• Quality Education

Teaching English as a Foreign Language for kids

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • experience traditional village life in a rural town surounded by tea-and king coconut plantations and paddy fields. Observe how farming people lead a peaceful life and practise Buddhism.
  • Reacharge your battaries by going to the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, to places such as Mirissa, Weligama, Matara, Dondra or Galle
  • get inspired by the energies of remoted temples in rainforests, on rocks, at riversides, on islands at the coast of the Indian Ocean.
  • Bask in the joy and motivation the children show, during your language activities.
  • Learn and expand your knowledge about herbs, vegetables, exotic fruits and Ayurveda way of life. Explore the Sri Lankan cuisine with all its curries

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

we are teachers of government schools in Akuressa, SRL, doing TEFL projects in extra afternoon classes for pupils.

Public education is available from the age of 6 to the age of 18. However, many government schools, particularly in rural areas like Akuressa, receive minimal government funding. The facilities at the schools are very basic, particularly the classrooms that get extremely cramped as average class ...

About the program

Public education is available from the age of 6 to the age of 18. However, many government schools, particularly in rural areas like Akuressa, receive minimal government funding. The facilities at the schools are very basic, particularly the classrooms that get extremely cramped as average class sizes are around 40 to 60 children. Effective, qualified, sustainable education may only be found in private schools and “selected” governmental schools.

The ability to speak English is of great importance in Sri Lanka. The two main sources of income in Sri Lanka are tourism and migrant workers going to the Middle East. Both occupations require the ability to speak English – the world’s global language. However, the level of English teaching in government schools is limited.

Coming here to Akuratatha/Akuressa with your will and your enthusiasm to devote temporarily time as a social worker, teacher, coach, guide AND role model, is of immense help for us. You would not only organize English language activities and help to improve language skills by your presence, but also educate the young people.

In Sri Lankan’s culture monks, teachers and parents have got the highest status. When you are here, as a volunteer you will also be seen the same. Sri Lankans see you as an ethically person who is demonstrating honesty and democracy. And children will respect you what you preach!

Working in the English Teaching Program is accepted as an internship for your university course or practical training requirements for other job careers. We have been doing a very successful exchange program with the students of the University of International Cooperation North South in Belgium.

No practical teaching experience is required to join this program. You will have a syllabus to follow, our local teachers here will support you in planning your lessons.

We expect you to be able to inspire, empower, enhance the young ones to have faith in themselves to improve their English language skills. Creating a joyful, funny, happy learning atmosphere is our goal!

Typical day

There are 2 possibilities to work in this program: teach afternoon classes for Akuratatha children and/or do an assistant teacher’s job at a government school/college. You will be supported in your doings by the local teachers and peer mentors of our Mentor Program.

We expect you to work at ...

Typical day

There are 2 possibilities to work in this program: teach afternoon classes for Akuratatha children and/or do an assistant teacher’s job at a government school/college. You will be supported in your doings by the local teachers and peer mentors of our Mentor Program.

We expect you to work at least three days and not more than five days a week. However,  we have found out  through experience, to volunteer not less than a month. Literally speaking, the longer you decide to stay the better it is for both sides, Akuratatha and you as a volunteer. Working on Saturdays and Sundays would give you the chance to explore places of your interest on week days when they are not too crowded and busy. Working times on these two days :1.30 to 5.30 pm. During the week, Wednesday to Friday: 3 to 5 pm.

When you are involved in a project, such as the Mentor Program, the Community  Development Project or Extra Curriculum Project your working time will be different from the class schedule.

After each lesson there is 30 minutes of reflection talk and planning for the next week's lesson.   

Free-time activities

We do this project in a remote town called Akuressa. The beaches of Mirissa, Weligama, Unavatuna, Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Polhena  can be reached by public transport easily. Sinharaja rain forest is also not far away. Akuressa is surrounded by paddy fields and tea plantations. So locals ...

