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Teaching or assisting school children in akuressa, Sri Lanka
The experience
Akuratatha is a small, community-based charity project located in the peaceful village of Akuressa, in southern Sri Lanka. Rooted in compassion and driven by a mission to uplift the lives of underprivileged children, our project provides care, education, and emotional support to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
At the heart of our work is a Children’s Home that shelters 19 orphaned or abandoned girls, aged between 5 and 16.
What you offer
18 hours of help per week
Teaching Languages: Teaching a language to the host, guests, or local communities.
Additional fee required
Amount: € 140 Per week
Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project
Description: Yes, we ask for a small fee to cover accommodation, meals, transport (including airport pick-up), teaching materials, and weekend/holiday picnics. As a non-profit with no external funding, this contribution helps us sustain the program and provide a meaningful experience for you and future volunteers.
What you get
2 days off per week
Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.
Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!
Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.
Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.
Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.
Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.
Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely
Requirements
Intermediate English or Intermediate Spanish
Between 18 and 70 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
Akuratatha is a small, community-based charity project located in the peaceful village of Akuressa, in southern Sri Lanka. Rooted in compassion and driven by a mission to uplift the lives of underprivileged children, our project provides care, education, and emotional support to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
At the heart of our work is a Children’s Home that shelters 19 orphaned or abandoned girls, aged between 5 and 16. These girls are not just cared for—they are loved, respected, and supported to grow into strong, confident individuals. We offer them a safe environment, daily meals, emotional support, and access to both formal education and personal development activities.
In addition to the children's home, Akuratatha also runs a Preschool program for young children in the village. Through playful, creative learning in a safe and nurturing space, we help prepare them for their educational journey while giving them a solid foundation in English and basic life skills.
We also host evening English extra classes for school-aged children and teenagers in the surrounding community. These free lessons are aimed at improving their language skills, boosting their confidence, and creating opportunities for their future education and employment. The classes are engaging, interactive, and often combined with creative, motivational activities.
Our work would not be possible without the kindness of international volunteers who join us throughout the year. These volunteers become part of the Akuratatha family, sharing their time, knowledge, and heart with our children. In return, they are offered a truly immersive experience of Sri Lankan culture—living in a homestay, enjoying home-cooked meals, participating in weekend trips to beaches, waterfalls, and so on
Activities & Shift
📅 Volunteer Days: Monday to Friday (Weekends free for trips and rest)
🌞 Morning Shift (8:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
Preschool Program
Assist with teaching basic English, numbers, and songs
Organize fun learning games, crafts, and activities
Help with snack time and classroom management
Give lots of love, patience, and encouragement to the little ones
🍛 Lunch Break & Rest (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM)
Enjoy a homemade Sri Lankan lunch
Relax or help with light household/community tasks if you like
🌤 Afternoon Shift (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Children’s Home Support
Spend time with the 19 girls: play, read stories, help with homework
Organize small group activities like dancing, drawing, or games
Offer emotional support and friendship
Occasionally assist with daily routines (tidying, organizing)
✨ Weekend & Free Time
Join guided weekend trips to explore Sri Lanka (beaches, wildlife safaris, cultural landmarks)
Participate in special events or community outreach (optional)
Free time to rest, reflect, or explore local life
Rules
To ensure a safe, respectful, and meaningful experience for both our volunteers and children, we kindly ask all volunteers to follow these simple rules:
1. Respect the Children and Staff
Treat every child with kindness, patience, and dignity
Respect local staff, teachers, and house mothers at all times
2. Dress Modestly and Appropriately
Please wear modest clothing, especially when working with children
Shoulders and knees should be covered (no crop tops or short shorts)
3. Be Punctual and Responsible
Attend all scheduled activities on time
Inform us in advance if you are sick or cannot attend a session
4. No Physical Punishment or Aggressive Behavior
Physical punishment or yelling is strictly forbidden
Always use positive reinforcement and gentle guidance
5. Respect Privacy and Sensitivity
Do not take photos of children without permission
Do not share personal details about the children on social media
6. No Alcohol, Drugs, or Smoking on Premises
Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs is not allowed at the homestay or children’s home
7. Build Healthy Boundaries
Be friendly and supportive, but maintain appropriate boundaries
Avoid favoritism or overly personal relationships with any one child
8. Ask When in Doubt
If you're unsure about anything, just ask us—we’re here to support you
Always communicate openly and respectfully with the Akuratatha team
9. Keep the Place Clean and Orderly
Please help keep your living space and shared areas tidy
Respect the home and treat it as your own
10. Be Present and Enjoy the Experience
Limit phone use during activities
Engage fully, learn from the culture, and enjoy this special journey