Sri Lanka is the ‘ Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ and its stunning tropical landscapes are an amazing setting to volunteer abroad on your gap year. This community volunteer project gives you the chance to help monks and local craftsmen to renovate Buddhist temples in the picturesque region of Kandy.
Gap year volunteer role: Rural Sri Lankan communities often suffer from a lack of resources, leaving Buddhist temples, schools and community centres to become run down. Participants on this gap year volunteer building project can provide hands-on support to community renovation schemes.
Volunteer work involves painting and cleaning Buddhist temple buildings and school classrooms and repairing communal equipment and facilities used by local monks and teachers. As a community volunteer you will also help with ongoing construction work and have the opportunity to learn about traditional Sri Lankan building techniques.
Community development is a key part of this gap year volunteer role and you will be expected to interact with local children and villagers, helping the Buddhist temples to arrange community centres for youths.
Your gap year experience: Helping to renovate Buddhist temples is a great way to get hands-on with volunteering during your gap year in Sri Lanka. This volunteer project is ideal for anyone wanting to take an active role in contributing to village life in underprivileged communities.
Your contribution as a community volunteer in Sri Lanka can help to improve facilities at run down temples, schools and community centres that would otherwise be neglected due to a lack of resources and manpower. By helping to upgrade school buildings and classrooms on your gap year, you can give local children a cleaner, safer and more pleasant learning environment.
During this volunteer building project you will have the opportunity to learn traditional Sri Lankan methods of wood carving and construction. Gap year volunteers work closely with local communities, giving them a unique insight into a spiritual Buddhist culture.
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.
he 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.