An extremely memorable volunteering experience

This was one of the most special and memorable experiences of my 6 months travelling Asia. If you want to open your eyes to how people from a disadvantaged community facing poverty live, get a deep insight into Sri Lankan culture and contribute to a cause that’s making a significant impact in changing lives, then this is the place for you!

I spent a month at TLT - 3 weeks in Maskeliya and 1 week in Nuwara Eliya - during that time I supported teachers in their lessons, helped them with their English and lead language games to support advanced students with their conversational English. Beyond that I formed wonderful friendships with the teachers and students and listened as many shared incredibly inspiring stories of the hardship they’ve faced and the resilience they’ve used to tackle problems over and over again. Outside of school I explored the stunning areas where the schools are based with teachers and volunteers and visited the homes of teachers to see how they live their lives, only being welcomed with the warmest hospitality. I think even a volunteer like me, who doesn’t have expertise in education/teaching, can have an important impact by making the students and teachers in this community feel seen and cared for by someone from outside of their world, I could really see how much it meant for them that I wanted to help them improve their English, understand their lives and be their friend.

In comparison to my experience volunteering elsewhere I think the experience of volunteering at TLT maintains a good balance between being eye opening and rewarding whilst not being something that’s too outside of your comfort zone.