Childcare Volunteer Program In Kandy - Sri Lanka

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Share We need your help to rebuild Sri Lanka, apply today! Childcare Volunteer Project in Sri Lanka

Purpose

Provide a safe space for children to learn

Start dates

Programs start every Monday

Duration

Choose from 1-12 weeks

Volunteer hours

Up to 5 hours a day

Age

Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Accommodation

Volunteer house Apply for free Ask a question On this page:

Overview

Requirements

Gallery

Arrival & Orientation

Volunteer Schedule

Accommodation & Meals

Pricing

Add-ons & Experiences

Entry & Visa Requirements

Reviews

Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Overview Gallery Arrival Schedule Accommodation & Meals Pricing Add-ons & Experiences Reviews Top

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  • Overview
  • Requirements
  • Gallery
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This program is ideal for:

Energetic, caring volunteers who like working with children and are willing to help out with a wide range of tasks that may be required by the center. You’ll be working with local teachers so no experience is necessary.

Project details

Excited to be a Childcare volunteer in Sri Lanka? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to assist at a childcare center in Kandy. Volunteers gain experience in childcare while giving overworked local staff an extra hand and helping them provide high quality care and attention to local kids.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Childcare centers can be busy environments when they’re well resourced, but when they’re understaffed they just have to do the best they can with what they have. Volunteers are needed in a range of different childcare placements in Kandy to give children more attention and ease the burden on local staff.

As a volunteer you will play an important role assisting local teachers and providing them a helping hand in the classroom. To help young children learn, practice their English and enjoy their introduction to basic educational concepts, you will be using your creative skills through songs, dances, games, and repetition exercises. You’ll be in a structured environment with children ranging in age from 2 to 6 years old. By providing attention and care, you can help build a positive and loving atmosphere in the centers, fostering development and confidence in the children. You can assist with:

• Assisting local teachers with English lessons
• Arranging games, activities, arts and crafts
• Talking, playing and singing with children
• Sharing your language and culture
• Washing clothes
• Cleaning up
• Gardening

In the morning, you will be expected to volunteer there from 8:30 - 12:30 AM and in the afternoon you will do some lesson planning and preparation for the following day or help with another afternoon placement in Kandy.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Childcare volunteering in Kandy with IVHQ?

When you volunteer with children in Sri Lanka you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

• Supporting local staff to provide quality childcare
• Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
• Developing your communication skills
• Gaining childcare experience
• Immersing yourself in Sri Lankan culture
• Discovering Sri Lanka’s rich history

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 16 or 17 years or over to participate on this project, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian, in which case the minimum age is 3.

Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.

To respect the local culture and customs in Sri Lanka, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.”

Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply for free Ask a question

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Sri Lanka photo gallery

IVHQ Childcare project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Construction and Renovation project IVHQ Women's Education project IVHQ Elephant Welfare project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Teaching project IVHQ Women's Education project IVHQ Elephant Welfare project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Construction and Renovation project IVHQ Teaching project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Elephant Welfare project IVHQ Women's Education project IVHQ Childcare project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Elephant Welfare project IVHQ Construction and Renovation project IVHQ Women's Education project IVHQ Construction and Renovation project IVHQ Teaching project IVHQ Women's Education project IVHQ Elephant Welfare project IVHQ Teaching project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Elephant Welfare project IVHQ Childcare project IVHQ Teaching project IVHQ Women's Education project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Teaching project IVHQ Elephant Welfare project IVHQ Construction and Renovation project IVHQ Turtle Conservation project IVHQ Construction and Renovation project Typical volunteer classroom Typical volunteer transport Exploring during an IVHQ weekend Exploring Kandy Markets during an IVHQ weekend Exploring Kandy during an IVHQ weekend Exploring by train during an IVHQ weekend Exploring Kandy during an IVHQ weekend Exploring Sri Lanka during an IVHQ weekend Visiting Sigiriya during an IVHQ weekend Visiting Sigiriya during an IVHQ weekend Visiting Sigiriya during an IVHQ weekend Exploring Kandy Markets during an IVHQ weekend Exploring Kandy Fish Markets during an IVHQ weekend Exploring Kandy Markets during an IVHQ weekend

Academic course credit

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Recommended online TEFL course

Recommended online TEFL course

We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.

