Sri Lanka – Women’s English Literacy Program

The project is based in Galle, a picturesque city on Sri Lanka‘s southern coast, known for its lush landscapes and rich history. Volunteers stay near Unawatuna, a charming beachside town renowned for its tranquil sands and turquoise waters. Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant markets. Its proximity to stunning beaches makes it a haven for surfers, snorkelers, and relaxation seekers. The area blends traditional Sri Lankan charm with modern conveniences, including boutique cafes and shops. Nearby, volunteers can explore turtle conservation sites, rainforests, and cultural landmarks. Galle provides the perfect backdrop for a rewarding and memorable experience.

About the Program
This initiative addresses the educational needs of rural Sri Lankan women by providing them with essential English language and life skills. Participants mostly come from middle-class and lower-class Muslim communities and face significant barriers to employment and education. Through this program, volunteers play a pivotal role in breaking down these barriers, empowering women to achieve personal growth and professional success.

About the Volunteer Work
Volunteers teach basic English and facilitate life skills workshops in small, supportive group settings. Classes focus on spoken English, grammar, and practical vocabulary, delivered through interactive methods such as role-plays and games. Volunteers also contribute to skill-building activities like computer literacy and public speaking.

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
• Facilitate life skills and soft skills workshops.
• Engage participants in extracurricular activities like table tennis and field visits.
• Collaborate with local staff and adapt lessons based on group needs.

Schedule: Volunteers will teach basic English to women in small to mid-sized groups. Sessions are typically held in the afternoons, although they may occasionally take place in the mornings based on circumstances. Each class lasts about 2-3 hours and is conducted in a close-knit, supportive environment with groups ranging from 5 to 20 rural women. Classes are scheduled four days a week, with one additional day dedicated to lesson planning. On this day, volunteers prepare session plans and materials. Flexibility is essential to adapt to changing local needs. An education coordinator will accompany volunteers to the project site, providing guidance during lesson delivery and planning.

Local Achievements: We are excited to announce the opening of our new Community Centre, made possible through the incredible support of our international volunteers. Located in the heart of Galle town, this facility serves as a free school and support center for the greater Galle community, which hosts our educational volunteer programs. This milestone represents a significant step forward in uplifting the Galle community and stands as a testament to the dedication of our volunteers from around the world.

HOLIDAYS: Available for 12 months of the year (Jan, Feb, March, April, May, June, July, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec); partial availability for 3 months of the year (Jan, April & Dec). The 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 Wi-Fi in the volunteer house during their stay.

Laundry: Laundry services are available for an additional fee.

 Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in one of two houses based on availability: 1. Beach-side volunteer house, conveniently located just across the road from Unawatuna Beach and 100 meters from the other volunteer house, this property features 13 bedrooms (3-6 people per room), each with a small en-suite bathroom. The house includes a dining area, garden, lounge, and terrace. Volunteers staying here also have access to the common pool at the other house. 2. Original 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.

• • Private Room Upgrades: Private rooms are available for an additional fee, based on availability. These rooms are 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: Volunteers are provided three meals daily, prepared by house chefs using fresh, local ingredients. Meals are served at the main house, featuring tropical fruits and a salad bar during most lunches and dinners. Dietary preferences, including vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, and lactose-free options, 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 – Maximum 60
• 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, 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!

Surf & Yoga Week
Join our 1-week Surf & Yoga program near Kabalana Beach in Ahangama, one of Sri Lanka’s top surfing destinations. Running from October to June, this program offers 7 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfasts, 6 healthy dinners, professional surf coaching (including 5 lessons, 3 guided sessions, a theoretical class, and video analysis), 5 yoga sessions, and unlimited access to surf equipment and yoga throughout your stay. Participants also benefit from private round-trip transportation between the volunteer house and the camp, along with optional activities like karaoke, game nights, barbecues, and sunset gatherings. Experience the perfect combination of surf, yoga, and a vibrant beachside community.

Additional Recommendations:

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