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Excellent 4.80rating (19)

Assisting Preschool Kids

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Experience traditional village lifestyle while encouraging the children to discover new things and raising their awareness again of their weaknesses
  • Experience how Buddhists leads a peaceful life while giving them a hope for their life.
  • Help villagers to stand by themself to fight poverty and share the love you receive from them

Highlights

  • Experience traditional village lifestyle while encouraging the children to discover new things and raising their awareness again of their weaknesses
  • Experience how Buddhists leads a peaceful life while giving them a hope for their life.
  • Help villagers to stand by themself to fight poverty and share the love you receive from them
  • Live among tea estates and rice fields while practicing English, which local people need for their studies
  • Go to the beach or rainforest areas nearby and cultivate good habits of protecting environment with the students.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Growing Together: Fostering Soft Skills and Positive Habits in Preschoolers through Interactive activities.

    As a welfare organisation, we, Akuratatha, believe that only though education we can change the future of our younger generation. Education is one of the most powerful weapons in fighting poverty in such rural surroundings.  So we, teachers in government schools, stabilized this organization to ...

    About the program

    As a welfare organisation, we, Akuratatha, believe that only though education we can change the future of our younger generation. Education is one of the most powerful weapons in fighting poverty in such rural surroundings.  So we, teachers in government schools, stabilized this organization to fulfill these needs.

    Where we are:

    Akuressa is a rural village in Matara district. Here, we can experience traditional village life although it is close to tourism area. Lot of them are tea pluckers and paddy cultivators. They are Sinhala Buddhists. We are happy to say that they lead happy family life although they are not so rich. We have stabilized our organization in this village to empower younger generation with education.

    Our target group is preschool children and primary school children. Their social and soft skills abilities are improving day by day, but is still quite weak, because the education system doesn't do anything to put this forward. But we believe that this is utterly important for them to master such be able to work together and support each others in their personal projects to have a chance to achieve their dreams. so we expect from our volunteers to help preschool kids with their activities, like playing with them, coloring or painting with them. there are about 30 kids and 3 local teachers there.

    From a politic point of view, the children are undergoing lot of hardships because of the poverty. Sri Lanka faces an unsustainable debt and severe balance of payments crisis, which is having a negative impact on growth and poverty, especially in rural areas. According to the latest South Asia Economic Focus and the Sri Lanka Development Update, Sri Lanka's real GDP is expected to fall by 9.2 percent in 2024 and a further 4.2 percent in 2025. so lot of people do not have even basic needs. And we can feel this very much in school, where we have noticed a daily increasing dropout rate among students. Lot of school children come to school without having breakfast, and during the interval they have only rice with chilly.

    Furthermore, we started a collaboration work with the students studying International Cooperation in the university of Leuven, in Belgium. Every year this university sends two or three students to fulfill their internship and thesis for six month. And children can learn a lot from this experience as well, as they see what is possible for them to achieve with a good English level.

    Now we are proud to host our own local volunteer team with very good English speaking ability. Some are school teachers, some others are teenagers with limited experience, but they all have in common that they are willing to teach the children extra skills like drawing or dancing.

    You will work together with the preschool or primary school teachers to develop long-term projects, and conducting them from the proposal until the achievement. You will also get the chance to spend time and discuss this with them to better understand their needs and wishes, and thus fit the "business plan" as close as possible from these.

    Of course, we are open to imagine other projects with other skills that you, as a volunteer, might be able to bring, or that you might find useful for our students.

    Also, keep in mind you are working with locals at any time, so you will not be on your own, and you can always get their help if you need.

    Last thing, in our culture, teaching is a noble and respectable profession. Volunteers are thus expected to wear suitable attire, and refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and take drugs, as you are considered as a model of our students. For example, students will worship you before and after the class. But if you want those you can go to touristic area (beach) within one hour.


    Typical day

    In practice, students go to preschool every weekday in the morning from 8 am until 11.30 am. Then, we are running some extra English classes for primary school children directly in our village, Akuressa, with the help of the mentors of the local team from 2.30pm to 4.30 pm 4 days in a week. voluntee

    Typical day

    In practice, students go to preschool every weekday in the morning from 8 am until 11.30 am. Then, we are running some extra English classes for primary school children directly in our village, Akuressa, with the help of the mentors of the local team from 2.30pm to 4.30 pm 4 days in a week. volunteers are requested to use this class time, 8am to 11.30 am.  you are welcome to assist preschool teachers and primary teachers. it is better if you can work  3 or 4 days in a week 8 am to 11.30 am.

    on every Saturday and holiday, we organized family activities to places of culture and sights, to beaches, boat trips on lakes and rivers, going for picnics and so on, after discussing with you. this family activity is organized according to your wishes. you are free to decide when to start and when to finish. 

    weekends and afternoon, you are free. you may stay at home or go to beaches near by as you wish.