Get TEFL certified online

Location

Location

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is an island nation set off the south-east coast of India. Famous for its tea plantations, cinnamon exports and cricket rivalries, it also boasts a vast array of beaches, Buddhas and big beasts like elephants and whales.

While Sri Lanka is a well-developed country which has made great strides towards making sure its residents don’t live in extreme poverty, there are still many places outside of the main centers where people struggle to access good quality education, healthcare and earn a decent living to support themselves and their families. Volunteers can help in these areas by providing important support to local initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for people in these disadvantaged areas.

Most of IVHQ’s Sri Lanka volunteer projects are based in the small, sacred city of Kandy.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Colombo on Sunday between 5am and 8pm to receive an airport pick up.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) on Sunday. Your airport pick-up on this day is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

After you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Kandy. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the Sunday night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Sri Lanka prior to your volunteer program, you can meet the local team at the airport in Colombo on the Sunday before your program begins, or make your own way directly to the local team’s office in Kandy.

Orientation is run by the local team in Kandy, beginning on the Monday morning of your start date. There are two options for orientation:

One-day Orientation: This provides you with all the key information you need, plus the chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing. It includes an introduction to Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan customs, rules and expectations, safety in Sri Lanka, travel opportunities in Sri Lanka, an introduction to your volunteer project and placement, Kandy city tour, cultural show and basic Sinhala language lessons.

5-day Culture Week: This is a fantastic way to start your volunteer experience in Sri Lanka and gives you the time to dive deeper into the culture and activities. It will include everything on the One-Day Orientation as well as the following activities:

• Visit a local spice and herbal garden
• Herbal Massage
• Visit to a local tea factory and Ceylon Tea tasting
• Sri Lankan cooking lesson
• Visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth
• Lantern making
• Sri Lankan Dancing lesson
• Kandy City tour
• Gem Museum
• Sri Lankan Food Tasting
• Language and Culture Lesson
• Visit to the White Buddha
• Henna Painting with locals

If you wish to join the Culture Week, you can add this to your itinerary via the ‘add on and tours’ section of your pre-departure checklist once you have submitted your application.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays - A typical volunteer day is as follows:

7:30 AM	Breakfast at the volunteer house.
8:00 AM	Volunteers go to the placement and help.
12:30 PM	Volunteer break for lunch.
2:00 PM	Volunteers plan for their project the following day or helping on other projects if available.
5:30 PM	Dinner at the volunteer house.

Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.

Weekends

During the weekends, volunteers are free to relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Kandy and Sri Lanka. Kandy itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has an exciting selection of things to see and do. You can visit a number of beautiful and ornate temples including the Temple of the Tooth - an important shrine housing a canine tooth said to belong to the Buddha; wander in the grand and impressive Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya; tour a tea plantation and factory; sample the tasty and widely-regarded local cuisine; or take a walk up to the biggest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka and be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of the city. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to destinations, such as Colombo, Galle or even Southern India.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers in Kandy are accommodated in a volunteer house. Bedrooms have bunk beds and you can expect to share a room with four to nine other volunteers of the same gender.

Living is comfortable and the accommodation has electricity, fans, running water. Bathrooms in the volunteer houses are all western style with a toilet, basin and a warm shower. Bedding is provided and includes a pillow with pillow case and top and bottom sheets. You will need to bring a towel, toiletries including hand soap and toilet paper, and a mosquito net if you wish to sleep with one.

The volunteer house has a safe member staying in the house at night and there is an 8:00pm curfew on weeknights and 12:00pm on weekends at the volunteer accommodation, please be considerate and reduce noise.

To access the internet during your program, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Sri Lanka, as WiFi is not available in the volunteer accommodation.

Private rooms can be arranged for an additional $92 per room/per week, subject to availability at the time.

Please note that families with younger children are required to book a private room for their time on the program.

