Family Volunteer Adventure in Sri Lanka

Please note the activities listed below are subject to change based on local conditions on the ground at the time.

Day 1 (Sat): Arrival in Colombo airport. Private group transfer to accommodation in Galle.

Day 2 (Sun): Training and orientation session (includes introduction to Sri Lanka, cultural awareness training as well as training for the various project activities) in the morning followed by area orientation tour in and around Galle and Unawatuna neighbourhoods in the afternoon/early evening (includes key sites such as Galle Dutch Fort, Unawatuna Beach, Galle market, etc).

Day 3 (Mon): We commence the project activities with a visit to our sea turtle hatchery to learn about endangered sea turtles and our ongoing turtle conservation efforts. The family will participate in hands-on conservation work such as feeding and cleaning the turtles, taking care of older and disabled turtles, cleaning the turtle tanks and general hatchery area, filling tanks with fresh sea water to mimic their natural environment, and other ad hoc tasks. The goal is to protect and conserve critically endangered sea turtles that are native to the waters of the Indian Ocean, and particularly to Sri Lanka. Supported by our hatchery staff and turtle project coordinator.. In the afternoon/early evening, we visit a prominent Buddhist Temple for a cultural immersion session to learn about the basics about Buddhism, the main religion of the island. This visit includes a tour of the temple to gain a better understanding of its history and culture and a chance to see Buddhist monk(s) go about their day-to-day lives.

Day 4 (Tue): In the morning we embark on a river cleaning session as part of our local environmental conservation efforts. We visit the tributaries of the Gin Ganga River, an important 116 km long water body originating from the virgin Sinharaja Rainforest and flowing down through several villages towards Galle and into the Indian Ocean. Keeping the river clean benefits local neighbouring communities, the surrounding flora and fauna, and ultimately the ocean. This part of the project involves volunteers riding in canoes and cleaning smaller tributaries of the river of plastic and other waste products that threaten the immediate ecosystem. Life jackets, canoes, oars, scooping nets and waste collecting bags are provided. It requires teamwork and a sense of adventure, all done in a beautiful rural natural setting surrounded by paddy fields.

In the afternoon we indulge in a group Yoga class led by an experienced Yoga teacher. Yoga is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular health & wellness activities and our classes are suitable for both beginners and experienced Yogis.

Day 5 (Wed ): In the morning we head back for another visit to our sea turtle hatchery to perform a different set of conservation tasks than we did on the first day. The first session focuses more on feeding-related activities while this session is more cleaning-oriented. Exact set of tasks in both sessions will be determined as per the project needs on the ground at the time.

In the afternoon we arrange a group surfing lesson (weather permitting) for the family. Surfing is one of the fastest growing and most loved sports in Sri Lanka. The lesson is provided by qualified instructors and surf boards are provided. Good opportunity to learn how to surf or refine one’s surfing skills. Those who don’t wish to participate can relax on the beach.

Day 6 (Thu): In the morning the family volunteers with young children (aged 3-6 years). They will be assisted by our own Educational Coordinators who will help with planning and translations. The participants will help conduct various educational and fun learning activities for the children in this immersive and interactive session. Typical activities include arts and crafts, playing educational games, drawing, singing & dancing, storytelling, etc.

In the afternoon we embark upon a guided bike tour across lush paddy fields and quaint local villages. Explore the greenery and rustic pathways of the Sri Lankan countryside (includes a pitstop at a local coconut garden for some refreshing coconut water).

Day 7 (Fri): The last volunteering activity of the week is a group beach cleaning session in the morning at a prominent local beach as part of our ongoing local conservation efforts. The family will join other volunteers to help clean up the beach and surrounding areas from unwanted plastic and other toxic waste. This initiative will involve team effort and coordination to help preserve our vital marine ecosystems. The afternoon is left open for self-exploration or relaxation as desired.

Day 8 (Sat): Private transfer to Colombo airport to catch departure flight back. Goodbye Sri Lanka!