In rural southern Sri Lanka, a shortage of teachers and resources means many children have little access to good English teaching. This project addresses exactly that gap: it gives disadvantaged children aged 6 to 12 the opportunity to learn English at a higher level than the local school system provides.

The aim is to improve their English and encourage them to keep developing their skills in this important international language at secondary school and beyond, so that they are better prepared for their future studies and careers. As a volunteer, you give the children attention, motivation, and a stronger foundation for that future.

Your Project: Teaching English to Children in Sri Lanka

Together with other wayers participants, you teach English to children of different ages and levels. Class sizes are usually 20 to 30 children, which is why you work in small groups as a team rather than teaching alone. The project coordinators accompany and support you throughout.

Your lessons cover reading, speaking, listening, and writing, as well as grammar, text comprehension, and pronunciation. In practice, that means introducing new vocabulary through simple games, working through grammar exercises together, practising a particular sound until the pronunciation sits, or holding a reading hour in which you read a favourite book from your own childhood aloud. One day of the week takes you to the nearby temple, where you teach young monks.

You teach four days a week. One day is reserved for lesson planning, giving you proper time to prepare your material and think through how best to reach the group in front of you.

Because you are working with children who already attend school, the focus is on building genuine language skills rather than simple childcare. Progress is visible over the weeks, and the longer you stay, the more you see of it. The project also offers genuine cultural exchange in a familiar environment: you get to know the children, their teachers, and everyday life in the community.

Please note that tasks vary with the season and that not every activity can be guaranteed.

Location: Your project takes place in southern Sri Lanka. The daily transfer between the wayers Home and your placement is arranged by our team and included in your program.

Who You Will Be Working With

You teach alongside other wayers participants rather than on your own, working with the children in small groups as a team. The project coordinators accompany and support you throughout, and are available for any questions about your lessons or the children.

Our local team leader is Amit, and your main contacts on the ground are Falik and Rishad. Both are native Sri Lankans, speak good English, and are there throughout your stay with advice and practical tips. You will not be on your own at any point: the other volunteers live with you at the wayers Home, exclusive for wayers volunteers, and share the daily transfer to and from the project.

What We Expect From You

A good level of English is required, since it is the language you will teach and communicate in. No teaching qualification is necessary. What matters most is energy, patience, empathy, and a sense of humour, along with the initiative to prepare your lessons and contribute your own ideas. Any activity ideas you bring along are welcome, and small materials such as coloured pencils, balloons, or soap bubbles are always appreciated by the children.

Working conditions and standards differ from those you may be used to at home, and plans can change at short notice. An open and patient attitude toward these differences is important. All volunteers are required to follow our guidelines on appropriate conduct with children and young people. The minimum age is 18, and the minimum stay is four weeks.

What You Can Expect From Us

Before departure: assistance with your visa application and any extension, support from our experienced program coordinators before, during, and after your trip, placement in a carefully selected project, information and assistance regarding travel insurance, a non-binding flight offer, access to the wayers Lounge including a comprehensive information and service package and a detailed packing list, our digital wayers Workbook with exercises and inspiration for your personal development, the opportunity to connect with fellow participants before departure, and an online preparation seminar.

On site: transfer to and from Colombo Airport, an introduction event held by our local team, contact persons at the project, the daily transfer to and from your placement, breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, a weekly yoga session, personal support from our team on the ground, and a 24 hour emergency line staffed in Germany and in Sri Lanka.

After your return: a certificate of participation.