Meals

Volunteers on the Sri Lanka program are provided with three meals a day during the week and brunch and dinner during the weekend. Breakfast includes toast, eggs, fruit, tea, coffee and milk. Sri Lankan foods served for lunch and dinner include roti bread, dhal, curries, vegetables and salads. Meat is rarely eaten except on festive occasions.

Bottled water is readily available in Sri Lanka and volunteers should budget approximately $5 per week for 2 liters per day. There are also water filters in the volunteer houses. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can discuss this with you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. The local team will do their best to see that you are well taken care of, but as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible. If you wish to supplement some of your meals with home comforts, there are basic kitchen facilities available to use.

Outside of volunteer house in Kandy Typical volunteer bedroom in Kandy Typical volunteer bedroom in Kandy Typical volunteer bedroom in Kandy Private room upgrade in Kandy Private room upgrade in Kandy Typical volunteer bathroom in Kandy Typical volunteer bathroom in Kandy Volunteer living room in Kandy Outside of volunteer house in Hanguranketha Typical volunteer bedroom in Hanguranketha Typical volunteer bathroom in Hanguranketha Typical volunteer dining room in Hanguranketha Volunteer living room in Hanguranketha Outside of volunteer house in Dambulla Outside of volunteer house in Dambulla Typical volunteer bedroom in Dambulla Volunteer accommodation in Randeniya Volunteer accommodation in Randeniya Volunteer bedroom in Randeniya Volunteer bedroom in Randeniya Volunteer bathroom in Randeniya Volunteer dining room in Randeniya Volunteer social area in Randeniya Typical volunteer breakfast Typical volunteer lunch Typical volunteer dinner Typical volunteer breakfast Typical volunteer breakfast Typical volunteer lunch Typical volunteer lunch Typical volunteer lunch Typical volunteer lunch Typical volunteer dinner

Pricing

• USD
  • United States Dollars - $
  • Australian Dollars - AU$
  • Brazilian Reals - R$
  • British Pound Sterling - £
  • Canadian Dollars - CA$
  • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
  • Euros - €
  • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
  • Mexican Pesos - MX$
  • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
  • Singapore Dollars - SG$
  • Swiss Francs - CHF
  • UAE Dirhams - AED

Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$390 Equivalent to $56/day
2 weeks	$542 Equivalent to $39/day
3 weeks	$734 Equivalent to $35/day
4 weeks	$906 Equivalent to $32/day
5 weeks	$1,078 Equivalent to $31/day
6 weeks	$1,250 Equivalent to $30/day
8 weeks	$1,594 Equivalent to $28/day
10 weeks	$1,938 Equivalent to $28/day
12 weeks	$2,282 Equivalent to $27/day

Important things to note

• All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
• A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.

What's included

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Airport pick-up
• Accommodation
• 24/7 in-country emergency support
• In-country program orientation
• Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
• Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
• Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
• Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
• Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
• Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

What's not included

• Return to the airport when your program finishes
• Transport to and from your volunteer placement each day
• Flights
• Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
• Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Kandy

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Kandy program.

Lion's Rock Fortress and Safari - 1 night/2days

Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway to Sigiriya, where ancient history and breathtaking nature await.

$382 Learn more

Lion's Rock Fortress and Safari - 1 night/2days

Day 1:

• Evening Departure: Leave Kandy behind on Friday evening and journey to Sigiriya. You'll stay in a local charming guesthouse for a restful overnight stay.

Day 2:

• Sunrise Hike: Early morning climb up Pidurangala Rock for a stunning sunrise view.
• Sigiriya Exploration: After a hearty breakfast, conquer the iconic Sigiriya Rock and marvel at its ancient ruins.
• Lunch time!
• Elephant Safari: Experience the thrill of an Elephant Safari, witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
• Return to Kandy: Head back to Kandy in the evening, filled with memories of your adventure.

