Volunteer in Sri Lanka - Lowest Fees & Happy Volunteers Since 1998

I joined the medical project in SriLanka for 2 weeks and I really enjoyed it. From Monday to Friday I got to go to The Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK), where I saw different cases from the ones I'm used to see back in my country. I stayed with a host family and they couldn't be nicer. The food they cooked was so tasty and they all were very attentive. On the weekends I got to explore Sri Lanka. Michael was kind enough to organize everything and make sure I had the best time. Very enriching experience in every aspect!!

Our host family was magnificent and the whole experience enjoyable. Food was wonderful and all round great fun and learning about their life and their history of tsunami.

The orphanage was a challenge for our family (perhaps more for the adults than the kids who don’t understand the full
Scale of this). Our kids were great but I would challenge other families to consider whether this is the best activity as a family. Our lack of ability to speak the language did not aid our ability to communicate but love and hugs speaks a thousand words!

I joined one week volunteer program at the Galle orphanage. There are about 40 kids separated into 3 groups according to their age. It is hard to believe they were all abandon by their parents because they are all lovely kids. I wish them all the best in their future. As I volunteered during their new year week, there was short of staffs so the volunteer help was very appreciated.
I mainly played with the older kids at the playground and so happy to see their happy faces everyday. I will come back and volunteer longer next time.

Michael, my host is a very nice guy, he responded to all my queries in email very quick. I feel safe before and during my stay with him and his family. Also his grandchildren are so adorable. We played UNO everyday after dinner!

This experience was life-altering. The program was well-organized from start to finish in regards to every aspect. Meals were on time and excellent, Michael and his family were kind and hospitable, the location is amazing, I could go on. In the area of Galle there are many nearby beaches to explore as well as a bustling city center with great shops. If this city is not for you, Michael is keen on organizing cultural trips in which you can visit other parts of Sri Lanka at an extremely reasonable price.
The orphanage itself made the experience even more meaningful as it is evident how appreciative the children are that you are there to help and give them love. The orphanage is structured well and run well, which makes volunteering there that much easier and more enjoyable. My one complaint would be within the orphanage, the matrons in charge who run the facility do not seem too keen on us volunteers being there, and they occasionally pushed us to the side and encouraged us to leave early. However, some matrons were kind, helpful, and appreciative, so they made the experience even better.
Personally, I would absolutely come back and do this exact same program, same location, everything, just because of how unique and personalized my experience was. I felt I got a lot out of the program, and it has changed my perspective on many things.

It has been great teaching the kids, they are really nice and excited about learning. Super friendly as well. It really was a rewarding experience. Meeting and chating with the head monk was also very interesting and cool.

The host family was really nice, they helped a lot in any way they could to make it the best experience, also the food was really good, always something nice to have. The house's atmosphere was very cool and nice to be part of. The other volunteers living there were also really cool people and was nice to share this experience with.

There are so many places to see around sri Lanka. Really nice beaches and very cool landskapes across the mountains.

I would defenetely recommend other people to have this experience

I am truly blessed to be able to spend a week with the wonderful orphans here. They teaches us that we people/humans should have more humility, love and happiness. I was mainly taking care of the babies and during lunch hours i’ll play with the older kids. If the kids who are facing such adverse circumstances but come out strong enough to smile through life. Why are most people still complaining their lives are terrible? I urge future volunteers to contibute to the orpahange by buying them gifts and using monetary to give better lives to these orphans. I hope more kids get adopted so they can have a family to grow with.

I came during Christmas period, gave the gifts such as soft toys and stationeries. My host Michael and I asked the matron what the orpahange needs, we ended up getting 3 big exhaust fans for the toilet, main hall and classrooms. Audio player and speakers for the babies/kids to listen to lullaby songs during sleep or play time. The remaining money was given for the maintenance of the fridge/shower heaters/putting up wires and labour for the exhaust fans. A big thank you to some of my friends who contributed to the donations.

Michael is heart warming and his family are friendly as well. I joined the family for midnight Christmas mass and truly is a blessing to witness different culture but yet catholic tradition still stay strong. I’m blessed to be hosted by Michael and family. I caught with eye infection and Michael brought me to the hospital for check up. Simple gesture but a genuine man who has a kind heart and responsible one. With heavy heart, I’m leaving Galle tomorrow morning to backpack for the remaining week before I head back home (Singapore).

This experience is truly unforgettable, meaningful and sentimental. I want to thank the Teachers/caretaker in the orpahange, locals that I have crossed path and also Michael and his family that made my stay here feels like home. It’s my first time volunteering alone overseas, and wouldn’t be the last. May God bless everyone!

With love,
Woan Lin
Singapore
28 December 2018

I would highly recommend the RCDP program in Galle Sri Lanka. I spent two weeks at the orphanage in Galle and found the experience to be wonderful. Children were very nice and energetic to learn. People around me were helpful.

Onsite coordinator was very helpful and went out of his way to make this trip a success. During my two weeks in Galle, with the support of coordinator, we were able to use the funds raised to provide medicine and cleaning supplies to the orphanage.
Our coordinator took a half day to bring me to all the places in town to ensure we were obtaining the best quality and price, which would have been impossible if I was on my own.

More importantly, he helped us even after I left the project to assist and solve issues relating to the 49 boxes of books for the children and young adult that were donated to the orphanages. These books were distributed to other orphanages in the area as well.
The time spent with the kids was of course the best part. I was with the older children (age 2-5), and spent the morning and early afternoon playing games and spending time with them. The head teacher was great as well and you can see she truly cares for the children.

RCDP is a lot cheaper than other organizations but doesn’t offer less anything less. Some people on the projects was on were paying a lot more for exactly the same thing. At the elephant orphanage it was a great experience I loved bathing the elephants however there was a lot of down time and you had to be proactive to help out at the elephant orphanage.

The children’s elephant orphanage was great initially I felt overwhelmed by the number of little kids (I was expecting older children but they are all under 5). Most of the children have skin infections. Some have scabies. This doesn’t stop you wanting to help but it would have been nice to know other volunteers so I could have talked to a doctor back home. Overall I have had an amazing time in srilanka but you definitely get out what you put in.

Project staff were kind to me, when ever I need help they were their for me. My host family was very nice and they care me a lot, I love people and project very much. It was my wonderful moments while I was there. Thank you for providing such a wonderful project with kind people.