Sri Lanka – Women’s English Literacy Program

Galle is a beautiful area in southern Sri Lanka that is surrounded by lush greenery and is in close proximity to world-class beaches! Many of the nearby beaches are prime surfing spots, and others are more relaxing. There is even a turtle lagoon nearby. Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient religious buildings, museums and more. Galle is also quite trendy, and is home to cafes, specialty shops and boutique hotels.

Volunteers on this program will help build the confidence of local women through enhancing their English language skills; therefore, expanding their employment opportunities. The women who join this program are mostly from middle-class and lower-class, Muslim communities and are keen to expand their skill set. The English lessons will be heavily focused on speaking skills. By joining this program, you will aid in breaking down gender barriers by providing these women with educational and language skills removing their barrier to education and finally, employment.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Preparing and planning lessons with local coordinators
• Practicing speaking English in creative ways such as role playing
• Leading basic grammar lessons

Schedule: Volunteers will teach for about two hours in the afternoons, Monday-Friday. Groups will consist of 3-10 women. Volunteers have the option to join a morning volunteer program as well, such as teaching Buddhist monk students or teaching in a local kindergarten, dependent upon availability. Volunteers will spend between one to two hours each day planning the next day’s lesson.

HOLIDAYS: This program closes over the Christmas and New Year’s time frame period. Anyone enrolled in any of our educational projects in December, when they may be closed, will switch to the turtle conservation for no extra fee.

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!

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: Volunteers stay in a main volunteer house overlooking the beach and Indian Ocean, offering single-gender dorms with up to 4 people per room. The house has 11 bedrooms with fans, 11 bathrooms with hot water, and a private pool. It features eco-friendly solar heating and can host up to 52 volunteers at a time. AC rooms are available for an extra fee.

• • Private Room Upgrades: Private rooms are available for an additional fee, based on availability. These rooms are located in separate houses 50–100 meters from the main house and include AC in the upgrade cost. Volunteers with private rooms still have full access to all main house facilities.
  • Important Note: All applicants are welcome to upgrade based on availability. All applicants aged 40 and above will be required to upgrade to a private room for an additional fee.
  • Photos: The main volunteer house photos are shown on the project page above. Private room photos represent the general quality standards across the three separate houses. Detailed photos of your assigned house will be provided after trip confirmation.

Food: Three meals per day will be prepared by house chefs, using local, fresh ingredients. All meals for volunteers regardless of which accommodations assigned to your placement, are served at the main house. 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 throughout the day.

• Only Female volunteers may apply and be accepted to this program.
• Most nationalities can easily apply for an online ETA visa to enter Sri Lanka.
• Minimum age of 18
• National Police Clearance
• Proficient English
• All applicants aged 40 and above are required to upgrade to a private room for an additional fee

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 as well as 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