Highlights:

• Witness the sunrise from Pidurangala Rock
• Explore the historic Sigiriya Rock fortress
• Enjoy an exciting Elephant Safari
• Comfortable overnight stay and delicious meals

Book Now to experience the perfect blend of adventure, history, and nature in Sigiriya!Please note that this tour starts from the volunteer house in Kandy so if you are volunteering on the Turtle Conservation, Elephant Welfare or Rural Community Development project, you'll need to budget for your transport to Kandy.The cost of this add-on reflects a private tour so please note that if other volunteers book this in-country, their price will be lower as the costs will be shared between their group. ... Show more $382

• USD
  • United States Dollars - $
  • Australian Dollars - AU$
  • Brazilian Reals - R$
  • British Pound Sterling - £
  • Canadian Dollars - CA$
  • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
  • Euros - €
  • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
  • Mexican Pesos - MX$
  • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
  • Singapore Dollars - SG$
  • Swiss Francs - CHF
  • UAE Dirhams - AED

What's included

• All meals provided
• Private taxi transport
• Shared accommodation in a guest house

How to book?

1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.

Apply to volunteer Log in Trekking Week

Discover the best of Sri Lanka on this week-long tour. Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, take in stunning hilltop views, and ride the world’s most scenic train. Climb Lion’s Rock to explore the ancient kingdom’s ruins from 500 AD.

$1022 Learn more

Sri Lanka Trekking Week

Schedule Monday Commence the week with a hike to Ambuluwawa Peak to enjoy the scenic green valleys. The summit boasts a white tower offering a unique perspective akin to floating in the sky. Ambuluwawa serves as a multi-religious center, featuring a Buddhist temple, Hindu temple, and Islamic Mosque. Post-hike, visit the Loop Temple before returning to the volunteer accommodation for the night. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday After breakfast, head to the train station for the renowned train ride. Upon reaching Ella, transfer to a guest house for an overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast and dinner Wednesday Take the day to explore Ella independently, followed by an overnight stay in Ella. As a solo traveler in Ella, Sri Lanka, you'll find a variety of activities to enjoy: Suggested activities in Ella; Little Adam's Peak: Hike to Little Adam's Peak for stunning panoramic views of the Ella Gap and the surrounding tea plantations. The trek is relatively easy and provides a rewarding experience. Nine Arch Bridge: Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and witness the impressive engineering. Time your visit to coincide with a passing train for a picturesque scene. Ravana Falls: Explore Ravana Falls, a beautiful waterfall located just a short distance from Ella. Enjoy the scenery and, if you wish, take a refreshing dip. Tea Plantation Tour: Discover the art of tea-making with a visit to a local tea plantation. Many plantations offer guided tours where you can learn about the tea production process. Dova Temple: Explore Dova Temple, a small but culturally significant site. The temple provides insight into the local religious practices and offers tranquility. Ella Gap Viewpoint: Head to Ella Gap Viewpoint for a mesmerizing vista of the Ella Valley. Ella Main Street: Stroll along Ella's main street, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Chat with locals, try authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Meals: Breakfast only Thursday After breakfast, board a bus back to Kandy. Depending on your arrival time, we'll transfer you to Sigiriya for the overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast and dinner Friday Embark on a morning hike to Pidurangala for a captivating sunrise. Following this, climb Sigiriya Rock or Lion’s Rock to explore the ancient palace ruins from the 5th century BC. Lion’s Rock is recognized as the eighth wonder of the world. After the climb, return to Kandy accommodation by bus. Meals: Breakfast and dinner***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.*** Requirements;

• Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.

Equipment required;

• Hat, and sunglasses to protect from the heat of the sun.
• Medicines you may require and especially if you have to take specific medicines regularly, bring them along. 
• Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day, particularly during exploration and outdoor activities.

Please note that this tour starts from the volunteer house in Kandy so if you are volunteering on the Turtle Conservation, Elephant Welfare or Rural Community Development project, you'll need to budget for your transport to Kandy. ... Show more $1022

• USD
  • United States Dollars - $
  • Australian Dollars - AU$
  • Brazilian Reals - R$
  • British Pound Sterling - £
  • Canadian Dollars - CA$
  • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
  • Euros - €
  • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
  • Mexican Pesos - MX$
  • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
  • Singapore Dollars - SG$
  • Swiss Francs - CHF
  • UAE Dirhams - AED

What's included

• Hike to Ambuluwawa Peak
• Visit to Loop temple
• Train ride to Ella
• Sunrise hike to Pidurangala
• Hike to Sigiriya Rock or Lion's Rock
• Meals (as outlined in schedule below)
• Entrance Fees
• Accommodation
• Transport

How to book?

