Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Sri Lanka
- Around 45% of the popualtion in Sri Lanka live on less than $5 a day.
- Many poor families lack access to quality education, leading to higher levels of unemployment.
- Poverty is seen in in affluent areas as well as in rural areas. 85% of poor families live in rural areas.
- Around 21% of the popualtion in Sri Lanka is malnourished, with 17.3% of children having stunted growth.
- Women are usually not financially independant from their husbands, their main roles being to look after the family, clean and cook.
HOW can you help?
- Help breathe new life into ancient temples, enhancing their beauty and preserving cultural significance.
- Beautify schools with educational posters, murals, and playground activities, creating an inspiring atmosphere for children.
- Work alongside locals to rejuvenate parks, schools, and community centres, fostering a sense of pride and connection.
- Work closely with local communities.
WHAT can you do?
- Clean, paint, and repair buildings at temples, schools, and community centres.
- Collaborate on painting murals and creating artwork to enhance the visual appeal of these spaces.
- Design fun and engaging playground setups for local children.
- Assist in restoring sacred artwork and murals at temples, ensuring they shine for generations to come.
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION
LOCATION: HIKKADUWA, SRI LANKA
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, Mandatory culture week
Overview
The temples in Hikkaduwa are more than just places of worship—they are historical and cultural landmarks, deeply rooted in tradition and artistry. These sacred spaces play a central role in the community, providing solace and guidance. Unfortunately, many temples have deteriorated over time. By participating in restoration efforts, you can help preserve these architectural treasures and ensure they remain a source of spiritual connection for future generations.
Education is key to opportunity, and the schools in Hikkaduwa are fundamental to shaping the next generation. However, limited resources mean many schools are unable to create the inspiring and engaging environments children need to thrive.
Through initiatives like painting educational murals, repairing facilities, and designing playful spaces, you can enhance the learning experience for students. These efforts help nurture creativity, confidence, and curiosity—qualities that empower children and set them on a path to success.
Program Highlights
- Temple Restoration: Revitalize historic temples to preserve their cultural and spiritual significance.
- Educational Impact: Beautify schools with murals, posters, and functional improvements to create a welcoming atmosphere for students.
- Community Engagement: Collaborate with locals to enhance parks, schools, and community centres, strengthening community pride.
- Cultural Immersion: Dive into Hikkaduwa’s rich history and traditions while contributing to the wellbeing of its residents.
You’ll collaborate closely with local communities, gaining new skills while building meaningful connections with residents who value your contributions.
This program offers a unique chance to go beyond traditional tourism, immerse yourself in the culture of Hikkaduwa, and make a positive, lasting impact. Whether you’re painting classrooms, restoring temples, or designing joyful spaces for children, your efforts will contribute to the vibrant spirit of this coastal gem.
Location
Hikkaduwa, a vibrant coastal town in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. As a popular destination for both locals and international travelers, Hikkaduwa offers stunning coral reefs, lively beachfront cafes, and a chance to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture. The town is also a hub for water sports, attracting surfers and snorkelers alike.
Project Tasks
- Restoration Projects: Clean, paint, and repair temples, schools, and community centers.
- Artwork and Murals: Create visually appealing murals and artwork that enrich the spaces you help transform.
- Playground Design: Build fun and engaging play areas for local children.
- Temple Beautification: Restore sacred temple artwork and murals, ensuring their beauty endures for years to come.
Food & Accommodation
You will stay in volunteer accommodation in Hikkaduwa, close to the beach. The accommodation has single-gender rooms of 4-10 people and shared bathrooms. There are no hot showers or wifi so we suggest buying a local sim card. There are fans in the room and bed linen is provided.
The accomodation is located a 10-minute walk away from the city centere, where you can find anything you might need. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 10-minute walk away from our accommodation.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are mainly Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Standard
Projects
- *Cultural Orientation Week
- Kindergarten Teaching
- *Ancient Temple Restoration
- Special Needs & Communitybr>
- *English Teaching, Hikkaduwa
- *Construction, Hikkaduwa
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1 Week - $395
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2 Weeks - $455
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3 Weeks - $595
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1 Month - $785
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2 Months - $1745
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3 Months - $2590
- Private rooms in Kandy cost additional $200 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you are an active and energetic person, who loves to get invovled with a team and to get your hands dirty, then this could be the project for you. You will have to deal with working in the heat but the rewards are 100% worth it! For anyone creative, you can get involved in painting walls and murals in the local classrooms and temples.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.
Schedule
- Welcome, introduction to Sri Lanka and projects, House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents
- Sinhalese Language Lesson
- Cultural Lesson
If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to the Kandy accommodation, it takes around 3-4 hours by road and to the Ambalangoda accommodation, around 3 hours.
