Workcamp Details

Description: CCH (Center for Children's Happiness) is a child centered service organization, providing multi-disciplinary services for the wellbeing , protection and development of the children. Child centered community development is the primary approach of CCH to ensure the rights of children through the empowerment of families, and the development of a child -friendly environment. The core offer includes integrated early learning, care with enjoyment, family support, health services through network, and outreach services to children from village level children clubs. This children’s center is a model of multi-agency and partnership working. It is aimed to provide quality and natural learning spots and day time relaxation from the stress for children who are in such needs.

Type of Work: 1) Introduce organic home gardening and tree planting at household and community level to help the families developing their home gardening to address their current economic challenges. 2) Build up an open community theater and performing place for the children in the community for their performances, gathering and engagements. 3) Facilitate a language learning program (English and Sinhala) for 5 days in the 4 schools around the area. 4) Forest Camping – One day forest camping is planned since this Smile land is located near to the Chundikkulam National Park. This can be facilitated as a special activity with the local volunteers who can come and participate in the Forest camping to explore nature.

Study Theme: Interculturality, environment, sustainable communities, education

Accommodation: CCH -Smile Land has an office building that can be converted for accommodation.You will receive basic accommodation on the site in the CCH facilities (be prepared to sleep on the floor with a mattress). Outdoor toilet and bathing facility is available. Basic camping facilities can be expected since it is rural community space. Be aware that the facilities might not be like the ones you are used to. The food will be mostly vegetarian : rice and vegetables cooked by volunteers with the help of Villages.

Language: In Sri Lanka 75% of the population speaks Sinhalese and 25% speaks Tamil. The workcamp will take place in the Northern province where people speak mostly Tamil. But we will use mostly English during the camp and some people will also speak Sinhalese.

Requirements: Please plan to bring a mosquito net, mosquito lotion and a sleeping bag or sheets. You must prepare to sleep on the floor.
Bring clothes which cover your body fully as culturally they are more accepted. For physical work it is good to have a cap, long sleeve shirt, shoes and gloves. (It is also good to have one set of clothes in white to wear for the temple visit.) Obviously don’t forget your su

Approximate Location: The workcamp will take place in a local community in Northern Province. You will receive more details about the location if you apply to the project.

Notes: Visa cost for one month = 37 USD (easy online procedure to make at least one week before coming) Travel costs to the workcamp site 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).