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.

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.

• Only Female volunteers may apply and be accepted to this program.
• Online ETA entry visa. We will send you full instructions following application.
• Minimum age of 18
• Police clearance form
• Proficiency in English

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