Sri Lanka: LITTLE LIGHT - BIG DREAMS

About the local hosting organization

This project is organized in partnership with the Agriculture and Cultural Society (ACS), a dedicated local community-based organization we have collaborated with since 2022. ACS focuses primarily on improving the livelihoods and social well-being of individuals residing in the tea estate sector. Their key initiatives are designed to create holistic change and include:-Promoting National Integrity: Fostering unity and shared national identity among diverse community groups.-Empowering Vulnerable Groups: Conducting vital awareness and training programs specifically for women s groups and youth.-Economic Stability: Facilitating essential income-generating activities and implementing robust savings schemes to build financial resilience.-Food Security: Promoting and supporting home gardening to ensure better nutrition and food self-sufficiency within families.

Presentation of the programme

During the first four days, volunteers will spend time at an orphanage, engaging children aged 6 to 18 in a variety of creative and joyful activities. These may include drawing and painting, acting or dancing, playing games, and teaching songseach moment offering a chance to connect and inspire.Beyond the orphanage, volunteers will immerse themselves in rural village life by visit a local family. This experience allows them to share in the daily rhythms and routines of the community, fostering genuine connections through simple yet profound exchanges that define village life.A major highlight of the program is a dedicated meeting with a village self help group, often led by highly motivated women leaders and members of the village women s group. This session is designed for active dialogue, where volunteers are encouraged to share ideas and insights, creating a reciprocal learning environment. Through these conversations, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities carried by local women and recognize their vital role as catalysts for both community and national development.As a final activity, volunteers will visit the village kindergarten to meet the children. Here, they can sing, dance, paint, and engage in playful activities, leaving lasting impressions of joy and cultural exchange.

About the accomodation

We will be staying in a village house with a welcoming host family, with all basic facilities, where the host mother will prepare meals for us. The family has one son, 21 work in a different area, two girls, 17 and 13, and grand mother. The home offers electricity, boiled drinking water, and 3G/4G data connectivity, but not strong. Toilet paper can be used, and clothes will be washed by hand and hung out to dry outside the house.

About the location

Nawalapitiya, located 44 km from Kandy and 127 km from Colombo, lies in Sri Lanka s breathtaking hill country. Once the country s second capital, it is a destination rich in history and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of cultural landmarks and stunning landscapes. On the free day, volunteers can collaborate to plan their activities and agree on a program. Options include exploring the tea plantations, visiting historic sites, or traveling to Kandy, the last kingdom and the second-largest city in Sri Lanka.

Requirements

The key skills required include flexibility, embracing and respecting the local culture, adapting to life with local resources, and sharing your experiences with the community. A positive attitude, genuine happiness, a warm heart, and a big smile are essential qualities.