1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.

Apply to volunteer Log in Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress free ride from Kandy back to Bandaranaike International Airport arranged by our local team.

$97 Learn more

Airport Drop-off

Want your airport drop off organized for you for the end of your IVHQ Sri Lanka trip? We can book an airport transfer for you from your volunteer accommodation back to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at an affordable price.  Without knowing what the right price is to pay in Sri Lanka for an airport transfer, you can easily get overcharged, or spend a long time trying to haggle a decent price. Enjoy a stress free ride back to the airport arranged by our local team.  You’ll be picked up from your volunteer accommodation in Kandy at your chosen time, and driven directly to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) with plenty of time for your flight. Transfers to other destinations can also be arranged if you are heading somewhere else. Please note, this is not available for volunteers on the Turtle Conservation project.  ... Show more $97

• USD
  • United States Dollars - $
  • Australian Dollars - AU$
  • Brazilian Reals - R$
  • British Pound Sterling - £
  • Canadian Dollars - CA$
  • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
  • Euros - €
  • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
  • Mexican Pesos - MX$
  • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
  • Singapore Dollars - SG$
  • Swiss Francs - CHF
  • UAE Dirhams - AED

What's included

• Door-to-door transfer from volunteer accommodation at your chosen time
• Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) with plenty of time to spare
• Affordable price at local’s rates
• Organized for you & hassle free
• Reliable, safe and trusted transport by our local team’s drivers

How to book?

1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.

Apply to volunteer Log in View all add-ons & experiences

Check what's required to visit Sri Lanka

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Safety and support

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

• All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
• All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
• All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
• All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital	Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
Population	21.8 million
Languages	Sinhala and Tamil
Currency	Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time zone	UTC+05:30

Weather and climate

The climate is tropical and warm, due to the moderating effects of ocean winds. Mean temperature ranges from 17°C (62.6°F) in the central highlands, where frost may occur for several days in the winter, to a maximum of 33 °C (91.4°F) in other low-altitude areas.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

YD Yvonne Douglas

I met some wonderful people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. I had worried about being too old but quickly felt part of the group. The staff was always on hand for support/advice and very friendly.

... Show more Profile: British, 69 Volunteer trip: Childcare in Sri Lanka HC Henrietta Cole

If I was to give advice somebody else joining a new program, I would say to go for it as a difference I made in just one week was amazing and I also grew so much as a person. The local team were absolutely fantastic in providing me amazing support during my stay Sri Lanka. They answered all of my questions and made me feel extremely safe whilst I was volunteering. They put me on the best programs based on the skills that I had and they also allowed me to join in with cultural activities throughout the week making my experience very memorable.

... Show more Profile: American, 27 Volunteer trip: Childcare in Sri Lanka TR Theresia Ressmann

I am so happy that I could experience these two weeks in Sri Lanka. I met so many amazing people and started to think about how privileged my life is a lot more. I know, that you don’t choose your privilege, or lack thereof; you’re born with it. And that´s why I want to use my privilege for the greater good.

I loved to spend time with the local kids and families and was sad when I had to leave. Next time I will stay for longer, that´s for sure.

... Show more Profile: Austrian, 27 Volunteer trip: Childcare in Sri Lanka BS Bonnie Smith

I left Sri Lanka feeling beyond grateful for the opportunity, it was so rewarding and heart warming knowing I made so many children happy and helped with their day to day needs, I will never ever forget this amazing experience and have so many special memories now forever because of volunteering, I would recommend this to anyone! The whole process from beginning to the end was perfect, and the memories you will have for life!

... Show more Profile: Australian, 29 Volunteer trip: Childcare in Sri Lanka

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free Meet your personal volunteer travel expert Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way! Apply now

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