Volunteering in a Sri Lankan Orphange

Hi guys! My name is Faiza and this summer i will be spending my time volunteering abroad in a children orphanage in Sri Lanka, alongside my friends. We will arrive in the countries capital, Colombo, on the 17th August before travelling south to the town of Ambalangoda where the orphanage is situated. From then on I will be volunteering daily in orphanage, teaching the children English, organising and playing games/sports activities, along with providing the love and care these children have been deprived of. The orphanage accommodates children between the ages of 5-16, not all of these children have lost both of their parents, and many have been rescued from broken homes and abusive families or have been given up by their families due to severe financial circumstances.

In Sri Lanka today institutional care is the fate of many children who have been abandoned by their parents. According to UNICEF, out of over 21,000 children in orphanages in Sri Lanka, one or both parents of over 19,000 of them are still alive. Poverty is a root cause with families feeling they cannot afford to adequately provide for the child and give them the education and start in life they need and deserve. My role as a volunteer will encourage and care for these children, provide them with much needed confidence and to help maximise their potential.

This adventure is hosted by Plan My Gap Year, an independent volunteering organisation. It does not receive any funding from the Government and therefore the Fees I will pay cover the costs of implementing, monitoring and maintaining the orphanage. The orphanages based in Ambalangoda rely heavily and benefit from the help they receive from volunteers throughout the year. I know this will be a valuable and memorable experience so i would appreciate if you could support me on my journey and donate generously. Every little counts and even pennies will make a great difference to the lives of these children! Thank you.