Kandy - Education and Teaching Volunteer

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. About 115 km from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level. Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. This bustling market town is rich in cultural diversity and has plenty to offer to the tourists from songs dances and handicrafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy was a royal capital and the last stronghold of the Kandyan kings against foreign powers, holding out against them for about 300 years. The two main Buddhist Chapters are based here and formed the last center of independent Buddhist thought during colonial times.

The project aims to give children a good education in order to give them a better and secure future.

Please specify which teaching area is of interest when booking, but this will be subject to availability.

1) Preschool/Kindergarten
Your project is to work as an assistant teacher at one of our many Kindergarten schools. This program helps children in the villages improve their English language skills. You will primarily be teaching English. You may be called upon to help teach drama, music and foreign languages. You would also assist other teachers and staff and may have to create teaching plans, etc. All the institutions are well managed and are supervised by officers from government and private institutions.

All the institutions are over 5 years old. They all share the common values and aim to create a better future for the kids. Some of them provide free education too..

2) Village Kids
In Sri Lanka, obtaining an English education is quite expensive and most of the children in villages are not able to attend private tuition classes to improve their English knowledge. Therefore, under this project, you will be teaching English to children in villages after their school hours. The classes will take place either at a community center or at a home of a parent who would like to provide space to conduct the classes. Since this project will be carried out only for 1 to 2 hours in the afternoon, it is suggested that you combine this with another project, which takes place in the morning. You will have time for lesson planning after lunch.

3) Teaching English to Adults
Teaching English to adults program is aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of English of adults. The aim of this program is to enhance their confidence and knowledge of English. Proficiency in English is one of the essential requirements in acquiring a suitable employment in Sri Lanka. Yet formal school education has not been successful in producing individuals who are competent in using English. Therefore, we strive to teach individuals who are in need of assistance to learn English.

During normal days the durations of the projects are as below:
1) Teaching Village Kids - 15:00 to 17:00
2) Teaching for adults - According to the time requested by the community and this can be either in the morning or in the afternoon for 02 hours
3) Teaching at preschool - 08:00 to 12:30

During school holidays only the following options will be available and the durations are as follows
1) Teaching village kids - This can be a full day project based on the request from the villagers and this can be for 05hrs
2) Teaching for adults - According to the time requested by the community and this can be either in the morning or in the afternoon for 02 hours
3) Teaching at preschool - will not be availablee

We always try to cover 5 hours of work for a day and this is the main reason we offer combined projects from the above.

Introduction Day
Your project starts with an introduction day on the first Monday including a tour of the area surrounding the accommodation, available facilities, cultural "do's and don'ts", safety concerns as well as some basic local language lessons.

Monday to Friday
Preschool Teaching
Primarily teaching English, but also teach drama, games, music, art and foreign languages
Encouraging children in academic work and promoting all round development of the child
Assisting teachers and other staff
Creating teaching plans

Village Kids
Preparing lesson plans
Teaching English to children
Organising cultural sharing activities
Engaging in games and other interactive activities to improve the children's spoken and written English abilities

Teaching English to Adults
Teaching to write and speak English
Improving the students' communications skills in English

You may be responsible for planning activities and you are welcome to bring small supplies especially for the kids to help them learn better. Individuals interested in this project must be flexible, independent and willing to take initiative. Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The project is closed on public holidays. During school holidays in only the following options will be available and the durations are as follows.

Placements Not Available
Teaching at preschool

Placements Available
Teaching Village Kids - This can be a full day project during the holidays based on the requests from the villagers. Maximum 5hrs per day.
Teaching for adults -This can be a full day project during the holidays based on the requests, this placement can take place either in the morning or in the afternoon for 02 hours.

2024
16-17 September
17 & 31 October
15 November
14 & 25 December

2025
13-14 January
04, 12 & 26 February
13 & 31 March
12-15 & 18 April
01 & 12-13 May
10 June
10 July
08 August
05 & 17 September
07 & 20 October
05 November
04 & 25 December

**New Year Holiday Week
The Orientation Week will be operating, but you will need to get your own transportation to the project.

School Holidays
The project is also closed during school holidays. Please note, however, that the school holidays can be changed by the government without prior notice

2025
01-13 January 2025
01-30 April 2025
July to mid-August 2025
Mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Travel & medical insurance
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Passport copy required on sign-up
Copy of online Visa approval
Participants with body tattoos need to cover them and those who have visible piercings (not ears) must take the ring/studs/etc out while at the placement

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.

This program can also include a Culture Week which is highly recommended but not mandatory - just inform your travel advisor if you wish to include it. This week introduces you to the culture and people of Sri Lanka. You will be given an orientation and taught about safety, transport, religion and told about other culturally acceptable practices. You will visit several temples including the Temple of the Tooth, have an Ayurvedic massage and witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance. The Culture Week also includes language lessons, a Sri Lankan cooking lesson and learning Sri Lankan traditions by practice. Apart from all the sights you take in, this week will also have you eating lots of delicious Sri Lankan food.