WORK DESCRIPTION:
You'll have the opportunity to teach at a variety of local schools, all of which are in desperate need of help. The schools have about 400 to 500 pupils aged 5 to 16 years old, with approx. 35 per class. Their English is generally poor and you'll work with all age groups, from 6 to 18 years old.
You may also have the chance to help out at CECO – a UK-run computer training school. The purpose of the Centre is to give a helping hand to adults and school leavers, to enable them to get very necessary computer skills which in turn enables them to get better jobs.
Sri Lanka Education Background:
As a result of an ill-considered change in the education system in the previous generation, the standard of English teaching in Sri Lanka has dropped dramatically. Despite this, a good level of English is of the utmost importance for jobseekers – thus the poor of Sri Lanka are placed at a severe disadvantage when compared to more privileged children. Travellers volunteers can make a real difference to the lives of the children and adults they teach.
ACCOMMODATION:
Travellers has a traditional Sri Lankan house in Ja-Ela. It has marble floors and 13 bathrooms! It is spacious and comfortable, with a garden, several balconies, two lounge rooms and many bedrooms. You will most likely share a room with other Travellers volunteers. There is a TV and DVD player for evening entertainment, in the upstairs lounge area and with the latest DVD copies just a pound to buy locally, there is usually something to watch!
Teaching, Work Experience and the Colombo Zoo placements are all based in Ja-Ela and so the house is often full and offers a lively, sociable atmosphere – there is usually no shortage of friends to spend weekends at the beach with! Ja-Ela volunteers also have the advantage of easy access to Colombo’s facilities, major bus stations and also nearby Hotel's that allow you to use their fantastic facilities (such as the swimming pool) for a small fee. The hotels are all only a short trip away from the volunteer house: perfect for those lazy afternoons!
There is a local live-in cook at the Travellers house who will prepare your breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, throughout the week. The food is usually local cuisine which means lots of curry, rice and salads. Whether a curry fan or not, you will be by the time you return as Sri Lankan food is delicious! You can buy snacks and treats, including a growing variety of Western tastes (chocolate!) from the local store. There is also a KFC in Ja-Ela for those who need a fix of home.