Free-time activities

We do this project in a remote town called Akuressa. The beaches of Mirissa, Weligama, Unavatuna, Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Polhena  can be reached by public transport easily. Sinharaja rain forest is also not far away. Akuressa is surrounded by paddy fields and tea plantations. So locals are farmers.  A lot of them are Buddhists. Although it is a place close to touristic settlements, you can still experience  innocent village family life. We appreciate from volunteers to respect our cultural believes. The Ayurvadic Snake Conservation Project, run by an Ayurvadic doctor, can be reached in 30 minutes by car or by tuk tuk.
The town has got all the necessary infrastructure such as banks, hospitals, shops. There is also a central bus station, from which you easily reach all the major destinations mentioned above.


The two of the most popular safari parks,  Yala- and Udawalawa National Park can be reached by car within about 3 hours.

Our host family is always happy to help you with the planning and organizing of your free time activities. 

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

English language, Music, dancing, at high school level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

cv

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

soft skills required you are working with school children (10-16), slow learners, you communicate with parents.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 14:00 - 18:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Akuratatha

The fees cover: accommodation, electricity, water, three meals per day (including drinks and fruits), as well as transportation. You also have the option to prepare your own meals in the host family’s kitchen or in the kitchen of your apartment.

The host family will welcome you as one of their own during your stay. Additionally, we offer weekly family activities, which include visits to cultural sites, beaches, boat trips to lakes and rivers, and picnics in scenic locations.

 

Airport Pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport

Airport transfer can be arranged by your hosts.

Accommodation

The accommodation is simple but comfortable, and you will stay with a host family. Their home is a two-story house. The host family lives on the first floor, while the second floor functions as a separate apartment with three bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The first floor offers similar facilities. You are welcome to stay in either space, giving you the opportunity to interact with many local people during your stay.

The home is located in a quiet, peaceful natural area, just two kilometers from the center of Akuressa. Each room has a king-size bed with a mosquito net, a fan, a desk, and a wardrobe. The house is equipped with Wi-Fi, a TV, and a radio.

The bathrooms are shared and include a shower, hot and cold water, a washing machine, and modern toilets. The kitchen is available for your use and has a refrigerator for storing any personal food items.

Surrounding the house is a beautiful vegetable and flower garden, with a fish pond and a fountain, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Bicycles are available if you wish to explore the local area.

Food & Beverages

You will be served three meals per day, cooked by your hosts. Meals are mainly based on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, which includes rice, meat curries, fish curries, and vegetable curries on the daily menu. Vegetarian or vegan dishes can be prepared upon request. The kitchen is also available for your use anytime if you prefer to prepare your own meals.

If you fancy Western food, there are a variety of restaurants offering such meals in coastal areas like Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, and Galle. These locations are no more than 30 to 40 minutes away by tuk-tuk, car, or public transport from where you’ll be staying.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. We assist you to find cheap flights to Sri Lanka. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Sri Lanka provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Sri Lanka you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Sri Lanka. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

 

Volunteers can join our program throughout the year. There is no specific arrival days and/or time slots. When there are school holidays in government schools it is even an advantage for our Akuratatha classes to be held, as it is easier for our students to attend our lessons, projects and programs.   

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 650€
5 weeks 1,342€
6 weeks 2,035€
7 weeks 2,727€
11 weeks 5,497€
50 weeks (max. stay) 8,125€
Average fees 162€/week

Program fees

162€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

4 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Akuratatha during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Akuratatha

Excellent 4.8 rating (19 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

sahan

Spoken languages: English

About the project

To empower younger generation, we are running some extra English classes and soft skills development programs among school children.

Meet your organization

Who we are

Every child deserves a future. Akuratatha believes that only through education the future of our younger generation can be changed. Education is one of the most powerful weapons in fighting poverty. So, we teachers of government- schools in the area around Akuressa established this organization to fulfill these needs.

What we do

Sri Lanka’s education system is pretty impressive for a developing country of its size. Universal public education is available from the age of 6 to the age of 18. However, many government schools, particularly in rural areas like Akuressa, receive minimal government funding – especially considering the size of the communities they are expected to serve. The facilities at the schools are very basic, particularly the classrooms that get extremely cramped as average class sizes are around 40 to 60 children.

