Sri Lanka: Kandy Community Project
Available all year
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Project Type: Community Development
Schedule: Project runs all year
Length: 2 weeks minimum
Participants: 18+ Ideal for: school leavers, university/college students, graduates, adults
Price: £295 per week (including airport transfer on arrival*)
About the Project
In Kandy, Sri Lanka, volunteers become part of community projects that provide care, encouragement and meaningful daily support to children and people with disabilities.
The programme is practical, people-centred and rooted in respectful cultural exchange. Whether supporting early learning, offering companionship or assisting with simple routines, volunteers bring extra energy and kindness to projects where consistent attention can make a real difference.
- Childcare Placement: Volunteers assist at a daycare centre for children from underprivileged families, helping to provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment for early development.
- Home for Children and People with Disabilities: Run by the Mother Teresa Foundation, in partnership with Sri Lanka’s Department of Probation and Childcare, this residential home cares for more than 120 children and adults with disabilities, aged 1 to 60. Volunteers enrich daily life by offering patient companionship, practical assistance and positive interaction that support both residents and staff.
How Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers add value through presence, patience and a willingness to get involved. Simple moments — reading with a child, encouraging a resident to join an activity, helping with mealtimes or offering friendly conversation — can build confidence, comfort and connection. Volunteer activities may include:
- Encouraging children’s learning, play, confidence and wellbeing
- Helping local staff with everyday care and activity support
- Offering respectful companionship to people with disabilities
- Sharing international friendship, curiosity and cultural exchange
- Building skills in adaptability, communication, teamwork and community support
Project Aims & Objectives
The project aims to improve everyday care, inclusion and learning opportunities for children and vulnerable people in Kandy. By working alongside local organisations, volunteers help strengthen safe, nurturing environments, support staff capacity and encourage positive social interaction through practical, compassionate involvement.
Typical Day (Monday to Friday)
After breakfast, volunteers travel to their placement and join the local team for a day of hands-on support. Each day is shaped by the needs of the project, giving volunteers the chance to be useful, flexible and fully involved in community life, for example:
- Childcare: Supporting play, simple learning activities, mealtimes, hygiene routines and a safe, cheerful environment for young children.
- Disability Support: Spending time with residents, assisting with daily routines, encouraging participation in recreational activities and offering friendly, respectful companionship.
~ This schedule may be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Volunteers Will Need
- A genuine commitment to supporting children, older people and individuals with disabilities
- Patience, compassion and the energy needed to support people with a wide range of needs and abilities
- Strong time-management and organisational skills, combined with a willingness to learn, adapt and
contribute to the local community - For volunteers aged 65+, medical clearance may be required to ensure the placement is suitable and well supported
Included
Pre-departure briefing
Accommodation
Airport transfer to the accommodation upon arrival*
Transportation during the programme (if required) as per the scheduled activities
Daily meals – typically 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends
Programme materials and project guidance
Local team support 24/7
Not Included
Flights
Visa & visa-related expenses
Travel & health insurance
Personal expenses
Additional tours or activities
Paid optional extras**
* Programme price includes airport meeting & transfer on Sundays only.
** Optional extras available: private room, extra night at the project accommodation, airport meeting &
transfer (Mon-Sat) or airport drop off at the end of the project.
If you would like more information or advice, please contact our Volunteer Abroad team at 01684 562577.
UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
This project contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting the Quality Education goal to ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
