Workcamp Details

Description: We are going to work in a school where there are children from different villages and communities. The population of these villages is marginalized by the other communities because of poor sanitary facilities and education. Young people don't have the motivation and don't see the point of going to school every day. The challenge for the volunteers will be to organize educational activities for the children and youth in the village, in order to motivate them to attend school everyday. We will try to improve their English skills, and encourage them to express themselves. Our objectives are to bring knowledge, solidarity and motivation to these young people between 13 and 16 years old. We will also do some physical work to set up our living space.

Type of Work: Supporting educational activities for children (hygiene, english, mathematics, health). Physical work : set up our living space

Study Theme: Christianity and fishing communities, Micro credit industry and it's impact on financially illiterate and marginalized communities in Sri Lanka. Buddhism and Village life, Rice farming, Human-elephant conflict.

Accommodation: You will receive basic accommodation in the community hall in the fishing village. Be aware that the facilities might not be like the ones you are used to : outside toilet / no running water / limited electricity supply / limited mobile phone signal. We will have a break during the workcamp, with a free day and a return to the Inspire village to clean our clothes, and take a shower. The food will be mostly vegetarian : rice and vegetables cooked by volunteers with the help of villages.

Language: Sinhalese and Tamil are local languages that can be spoken between national volunteers. English will be the common language for both local and international volunteers, and the management team.

Requirements: Bring : a mosquito net, mosquito lotion, a sleeping bag or sheets, sunscreen and a personal pharmacy. Physical work : a cap, long sleeve shirt, shoes and gloves. Provide clothes which cover your body fully and white clothing for cultural reasons.

Finally bring some pictures of your family, your friend and your home, things to share your culture such as traditional clothes from your region.

Approximate Location: Sri Lanka, Northern central province, Anuradhapura district.

Notes: Visa cost for one month = 37 USD (easy online procedure to make at least one week before coming) Travel costs to Anuradhapura are not covered.

Sri Lanka is going through a major economical and political crisis these days affecting the daily life of Sri Lankans : increase of food, gas, petrol, electricity / power cuts / protests that can sometimes lead to imposed curfew by the government. Don’t worry, you will always be safe with SCI members. Also the workcamps are situated in small rural communities, far from the potential protests of the cities. Just keep in mind that this could affect your travel a little, after/before the workcamp (even if most of the time the curfew doesn’t apply to tourists).