The ability to speak English is becoming of growing importance in Sri Lanka. The two main sources of income in Sri Lanka come from tourism and migrant workers going to the Middle East. Both occupations require the ability to speak English – the world’s global language. However, the level of English teaching in government schools is limited. Class sizes are large and the teachers’ English speaking skills are by no means perfect. It is only the middle and upper class children who can afford private English lessons. Therefore it is no surprise that children from most low-income families speak little or no English. Our aim is to give the poorer children of Akuressa, the same opportunities as their more wealthy peers so they too have the chance to develop their ability to speak English.

Our English Teaching Volunteer Programme in Sri Lanka enables you to teach English in two different types of placement: our own after-school education programme and at school as an assistant.

In our schools we work together with school Councillors. Children who need help, are used to seek help from school Councillors. School councilors have all details of children and they know what children need. Some students are poor, some don’t have father or mother. They live with grandfather or grandmother. to assist them we run a project called "God parents". In general we do not publish our students details but in case of need we are ready to hand on their details at any time. We are finding them a God mother or a God father for them.

As many parents of the students are farmers who do not have fix or regular income, they would need our help only in times of droughts and famines. Sometimes the breadwinner of a family is in hospital or at home without having any job. At that time children need our help, too.

Some children are very talented in some fields. They need support to develop their talents and become independent for their future lives.

to assist them we run a project called "assisting children to go to school".

Where we work

We do this project in a poor village called Akuressa near Mirissa, Weligama and Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and Polhena beaches. Sinharaja rain-forest (World Heritage), elephant orphanage or the Ayurvedic snake doctor (who runs a snake conservation project) are not far away. We are living around paddy fields and tea factories. So, local people are farmers, tea pluckers and factory workers. Lots of them are Buddhists. Although Akuressa is close to tourist places you can still find innocent village family life. So we expect from volunteers to respect our cultural traditions

Akuressa town has all the amenities you require, such as banks, hospitals and shops, a central bus station, which has good links to all the major destinations you are likely to go to.

The beaches mentioned above have long been among the most popular ones of Sri Lanka’s beach spots. They have a lively and fun vibe – and are, without any doubt, backpacker towns. It is also your best choice for evening drinks and meals out during your time with us. Furthermore, the surfing in the Weligama region is quite well known and gets the best surf during its dry season, November to March.


Our Mission
combining hearts who want to get and give hands

Our Vision
Paving way for a better world

Who we are looking for
There are endless ways to make a big difference in a child’s life – and benefit from your help.

You can use this program as part of a university or collage placement.  It is certainly possible to use our programmes as part of your university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your course. We started this service with the students of university of Internation Coöperation North South in Belgium. Every year they (University) send two or three students to fulfill their internship and thesis for a six month. So this is a perfect place for your internship or thesis, too.
Suitable For
Singles
Couples
Groups
No teaching experience is required to join this programme nevertheless it is an advantage to have some. You will always have a syllabus to follow and our local team will support you in planning your lessons. This is really something that anyone can get involved in. We expect our volunteers to spend an hour or two each day preparing the lessons of the following days.

19 reviews · rating4.8

I feel so fortunate for this opportunity and I really recommend it to everyone. I've felt like at home, they helped me in everything and I've had a lot of support in ...
This placement in a family home provides an amazing opportunity to experience the treasures of everyday life in Sri Lanka. The parents are both educators, and their son, age 5, speaks English. I went to a total of 5 schools with students of varying ages. They were all so motivated to learn, and ...
An incredible 8 weeks I've had the most amazing 8 weeks in Sri Lanka with Akuratatha! I've met some incredible people, worked with some lovely kids and made the best memories! Mentors are amassing. I volunteered on the teaching project, working with children aged 11-18 and I love it. It was so much ...
I've stayed one month with them & worked. This is a very good program to teach English for children in rural area. Highly recommended program if you are willing to educate children with language. & also through program like this they help to build the quality of children's life for the society. ..
Excellent series teaching English for kids it’s great work for the children and the overall community and it also sets them up for real world situations and ...
Akurata Atha is excellent place to helping valuable children. Great service and helpful working environment.very good facilities around the community. Helpful teachers . Lovely country. We really support ...

Location

Asia > Southern Asia > Sri Lanka > Akuressa

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  English Teaching in Sri Lanka
Contact sahan
  Very high response rate
English

Most volunteers ask about

Do you have any more questions? Send a message to sahan
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

Book with Flex Option!

Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.