary Volunteer House – beachside: The property is located right across the road from Unawatuna Beach and about 100 metres from the main House. It has 12 spacious bedrooms of varying sizes with attached en suite bathrooms each with air-conditioning facilities (most rooms also have attached outdoor balconies). There is also a separate dining area, small garden, lounge, terrace and a large program office with permanent staff onsite. Private rooms (single or double) and AC rooms are available for an extra fee.

 Food: Three meals per day will be prepared by the in-house chefs, using local, fresh ingredients. Tropical fruit is available during every meal and there is a salad bar set up during most lunches and dinners. Vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Tea, coffee and filtered water are available 24/7.

• Online ETA entry visa. We will send you the full instructions following your application.
• Minimum age of 17
• Police clearance form
• Proficiency in English
• Adherence to a conservative dress code during project hours.
• Participants must cover knees, shoulders, and conceal tattoos.
• Volunteers are expected to wear teaching coats provided by the project during sessions.

The Kindergarten Volunteering Project not only offers an impactful volunteering experience but also the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and natural heritage. From the stunning beaches of Unawatuna to the historic Galle Fort, volunteers can enjoy their weekends discovering local attractions. The biodiversity of Sri Lanka offers chances for wildlife sightings and outdoor activities. The warm and welcoming nature of the Sri Lankan people makes every interaction meaningful, ensuring that volunteers gain as much as they give.

Volunteers can enjoy weekly evening yoga session on the rooftop, night fishing trips, weekly movie nights, monthly bike tours and monthly barbecues! Additional travel adventures are available for an additional fee, and a few recommendations are listed below:

Adventure Tour (Highly Recommended):
Extend your stay in Sri Lanka by participating in a seven-day Adventure Tour! This adventure tour includes a game drive, visits to waterfalls, a long train ride, an overnight stay at a riverside eco lodge, visit to temples, a village walk, visit to a spice grove, a visit to Lion Rock, time in the local market and a trip to Negombo Beach!

Additional Recommendations:

• Elephant safari
• Rainforest hike
• Surfing lessons on nearby beaches
• Whale watching (during the season)
• Cooking class
• Fort Galle visit