Do you love it, Sharing knowledge and get to know new cultures? Would you like to immerse yourself in a warm community and be welcomed there? Do you have a big heart for children, young people and their families and would you like to help them to build a better future through education? Our aid project in Akuressa, in the beautiful south of Sri Lanka, gives you the chance to get to know the country and its people in an authentic way and to provide active support. In a project that has been built from the ground up with heart and passion, you will be able to help through the Teaching different age groups Change lives sustainably, guide creative activities for young, inspired minds and enrich the everyday lives of small children with attention and affection, while gaining deep insights into the tropical environment and the local way of life. If you enjoy interacting with people, your heart is burning to get involved in a good cause and you want to experience real Sri Lankan life along the way, then this is the right place for you.
This project is a true Heart projectwhich was built up with a lot of love and passion. It all started with a local teacher who has seen many years of teaching, what difference access to education can make - and how many children and young people are still denied this privilege today.
In 2004, his hometown, Akuressa, was struck by a tragic disaster - a tsnumai devastated the entire landscape and it became Every helping hand needed for support and reconstruction. In such cases, international NGOs are always very dependent on the help of locals who are familiar with the local circumstances on the ground and ensure that support reaches where it is most urgently needed - and found just the right person who quickly took on a leadership role.
Once the first phase of the catastrophe had been overcome, however, it was clear that his support and commitment cannot stop here. And he decided to make a radical change and dedicate his life to improving the living situation in Akuressa. Especially in the south of Sri Lanka, many families are affected by poverty, children are often not even enrolled in school due to the difficult situation and have little chance of an education. This may be due to the availability and distance to educational institutions as well as the support that many children have to provide in various ways from a young age in order to contribute to the upkeep of the family. However, with limited or no access to education, they also have little chance of changing the situation of themselves and their families in the long term, as they have few to no opportunities to prepare for the labor market and take on jobs with adequate pay and opportunities for advancement.
As a teacher, the founder of the project knew all about these circumstances - and about the Key impact that education can have for a better future. After his will to change was awakened by his commitment during the crisis, he could not help but start at precisely this point. He has now been working closely with the entire local community for more than 20 years. And they were diligent! Over the years, more and more educational programs have been launched so that all parts of the community can have access to education. Anyone with a desire and motivation to learn is welcome!
In the meantime, offers have been created for all age groups:
In the Kindergarten not only are the youngest children already supported, but families are also helped with childcare and given the opportunity to take on part-time jobs and support the family's income - without having to worry about children crawling around. In the established Elementary school children between the ages of 6 and 10 are taught the basics of reading, writing, mathematics and English, with a focus on creativity and social interaction. Also in the secondary schoolwhich includes children aged 10 to 18, focuses not only on traditional subjects but also on promoting self-confidence and the personal development of young people. A special program is also the English lessons specifically for monks. Knowledge of English substantially extends the reach and training opportunities of monks and even gives them the chance to take part in international exchanges and get to know new countries.
However, the heart of the educational programs, which also require the most support from volunteers, are the Evening courses for adults. These are intended to provide access to education, at least retrospectively, for those who had little or no opportunity as children and young people. The lessons focus primarily on English and English conversation in order to Opportunities on the labor market of the ever-growing tourism sector. However, all programs are not only about learning at school, but also about promoting Creativity, self-confidence and intercultural exchange.
But that's not all - there is now also a Children's homewhich aims to provide a safe place and lots of support and affection for children who need it most. Many other projects, such as the construction of an old people's home to provide good care for the oldest members of the community, are already being planned. And support is needed for all these programs and projects!
Immerse yourself in a completely new world, where inquisitive people are waiting to exchange ideas with you, and also give you wisdom and insights that you will never forget. Be a part of the change, help break down barriers, open doors to education for those who need it most and help provide an important opportunity to learn and grow.
Whether it's English lessons, creative workshops, sport or music - your ideas and talents are in demand and very welcome. With your support and enthusiasm, you not only give the local people an opportunity to exchange ideas and acquire new knowledge, but also Motivation, self-confidence and enjoyment of learning!
The areas of responsibility in this project are as diverse as the project itself, its areas of responsibility and the people you will be working with. The founder of the project greatly appreciates new input and is looking forward to you contributing your ideas! Every perspective brings something new, aspects that can be improved or added. There are no limits to your creativity! So that you can get your bearings and come up with ideas, you are welcome to start with the various programs after your arrival, i.e. Kindergarten, primary and secondary school before you decide which areas you would like to get involved in. Of course, you can also visit the children's home and take a look at the childcare options!
