Volunteer in Sri Lanka on a Trustworthy, Cheap and Life Changing RCDP Program

Are you planning to volunteer in Sri Lanka? Do you want to explore this ancient land and help some of its people who face disadvantage and inequality? Does the chance to travel with a purpose appeal? If so then why not check out RCDP’s Sri Lanka volunteer programs?

Sri Lanka has a fascinating culture with its mix of the modern and the traditional, music, food and dance influenced by many different nationalities, and a landscape which provides mountains, coastlines, green valleys of tea plants and dense forests for your eyes to feast on.

It’s a country where divisions between the rich and poor are wide and devastating, and the effects of a log civil war liger stubbornly on. Those from the lower income brackets have little or no chance to secure a good education, comfortable housing or essential healthcare, while rural dwellers often face similar disadvantages.

Our volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka aim to bridge these gaps, and give the marginalized a voice.

Get in touch with us to find out more, or to enroll in a specific project where your work will make a genuine difference to the lives of so many, for more than their lifetime.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available in Sri Lanka?

Volunteers in Sri Lanka have an amazing opportunity to combine the usual travel and sightseeing activities with the chance to work on a fantastic program designed to meet needs identified by the target groups themselves. This is a once in a lifetime experience which will stay in your memory for the rest of your life.

Work In Orphanage In Sri Lanka

Historic civil and economic unrest has created many pockets of poverty in Sri Lanka, leading to many children being left without a family, or with parents struggling to, or even unable to care for them at home.

RCDP works with local orphanages and groups which exist to support youngsters who are in these perilous positions. They are provided with a place to live if needed, or positive support to improve their daily lives.

Joining a Sri Lanka orphanage volunteer program means you can help on both types of project, and make a huge difference to the prospects of these deserving young people.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: You don’t need to have childcare experience or qualifications to be a part of this very worthwhile program, although of course it is always useful. We welcome anyone who has a caring, relaxed, flexible and patient nature, and an interest in helping children build a better life.

Volunteer Responsibilities: Our volunteering in Sri Lanka orphanage program involves spending 3 or 4 hours a day working either in the orphanage or at the nearby school where the older children study.

You will help get the children ready for school, then either stay around to care for the youngest residents, or teach basic English to primary school kids. In the evenings there’s time for creative activities involving music, art, sport and games, and of course helping the children with homework if they need support. You may also be asked to help with meals, maintenance tasks and admin tasks.

Elephant Conservation(Kegalle)

In an ideal world all elephants would be treated with care, respect and kindness, but sadly some are forced to work in unsuitable conditions and for long hours. Thankfully RCDP is able to work with and support groups who rescue and rehabilitate these gentle animals from the logging and tourism industries.

Our elephant orphanage volunteer Sri Lanka program is a worthwhile and rewarding opportunity for people like you, who care about animal rights. Volunteers work closely with one elephant and its handler, helping provide care, food and play activities. Other tasks may include helping out on the eco-farm or other aspects of this conservation program.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: The key requirements necessary to join this elephant volunteer Sri Lanka program are: physical fitness, being willing to work outdoors a lot, able to work hard and, of course, a serious interest in promoting animal welfare.

Volunteer Responsibilities: There are four aspects to the work on this elephant conservation project in Sri Lanka: helping to provide all aspects of elephant care, from feeding and bathing to exercise and play; helping to grow food on the local eco-farm to supply the restaurant where you will eat; traveling around Sri Lanka assisting the mobile vet who treats rescue elephants, and teaching on a local after school English learning program. No previous experience is needed in any of these areas, so if they sound interesting why not apply now?

Work in an elephant orphanage (Pinnawala )

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a major tourist attraction, and home base for our very popular Sri Lanka elephant volunteer program.

Since 1976 this place has provided true sanctuary to both injured elephants and those rescued from lives of abuse and neglect, many of whom have become proud parents since they found this home from home and settled in for life.

You may never have another opportunity to become part of these elephant’s lives for a while, and help with all aspects of their care.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: There is no particular criteria for volunteers to meet to become an elephant orphanage Sri Lanka volunteer, except for having a great love these gentle animals, and being fully committed to keeping them happy, healthy, loved and safe.

Volunteer Responsibilities: Sri Lanka elephant orphanage volunteers can expect to start work at 8.30am for around three hours before enjoying free time to eat lunch, rest, relax or explore the area. Your morning duties involve working alongside, and under the direction of, your elephant handler, known as a ‘mahout’. Tasks vary, but you could be feeding a baby some milk, then helping to clean out the sleeping areas, before brushing or washing the elephants.

You are also able to visit another elephant centre and help there after 4pm if you want to.