Monday to Friday (4-5 hours a day)
- Breakfast: have a hearty meal before heading to your placement.
- Morning: Light renovation and construction efforts at the assigned site.
- Lunch: Take a break and refuel with local cuisine.
- Afternoon: Continue working on renovation, painting, and creative projects.
- Dinner: Relax and enjoy your evening with a delicious meal.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Additional Requirements
- Age Requirements: Participants over 65 must provide medical clearance. Those under 18 need signed parental consent for program involvement, and it’s recommended they are accompanied by an adult.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications or construction experience are required, but participants should be prepared for physically demanding work in hot conditions.
- Skills and Traits: High efficiency, accuracy, responsibility, and teamwork skills are essential. Participants should be capable of managing time effectively, self-organized, and eager to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
Additional Equipment
Dress Code:
- Wear modest clothing, especially if your placement is at temples. Cover any visible tattoos, and please remove any visible piercings while at the placement.
- For schools or placements, you should cover shoulders and knees—more coverage is generally preferred.
- Locals tend to dress conservatively, so “smart casual” is a respectful and suitable option.
- Comfortable sandals are recommended, as most Sri Lankans do not wear shoes indoors.
- Beach wear
Personal belongings:
- Clothing: Bring comfortable work clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Toiletries: Basic items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and towels.
- Sun Protection: A hat and sunglasses for sun protection, especially during construction activities.
- Safety Gear: Work gloves and sturdy shoes or boots for construction tasks.
- Sunscreen and Bug Repellent: Use environmentally friendly sunscreen, and bring insect repellent for outdoor activities.
- Medications: Any necessary prescription medicines, plus basics for headaches and stomach issues.
- Hydration: A refillable water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated, especially during construction activities.
Documents
- Passport
- Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates (with photocopies)
Optional Items:
- Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)
- Mosquito net for your bed.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: LK – Holidays – All Programs
With a population of 20 million, the democratic socialist republic of Sri Lanka, formally known as Ceylon is a tear drop shaped island off the south eastern coast of India. Steeped in over 2000 years of history, the culture is unique to Sri Lanka and known for it’s export of tea, holistic medicines, cinnamon and gemstones including a unique blend of music, dance and visual arts.
Colinised by the British, Dutch and Portugese, there is a multi-culturalism with distinct Sri Lankan flair that feels similar to India, only a whole lot more chilled out! Sri Lanka, better known as the “nation of smiling people” is predominently buddhist (approx 80%) with some Hindu, Muslim and Christianity.
Sri Lanka has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and given it’s size it’s easy to experience them all in a short period of time. From the world’s oldest living tree in Anuradhapura, to the colonial architecture of Colombo, to the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, to lush natural forest, picturesque cities, thousand year old temples, and ancient civilation ruins there are really so many reasons to visit this amazing land.
Sri lanka has a tropical climate with distinctive wet and dry seasons. Temperatures vary and it can get much cooler in the mountains than it can on the beach.
On average temperatures in Sri Lanka vary from 28- 32 degrees, but in the mountain regions this can go to as low as 16 degrees.
From mid-April to September the Southwest moonsoon rains come, affecting the West, Southwest coastline and the Hill Country. On the East coast, the monsoon rains start from November to March but are not quite as severe.
December to March are the best months to visit the West or South coastline and the Hill Country. For the East coast or the North, the best time to visit is from April to September.
Sri Lanka and known for it’s export of tea, holistic medicines, cinnamon and gemstones including a unique blend of music, dance and visual arts.
Colinised by the British, Dutch and Portugese, there is a multi-culturalism with distinct Sri Lankan flair that feels similar to India, only a whole lot more chilled out! Sri Lanka is predominently buddhist (approx 80%) with some Hindu, Muslim and Christianity.
There are many festivals in Sri Lanka. Here are the dates for some of them!
- January: Duruthu
Celebrates the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. During Duruthu, thousands of people attend colorful parades, which consist of three processions on the nights before the full moon. The processions consist of fireball performers, drummers, dances, decorated elephants and the most important – a gigantic tusker treading a white carpet. - April 13th or 14th: Avurudda (New Year)
Avurudda celebrates the Sinhalese New Year in Sri Lanka. According to Sinhalese astrology, the new year begins when the sun changes from Meena Rashi (Pisces) to Mesha Rashi (Aries). - June: Poson Festival
Poson Festival takes place on the full moon day of June and celebrates the arrival of Buddhism, which occurred when Arahat Mahinda, the son of the emperor of India, converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism. - October or November: Diwali (Festival of Lights)
Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival that signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair, and good over evil. It is celebrated with millions of lights shining over houses, temples, and buildings.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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