    We request from our volunteers to spend more time with students may be in their families.being them an example.      


    Free-time activities

    Volunteering in Akuressa: Embracing Local Culture and Nature's Bounty

    Immerse yourself in the serene charm of Akuressa, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes of paddy fields and tea plantations. Our remote town offers a glimpse into authentic village life, where farming is a way of existence and ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteering in Akuressa: Embracing Local Culture and Nature's Bounty

    Immerse yourself in the serene charm of Akuressa, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes of paddy fields and tea plantations. Our remote town offers a glimpse into authentic village life, where farming is a way of existence and Buddhist traditions resonate deeply.

    Easily accessible via public transport, Akuressa serves as a gateway to renowned coastal gems like Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, and Polhena. Explore the tranquil shores or venture into the lush embrace of Sinharaja rainforest, just a stone's throw away.

    Respecting local beliefs and customs, we invite volunteers to engage in meaningful interactions and foster cultural understanding. Discover the Ayurvedic Snake Conservation Project, a mere 30-minute ride away, led by a dedicated Ayurvedic practitioner.

    Despite its rustic charm, Akuressa boasts essential amenities including banks, hospitals, and shops, ensuring a comfortable stay. With a central bus station at your doorstep, embark on journeys to iconic destinations with ease.

    For those seeking adventure, Yala- and Udawalawa National Parks beckon, offering unforgettable safari experiences within a 3-hour drive. Let our hospitable host family assist you in organizing and planning your leisure activities, ensuring a memorable and enriching stay in Akuressa."


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Social and soft skills , English language at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    cv

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Soft Skills, Language Proficiency, and Creativity through Music, Dance, and Engaging Activities for Preschoolers"

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Akuratatha

    The fees cover: accommodation, electricity, water, three meals per day (including drinks and fruits), as well as transportation. You also have the option to prepare your own meals in the host family’s kitchen or in the kitchen of your apartment.

    The host family will welcome you as one of their own during your stay. Additionally, we offer weekly family activities, which include visits to cultural sites, beaches, boat trips to lakes and rivers, and picnics in scenic locations.

    Airport Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport

    we can arrange

    Accommodation

    The accommodation is simple but comfortable, and you will stay with a host family. Their home is a two-story house. The host family lives on the first floor, while the second floor functions as a separate apartment with three bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The first floor offers similar facilities. You are welcome to stay in either space, giving you the opportunity to interact with many local people during your stay.

    The home is located in a quiet, peaceful natural area, just two kilometers from the center of Akuressa. Each room has a king-size bed with a mosquito net, a fan, a desk, and a wardrobe. The house is equipped with Wi-Fi, a TV, and a radio.

    The bathrooms are shared and include a shower, hot and cold water, a washing machine, and modern toilets. The kitchen is available for your use and has a refrigerator for storing any personal food items.

    Surrounding the house is a beautiful vegetable and flower garden, with a fish pond and a fountain, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Bicycles are available if you wish to explore the local area.

    Food & Beverages

    You will be served three meals per day cooked by your hosts. Meals are mainly based on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. This means rice, meat curries, fish curries, vegetable curries are on the daily menu. Vegetarian- or vegan dishes will be cooked if requested. The kitchen is yours anytime you want to prepare your own meals.
    If you fancy  to have western food, you will find a variety of restaurants that serve these kind of meals in places at the coast, such as Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Galle ( not more than 30 to 40 minutes away by tuk tuk, car or public transport from where you live).

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. We assist you to find cheap flights to Sri Lanka. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Sri Lanka provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Sri Lanka you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Sri Lanka. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You are free to decide this as we are running our classes throughout the year. However, we kindly ask the volunteers to stay with us at least 4 weeks, in order to have enough time to lead a long-term from the beginning until the end. So two or three month is better, and if you can stay more than 6 months, you are warmly welcome.

    Upon your arrival, it is possible to arrange a lift from the airport of Colombo (3h from Akuressa), or to take the public transports.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 650€
    5 weeks 688€
    6 weeks 825€
    7 weeks 963€
    11 weeks 1,513€
    19 weeks 2,613€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 8,125€
    Average fees 162€/week

    Program fees

    162€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Akuratatha during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Akuratatha

    Excellent 4.8 rating (19 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2004

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    sahan

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    To empower younger generation, we are running some extra English classes and soft skills development programs among school children.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are

    Every child deserves a future. Akuratatha believes that only through education the future of our younger generation can be changed. Education is one of the most powerful weapons in fighting poverty. So, we teachers of government- schools in the area around Akuressa established this organization to fulfill these needs.

    What we do

    Sri Lanka’s education system is pretty impressive for a developing country of its size. Universal public education is available from the age of 6 to the age of 18. However, many government schools, particularly in rural areas like Akuressa, receive minimal government funding – especially considering the size of the communities they are expected to serve. The facilities at the schools are very basic, particularly the classrooms that get extremely cramped as average class sizes are around 40 to 60 children.

