EXPERIENCE THE LIFE

Name: EXPERIENCE THE LIFE
Start: 2025-08-19
End: 2025-08-28
Location: Hingurakgoda, Sri Lanka

Code: a4a7ec6542feb5b536f93217c07150c2 Copied

Sri Lanka Social work Social work Fixed dates

About the project

EXPERIENCE THE LIFE

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

We are organizing this project in collaboration with Gami Saraniya, a rural women-led organization dedicated to supporting low-income families in the area. The organization conducts a variety of initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, including agriculture, inland fisheries, home gardening, and family based income generating activities

💼 What the programme involves

The project consists of two key components. First, we support families engaged in self-employment by enhancing their income-generating activities, which include home gardening, family workshops, and nurseries.In the second component, we visit villages to engage with the community, including self-help groups, youth, and local institutions like temples and kindergartens. This provides volunteers with the chance to share their lives, cultures, and experiences with the locals while fostering meaningful connections within the community.

🏠 Accommodation on site

Stay in a village house with a welcoming host family, conveniently located near the main road. The house has electricity, and purified, filtered drinking water is provided. Mobile phones work well, and 3G/4G data connections are available, but there is no internet or Wi-Fi. You can use toilet paper here, and laundry is done by hand, with clothes hung outside to dry.

🍲 Food

Our host mother prepares delicious meals for us.

📍 About the location

The project is situated in the North Central Province, home to the historic city of Polonnaruwa, which served as the capital over 1,100 years ago. After the kingdom relocated to the central region, the population dwindled. In 1956, a government initiative began resettling villages and distributing land for cultivation. Today, the descendants of these original settlersspanning three generationscontinue to reside here. Despite this legacy, the community still faces challenges, including a lack of common facilities and persistent poverty. While the first generation primarily engaged in agriculture, the third generation is now seeking employment opportunities. Our partner organization is actively working with women s groups and self-help initiatives to enhance income prospects for families in the area.

🎒 Leisure activities

On our free day, volunteers can visit archeological sites more than 1000 years old, reservoirs, some monuments, old temples etc.

⚠️ Requirements

The key skills required include embracing and respecting the local culture, adapting to life with local resources, and sharing your experiences with the community. A positive attitude, genuine happiness, a warm heart, and a big smile are essential qualities.