By taking part in this community volunteer project you can help to support elderly Sri Lankans living in poor rural areas. Sri Lanka’s tropical landscape and mystical Buddhist culture make it an amazing place to volunteer abroad and gap year volunteers can make a real difference to the lives of local elders.

Gap year volunteer role: Participants on this Sri Lanka volunteer project work in government-run care homes in and around the picturesque city of Kandy. Your voluntary work can help these homes to provide care for elderly Sri Lankans who cannot support themselves and have no family to help.

As a gap year volunteer in Sri Lanka you will be asked to provide care and company for elderly Sri Lankans, supporting local staff as they provide food, shelter and residential care in poor rural communities.

Your community volunteer role can involve a variety of tasks, including cleaning in and around the care homes, helping staff to cook meals and providing one-on-one care and attention for the elderly.

Your gap year experience: This opportunity to volunteer abroad is ideal for anyone wanting to help those in greatest need during their gap year in Sri Lanka. Community volunteers need no previous experience or specialist skills but provide much-needed support in under-funded care homes.

Underprivileged communities often do not have the resources to care for elderly residents and those volunteering in Sri Lanka can provide invaluable residential and emotional support.

This gap year volunteer project is located in Kandy, which is the perfect base to explore Sri Lanka’s Central Province. During your voluntary work you can soak up Kandy’s rich culture or discover spectacular natural beauty in its surrounding national parks.

Introduction to volunteering in Sri Lanka: All our Sri Lanka volunteer projects include a one week induction, which is your first step towards making the most of your gap year! This is an action packed and fun-filled week that lets you get to know the Sri Lankan lifestyle and culture firsthand. You will get time to meet local people, taste local cuisine and familiarise yourself with Sri Lankan customs. 

The introduction week takes place in Kandy and is included in the price of all volunteer projects lasting 5 weeks or longer. To find out more please speak to a GapGuru advisor.