NP S3 | NICE-24S-0806A | 2024-08-06 - 2024-08-15 | MANU,SOCI | Age: 18 - 99

This project is actively working for SDG 1 (No poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), organized together with Green Volunteers for Green Future (GV4GF) since 2012 (since 2023 in this place!). The total area was a tea plantation until Independence (in 1948) and after that government took the administration. Some parts of the estates were abandoned and some parts were distributed among people. During the development of hydropower projects in the nearby area, many lost their properties and were relocated to this area. Tea plantation is the lifeline of most people and still, some people work in fields. There are 3 tea factories still functioning. Very few people are working in the city or for the government. This area is not a popular destination among the locals or foreigners because of the difficulty in accessing common facilities. We got an opportunity to discuss with an officer who coordinates livelihood development activities of the village to the regional secretariat office and he suggested we visit and have programs with villagers.

Work: The project consists of two parts, activities with youths and visits community. For three days we are working with youths in the village, youths in the vocational training center, and the orphanage. After that we visit to meet a family, members of the self-help group, kids at the kindergarten, etc. With youths, volunteers are going to share their lives, play games, etc. During the second part, sharing volunteers’ stories and culture with family/village level organization members and support to do their daily work. On the last day morning volunteers visit the village kindergarten/village temple/church/Kovil.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers are going to stay at a village house with limited facilities. Electricity, clean drinking water, beds, pillows, and toilets are available. The Internet facility is good. But no Wi-Fi. Clothes can be washed by hand and can be hung outside to dry.

Location: Nawalapitiya

Location and Leisure: Located 114 km (and 157 km via Gampola) from Colombo. This is a rural area and is located among mountains. 590 m above sea level. People are mainly tea plantation workers working at the tea factories. Few families depend on agriculture, especially on black pepper and vegetable cultivation. It is close to two ancient kingdoms called Gampola (17 km) and Kandy (46 km). This area has beautiful landscapes, mountains, ancient temples, etc. Cardamom and Vanilla are also common crops here. Some big houses, constructed by British officers as well as rich people who lived here can be seen.

Train/Bus station: Colombo - Volunteers need to arrive at Katunayake Bandaranayake International Airport by the end of Aug. 05 and can leave there after 20:00 of the last days. 6 hours by bus to the site. You will meet at the Colombo Government bus terminal in the morning on the first day.

Requirements: Necessary = High motivation to work with rural people, adapt/ respect to local culture and rules. Desirable=language skills of Sri Lankan, experience of joining /coordinating international workcamps, some experience with agriculture, knowing some games for youths, children, etc. 220/ 180 EUR for 10/ 6 days to be paid on your arrivals. 20 EUR less for repeaters of GV4GF workcamps and vols. from less expensive countries. There is optional service of 50 EUR to pick up at the airport and one night stay in the guest house, following day breakfast and moving to the meeting point are included.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 220 EUR

Local SDGs (2030 goals) of the family, Nawalapitiya and Sri Lanka