Project Description:

 

This is a dynamic institution full of activities. This Centre is headed by Rev. Brother Noel and is a Roman Catholic Organisation. This institution was started in 1960 and presently engages 40 Teachers and Instructors working in the 05 locations in different parts of the country. The Center at Ragama acts as the Headquarters.Both Buddhist and Catholic children are receiving services at these centers.The Central province Boys’ town is built in the picturesque hill country of Nuwaraeliya. (1889 meters above sea level) and is situated only 1 and a half kilometer from the town center. Nuwaraeliya is also called “Little England” referring to the outskirts of the town which still keep the atmosphere of a misplaced British village with hedges,Rose gardens and red-roofed bungalows.The town itself is in the middle of the world famous Ceylon tea growing country, with tea plantations and estates as far as the eye sees. As it is located so high above sea-level, the climate is very mild and not so hot as the lower parts of Sri Lanka.The children receive training in technology and animal husbandry at this center. They undergo a four month training here before they go back to the Ragama Center.The boys who have no families , or no place to stay ,are provided with residential facilities in homes built on the land belonging to the center.Each boy is provided with a machine to train on, and whatever they produce brings in an income for the maintenance of the institution. The boys are provided with training in welding which also brings them a steady income. The money that the boys earned is deposited in their bank accounts.This is a unique institution. This center has trained several batches of boys over a period of 40 years, and saved hundreds of poor youth from failing difficult situations and having conflicts with the law.

 

Project Activities:

• Slums & Shanties

• Pre School Education

• Teacher Training

• Diploma course for Pre-School teachers.

• Health and Nutrition

• Program for malnourished children

• pregnant and lactating mothers.

• A daily feeding programme.Vocational Training

 

• Location             : Ragama

• Start dates         : Every week on a Sunday (this is flexible)

• Project                : Open Year Around

• Duration              : 4 - 12 weeks, possible to extend (max. 6 months)Availability :

• Spaces                : Available

 

Typical Day in School:

• 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. School opens,

• 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. English Teaching

• 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Rest Time

• 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. English Teaching

• 10:15 a.m. - 10:25 a.m Snack Time (fresh fruit or crackers w/cheese, milk, juice)

• 10:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. English Teaching

• 11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Rest Time

• 11:45 a.m – 12: 45 a.m English Teaching

• 12:45 a.m - 01:30 p. m ( Free Time ) School Finish

 

Above schedule may vary school to school, this is flexible.

 

Making a Difference –

 

Volunteering in Sri Lanka!There’s no shortage of organizations advertising teaching positions in Sri Lanka and greater South Asia, and many of these place teachers in well-funded private schools where the teachers end up feeling more like showpieces than meaningful contributors. Nothing drains a volunteer’s resolve quite so effectively. We actively seek schools that have no foreign teachers on staff. These are financially strapped public schools that are thrilled at the opportunity to welcome native English speakers.

 

Volunteer Tasks:

• To work closely with the staff under the guidance of the Director.

• To teach the children English language, German or French

• Work with different sets of children in helping them to get over the difficulties they face during working.

• Provide recreation and sports to the boys.

• Help them to design new and innovative programs

• Help them to keep the dormitories cleanHelp them with the class work

 

Requirements :

• 18 + years of age•

• Native English Speakers/Near Native English Speakers•

• Good health•

• Being open-minded, adaptable and flexible•

• Respecting the local culture, religion and customs•

• Completion of high school/secondary school is required•

• You must hold a full police check from your home country

 

English Volunteer Qualifications:

 

The successful applicant will:

• Hold an undergraduate degree or a TEFL certificate

• Have experience of informal and community education 

• Be able demonstrate an ability to work independently 

• Be able demonstrate a passion for using education for development•

• Have the ability to successfully manage their time and prioritise tasks

• Be fluent in English.

• Be capable and comfortable adapting to life in a least developed country with sometimes basic living conditions

• Be able to adjust to life in another culture and a foreign language, and be able to work at all times with cultural sensitivity 

• Ideally have previous experience living, working or travelling in a developing country, though is not essential

• Be able to financially support themselves.

 

Accommodation:

You will be accommodate in Host Family or in Hostel of the premises or elsewhere close to the project, within walking distance or use a foot cycle ( will be provided ),Three times meals will available in Host Family as well as in the Hostel, tea and snack is provided in sometime. Your will have to share a room with other volunteers or you will have your own room according the availability. Basic bathroom facilities in good condition, pipe borne water or well water, in some areas you will be advised to drink bottled mineral water for your safety, most part of Sri Lanka well water is very good for drinking as well as the pipe water, Electricity, Internet are widely available in Sri Lanka,

Hospital, Banks (ATM), Hotels, Restaurant are available in every corner of Sri Lanka, western Union money transfer facility is in each and every bank in Island wide.Big shopping malls with western type food items, good condition of road for you to travel, most of people can communicate in English, you can visit surrounding touristic places when you have a free time to visit. Please avoid travelling in the dark or in the night, always use public transport, it is cheap and safe, do not travel with un known person or vehicle, if you travel by Trishaw(tuk tuk)Get onto metered Taxi, Please take care of yourself, please always get our assistance and advice before you do need to travel anywhere in Sri Lanka, if you feel or suspicious of anything , please call us immediately , we will take necessary action within seconds, as your safety is our priority.

 

Project Fees include:

• Visa paperwork (for projects over 24 weeks)

• Airport pick up / Drop off

• Accommodation during orientation and entire project time

• Breakfast every morning

• Lunch every work day

• Seven days Orientation

• Free sim Card

• Sri Lanka travel Guide

• Map of Sri Lanka.

• Onsite Coordinator

• 24 hour emergency assistance

• Written record of service completion (for volunteers that successfully complete their project).

 

Project Fees Do Not Include:

• Travel to/from Home to suburbs.

• Sri Lanka visa costs (if applicable)Visa extensions

• International Medical Insurance

• Cost of criminal police background check (required for this project)

• Transport from Project to Project  

• Meals on weekends.