Sponsor me to teach kids in Sri Lanka

Hi, I’m Nina. I’m 17 and in July 2016, I’m going to be volunteering with Plan My Gap Year in Sri Lanka: teaching English to children in communities displaced by the 2004 tsunami and also to novice Buddhist monks in local temple schools.

I’m also going to be researching the impact of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami on the local people of Sri Lanka as part of my Extended Project Qualification.

The ability to speak English is becoming an increasingly important skill in Sri Lanka as the two main sources of income (tourism and migration to the Middle East) both require English speakers. Although the Sri Lankan education system is remarkable for a small developing country, many government schools receive insufficient funding and educational facilities are often basic. This means that children from low-income families often speak little English as they cannot afford private lessons. I’m so excited to have this opportunity, as through teaching these kids English I really will be able to help them secure a better future in their country.

Having already secured a place on the programme, I need to raise around £1500 to pay for flights, accommodation and other extras such as a visa. Of course, I am not expecting this sum to be entirely donated and will be working as much as possible to earn and save the majority of the money – however, I would hugely appreciate any donation at all to help me out!