In any case, you should be prepared to work on the Evening classes for all age groupsduring the week, always from 15:00 - 17:00 take place. These also offer adults in particular the opportunity to express their Improve your English skills and thus actively increase their chances on the job market. In Sri Lanka, tourism is one of the most influential sectors and therefore a good command of English is a prerequisite for getting a good job in the tourism sector. Your support can therefore create real change and influence the lives of the participants in the long term. Don't worry, you will be provided with a syllabus to prepare you perfectly for your role and you will have active support in preparing the teaching units. The founder and manager of the project is particularly keen to encourage exchanges between previous and current volunteers so that you can directly draw on experience and established knowledge. So you don't have to face the challenge alone and have a wide network of helpful, committed people to support you every step of the way!
Apart from the evening courses, you are free to choose whether you would like to continue to focus on the English lessons or want to expand your experience to other areas. For example, you can use the Classes for children of different age groups (elementary school 6 to 10 years, secondary school 10 to 18 years) or specifically for Monks or support you in other units, such as in Math, art, music or sports lessons contribute. For example, you could introduce important topics such as environmental protection, tolerance or nutrition and come up with exercises and games on these topics so that they are better remembered.
All teaching units are designed not only to promote academic learning, but also creativity, self-confidence and intercultural exchange. Accordingly, you can also incorporate a lot of creativity into everyday school life or even Dance or painting lessons with the children.
Are you artistically talented yourself? You are also welcome to develop projects for the Design and embellishment of the premises or carry them out with the support of the children! If you prefer your own artistic creations to remain temporary, you can, for example Organize playing timesYou can lead sports and movement games or think up new games together with the children. Are you an organizational person? Then you can also help with the Organization of special events such as excursions or events. As you can see, everyone has the opportunity to contribute their own strengths and interests and put them into practice in a meaningful way! You and your skills are welcome to develop to the full.
Akuressa is located in the south of Sri Lanka and is surrounded by lush greenery. rice fields, Tea plantations and tropical nature. The project location is not far from the city center and is easy to reach with the bicycles provided.
Akuressa itself is still authentic, quiet and far away from mass tourism - Your chance to experience the real Sri Lanka off the beaten track! Despite its rustic charm, Akuressa has all the necessary everyday amenities such as banks, hospitals and ample shopping facilities. At the same time, you are only a short drive from beautiful beaches such as Weligama, Mirissa or Matara - perfect for wonderful weekend getaways. If you've had enough of the beach and are looking for adventure, a trip to the nearby Sinharaja rainforest or, a little further on, the impressive Yala and Udawalawa National Parks to you!
But the cultural offerings in the area are also impressive. Sweeten your everyday life with a visit to the colorful markets in the surrounding area. Whether you are interested in history or not - a visit to the fascinating historic temples you should definitely not miss out on. The Buddhist tradition is deeply rooted in the area and the temples offer a breathtaking glimpse into past worlds. If you are lucky, you can also enjoy the unforgettable experience of one of the impressive traditional festivals to take home with you!
Most outstanding, however, is the Warm hospitality of the region. In combination with the cultural diversity and proximity to the sea, it will make your stay unique!
For your participation you need No previous pedagogical knowledge. It will give you a Syllabus for orientation and you will always be accompanied during the lessons. All you need is a good Portion of motivation and enthusiasmget involved in the local community and make a difference with your support! As you will be working closely with the local population Respect, cultural sensitivity and willingness to adapt important. As volunteers enjoy a high reputation as "teachers" in the village community, a Respectful demeanor and culturally appropriate clothing provided. In view of this special role model role in the community, we urgently request that you refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages or nicotine within the community.
English is the working language in the project, so you should have Advanced knowledge of English and conversational skills have a good command of English. It can happen that the children and adults speak very little English, so patience and empathy are required in the lessons.
The volunteers in the project have a whole floor in the house of the founder of the project. It is a Independent apartment inclusive Kitchen and three bathroomsin which a total of eight volunteers can be accommodated. You either have a bedroom to yourself or share it with another person.
You are free to decide to what extent you would like to be involved in family life, but you will definitely be welcomed as a member of the family. Catering is included and preparing meals together gives you the unique opportunity to learn Sri Lankan specialties! We always eat together in the evening and breakfast and lunch depend entirely on the respective timetable. If you ever get a craving for German cuisine, you can always use the Communal kitchen use. Shopping facilities can be reached in a few minutes by bike, and if you like, you can also surprise your hosts with a European meal.
Founder of Wanderworld Travel
Advice and travel preparation
Sign up for a non-binding wanderlust consultation with us and we'll talk about all your questions, wishes and concerns.
Let us plan your trip to Costa Rica together. Without obligation and free of charge.
MO - FR 09:00-18:00
Or apply here for a consultation appointment by phone or video call.