    The ability to speak English is becoming of growing importance in Sri Lanka. The two main sources of income in Sri Lanka come from tourism and migrant workers going to the Middle East. Both occupations require the ability to speak English – the world’s global language. However, the level of English teaching in government schools is limited. Class sizes are large and the teachers’ English speaking skills are by no means perfect. It is only the middle and upper class children who can afford private English lessons. Therefore it is no surprise that children from most low-income families speak little or no English. Our aim is to give the poorer children of Akuressa, the same opportunities as their more wealthy peers so they too have the chance to develop their ability to speak English.

    Our English Teaching Volunteer Programme in Sri Lanka enables you to teach English in two different types of placement: our own after-school education programme and at school as an assistant.

    In our schools we work together with school Councillors. Children who need help, are used to seek help from school Councillors. School councilors have all details of children and they know what children need. Some students are poor, some don’t have father or mother. They live with grandfather or grandmother. to assist them we run a project called "God parents". In general we do not publish our students details but in case of need we are ready to hand on their details at any time. We are finding them a God mother or a God father for them.

    As many parents of the students are farmers who do not have fix or regular income, they would need our help only in times of droughts and famines. Sometimes the breadwinner of a family is in hospital or at home without having any job. At that time children need our help, too.

    Some children are very talented in some fields. They need support to develop their talents and become independent for their future lives.

    to assist them we run a project called "assisting children to go to school".

    Where we work

    We do this project in a poor village called Akuressa near Mirissa, Weligama and Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and Polhena beaches. Sinharaja rain-forest (World Heritage), elephant orphanage or the Ayurvedic snake doctor (who runs a snake conservation project) are not far away. We are living around paddy fields and tea factories. So, local people are farmers, tea pluckers and factory workers. Lots of them are Buddhists. Although Akuressa is close to tourist places you can still find innocent village family life. So we expect from volunteers to respect our cultural traditions

    Akuressa town has all the amenities you require, such as banks, hospitals and shops, a central bus station, which has good links to all the major destinations you are likely to go to.

    The beaches mentioned above have long been among the most popular ones of Sri Lanka’s beach spots. They have a lively and fun vibe – and are, without any doubt, backpacker towns. It is also your best choice for evening drinks and meals out during your time with us. Furthermore, the surfing in the Weligama region is quite well known and gets the best surf during its dry season, November to March.


    Our Mission
    combining hearts who want to get and give hands

    Our Vision
    Paving way for a better world

    Who we are looking for
    There are endless ways to make a big difference in a child’s life – and benefit from your help.

    You can use this program as part of a university or collage placement.  It is certainly possible to use our programmes as part of your university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your course. We started this service with the students of university of Internation Coöperation North South in Belgium. Every year they (University) send two or three students to fulfill their internship and thesis for a six month. So this is a perfect place for your internship or thesis, too.
    Suitable For
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    No teaching experience is required to join this programme nevertheless it is an advantage to have some. You will always have a syllabus to follow and our local team will support you in planning your lessons. This is really something that anyone can get involved in. We expect our volunteers to spend an hour or two each day preparing the lessons of the following days.

    19 reviews · rating4.8

    Zoe Maeva Arora rating5

    2024 at Assisting Preschool Kids

    Greatest first volunteering experience I could‘ve asked for! Sahan and his Family are so welcoming and provided us with everything we needed! We got to stay with them at their home where they build rooms especially for volunteers! Even with an outside kitchen and chilling area! We got to eat ...
    Eirin Harterink rating5

    2024 at Assisting Preschool Kids

    Most amazing month spent with the most incredible people. I was stunned by the eagerness of some of these children to learn, grow and commitment to change their own future. With the right resources, belief and mentorship, I have no doubt these kids will go big places in life - exactly what ...
    Mona Meusburger rating5

    2024 at Assisting Preschool Kids

    When we arrived (group of 4) we were a little bit unsure because we did not know what was expected of us. But we were positively surprised! Sahan and his family welcomed us so warmly and after some time it felt like a second home. It was so great to be around kids/teenagers of different ...
    Emeline Favreau rating4.8

    2024 at Assisting Preschool Kids

    I shared a very good time with Akurathata. The children are very motivated to learn French, it was a pleasure teaching them! Very beautiful moments spent with Sahan and his family. An experience that I ...
    I feel so fortunate for this opportunity and I really recommend it to everyone. I've felt like at home, they helped me in everything and I've had a lot of support in ...
    Alice Huber rating5

    2024 at School Activities Assistant

    It was a pleasure to be part of the Akuratatha family and to teach the students! I had such a good time with the family and the students. I really recommend this organisation. I am so thankful for the experiences I gained and I am sure I will never forget all these memories I made at this place. ..

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > Sri Lanka > Akuressa

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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