Why This Project Matters
Sport is about much more than just staying active. For kids and young people, physical activity on a regular base helps build confidence, discipline, teamwork and a sense of belonging. In rural southern Sri Lanka, access to organised sports and varied activities can be limited. This gives volunteers the chance to bring new ideas, energy and motivation into the school day.
As a volunteer, you use sport as a way to connect with the kids, encourage them to be active and create positive experiences they can carry beyond the playing field. Whether you're introducing a new sport, organising a football match, or simply getting everyone moving, your time can make a real difference.
Together with other wayers participants and local teachers, you'll support sports and physical education at local schools. You don't need to be a professional coach. What matters is enthusiasm, creativity and the motivation to get children moving.
Your activities include:
- Teaching and practising different sports
- Organising football, badminton, cricket, volleyball, or other games
- Planning fun fitness and movement activities
- Encouraging teamwork, fair play and communication
- Supporting local teachers during sports lessons
- Creating games and activities for different age groups
- Helping children build confidence through movement
- Bringing your own sports and activity ideas to the project
You'll generally work with kids and young people between 6 and 18 years old. Activities can take place both indoors and outdoors, depending on the school and the weather.
No two days are exactly the same. One day can be all about football and team games, while another could focus on fitness, volleyball, or introducing the children to a sport they haven't tried yet. Your exact activities depend on the school, the age of the students, the season and the current needs of the local teachers.
Location: Your project takes place in the south of Sri Lanka, with placements in and around Galle. The daily transfer between the wayers Home and your project is arranged by our local team and included in your program.
Who You Will Be Working With
You'll work with other wayers alongside local teachers, supporting them during physical education and sports activities. The school staff know their students and school environment best and will guide you through the daily tasks.
You'll plan activities and bring different sports and ideas into the lessons. Working as a team makes it easier to keep larger groups engaged and gives you the chance to learn from each other.
Our local team supports you throughout your stay. Amit is our local team leader, while Falik and Rishad are your main contacts on the ground. Both are native Sri Lankans, speak good English and are there to help with questions and practical matters throughout your stay.
You don't need to be a professional athlete or sports teacher. What matters most is energy, creativity, patience and a genuine interest in working with kids and young people.
You should enjoy being active and feel comfortable leading a group. Bring your favourite games, sports ideas and plenty of enthusiasm. The more creative you are, the more varied the activities can become.
Things work a bit different from what you're used to at home. Equipment can be limited, weather can change your plans and school routines aren't always predictable. An open, flexible and patient attitude will help you adapt and make the most of your time here.
What You Can Expect From Us
Before departure, we prepare you with an online preparation seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, detailed travel information and the opportunity to connect with other participants before you leave. We also support you with your visa application.
Once in Sri Lanka, your package includes airport transfer from and to Colombo, an introduction event with our local team, daily transfers to your project and personal support throughout your whole stay. You'll also have contacts at your placement, a weekly yoga session at the wayers Home and access to a 24-hour emergency line in Germany and Sri Lanka.
After your return, you'll receive a certificate of participation.
Life at the wayers Home
You'll live at the wayers Home, set among palm trees directly by the sea, with a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. You'll share the house with other international volunteers, and once a week a yoga session on the rooftop terrace is included. Three meals a day are provided, from traditional Sri Lankan curries and tropical fruit to western dishes such as pasta or pancakes, with Ceylon tea and fruit smoothies among the local favourites.
Surroundings: The historic old town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 15 minutes away by tuk tuk, with its narrow lanes, restaurants and sunset views from the fort walls. The beach is a five minute walk from the house, ideal for a swim or for learning to surf.
Travel with Confidence
As a German tour operator with over 22 years of experience and more than 70,000 participants sent abroad, wayers supports you with visa guidance, insurance information and a personal welcome on arrival, backed by a 24/7 emergency line in Germany and on the ground.
