Volunteering in Sri Lanka for a Month!

Hey Family and Friends!

I'm spending a month in Sri Lanka!

The first two weeks will be spent working on a Mental Health & Psychology Project. It is estimated that in tsunami-affected areas 40% of people suffer from common mental disorder and there is a 3% prevalence of severe mental disorder. The program is based in the Galle District which was one of the worst affected regions from the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and to this day today has left lasting impact both physically and mentally on Sri Lanka people. I will be working in a hospital setting, in the community, and the National Council for Mental Health which is a half way house. This portion of my stay will be mostly educational, but there are opportunities for hands on work.

The second two weeks I'll be volunteering on the SeaTurtle Conservation Project! I'll be helping protect and rehabilitate at-risk sea turtles. Sea turtles are often found in fishing nets and many have lost limbs becoming disabled and are no longer able to survive in the wild. Many of these disabled turtles are found by local Sri Lankans who bring them to the project site for rehabilitation and care. The program aims to provide daily care and rehabilitation for the disabled turtles with the long term goal to release back to the wild as well as protecting turtle eggs that have been stolen by local poachers. will also include volunteering at community projects that focus on educating the youth of Sri Lanka of the importance protecting turtles and giving the community tools to bring about long term change.