Voluntourism in Sri Lanka
If you're wondering where should you be volunteering in 2022, here's why you should volunteer abroad on an island like Sri Lanka.
To travel in one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet is the ideal opportunity to support sustainable tourism, combining your love of travel and a chance to be a better traveller. Ayu in the Wild is now offering 1 week to 1 month volunteering opportunities for fully vaccinated adventure travelers looking for more meaningful ways to travel, to assist rural children speak in English through Classrooms in the Wild - Education for Sustainable Developement - our long term social impact initiative launched in 2014. Voluntourism is an incredibly fulfilling alternative to traditional vacations. A one of a kind experience where you immerse in a local culture in a way you would not have the privilege to experience.
Where to go for Volunteering in Sri Lanka
Ayu in the Wild’s volunteering programme is based in the World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, just a short hop away from the famous Lion Rock and is for those who want to volunteer teaching abroad.
Why are volunteers required for this project :
Classrooms in the Wild is Ayu in the Wild’s community outreach project initiated by the Founders in 2014 to create opportunities for children through spoken English classes.
This is in a disconnected under-resourced community close to Sigiriya, where wild elephants roam and hardly anyone else speaks in English.
Weekly classes are held for 16-20 kids (aged 8 - 15 years) focusing on English conversation.
One of the challenges faced in making progress is the lack of opportunities for the kids to practice what they learn each week. Volunteers will spend time daily during their volunteer teaching period to build up English conversations with the children about simple topics.
Cultural and Environmental Immersion:
Based for a minimum of 1 week within Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, this volunteer program is a new experience-centric holiday to Sri Lanka where you will spend time speaking about simple topics with small batches of children from Classrooms in the Wild while immersing in the biodiversity, and local culture in an authentic way.
There will be farm to table zero km moments to enjoy regional cuisine, low environmental impact hikes along rural village roads learning about local lifestyles, immersion into meditation in the Dambulla Cave Temples, guided safaris to enjoy insights about wild elephants and guided trips to the first Royal Kingdom of Anuradhapura.
You will learn about Sri Lanka’s education system at a grassroots level, pick up snippets of Sinhalese and explore a culture rooted in a centuries old ancestry.
What a volunteer to teach spoken English through voluntourism should be aware of:
The money you’re spending on the trip including on lodging and food will support local eco-lodges sustain their operations after a dramatic business downturn.
You will focus on English conversation with children in a non-English speaking community.
Prior teaching and classroom experience under your belt would be essential for a volunteer staying for longer than 1 week. However, the shorter voluntourism opportunity is ideal for those with no prior experience in teaching.
It would be helpful to bring some teaching material from home but lessons will be planned in advance with you based on the duration of your volunteering period.
English conversation "classes" will not be in a formal classroom but it can be under a tree; whilst on a walk through village roads which are home to the kids; or while playing football or cricket with the kids.
A minimum 1 week volunteer teaching period is essential but we encourage you to volunteer for a long period to have a more lasting impact on the children.
Sri Lankans are hospitable by nature. Be prepared for invitations from parents and the children to share home cooked meals.
How to contact us: Email us at info@ayuinthewild.com or speak with the Founders on Whatsapp +94 77 248 1100
Next Steps to Your Voluntourism Adventure in Sri Lanka
Ready to volunteer to teach English abroad? Here’s what you need to know before contacting Ayu in the Wild.
Learn more about Classrooms in the Wild
Travel Tips to Sri Lanka - FAQs.
Why is it important to book with a Safe and Secure Certified Travel Agency
Check the best Sri Lanka Travel Experiences you can add on to your voluntourism holiday.
How to contact us: Email us at info@ayuinthewild.com or speak with the Founders on Whatsapp +94 77 248 1100
Sustainability is critical in any Ayu in the Wild curated trip and visitors booking with us are assured of travelling with an accredited, 100% local travel agency and tour operator committed to social and environmental awareness, paying fair wages to employee - all our staff have remained on full pay through out the pandemic, and a completely local approach to doing business through social impact off setting initiatives.
Safe & Secure Accredited Destination Management Company
Ayu in the Wild Holidays is a 100% Sri Lankan owner-run Destination Management Company curating sustainable slow luxury holidays to Sri Lanka since 2012, through the knowledge of the widely traveled Sri Lankan owners. Our unique itineraries help you explore safely with new health and safety guidelines and flexible booking terms. Our Covid Protocols have been ‘Safe & Secure’ certified by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and audited by KPMG Sri Lanka.