International
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About the project
International
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Green Volunteers for Green Future (GV4GF) is a non-profit organization registered under the Government Company Registrar Act. Established in 2010, we've been co-organizing work camps since 2011, thanks to the kind assistance of Mr. Kaizawa, a founding member of NICE – Japan.
At GV4GF, we focus on cultural exchange through our work camps, which cover four main themes: agriculture, environmental protection, livelihood, and indirect education. We partner with local organizations to ensure our activities meet their goals and benefit the maximum number of people. Our area coordinators, who represent various community-based organizations, work in diverse fields such as agriculture, human rights, and women's development.
Since 2011, we've been partners with NVDA (Asian Voluntary Organizations Network), and in 2018, we became full members. That same year, we joined ALLIANCE as a guest organization.
Beyond voluntary work, we also support local communities and schools by providing meals, books, sports equipment, and helping schools to hire teachers. Our former volunteers often contribute directly to these efforts.
💼 What the programme involves
GV4GF organizes three types of projects: short-term voluntary projects (STV), group projects (12 to 17 members) lasting 5 to 10 days, and medium-term voluntary projects (MTV) lasting up to 90 days.
Short-Term Voluntary Projects (STV)
STV projects have two parts: the working part and the sharing part (or community visit). In the initial 3 to 4 days, volunteers engage in the main work, experiencing the local working style alongside a family or group of villagers. In the second part, volunteers visit various segments of the community, such as families, village youths, members of self-help groups, women's organizations, kindergartens, or village schools. This phase offers volunteers the opportunity to share aspects of their life and country, helping locals understand the differences between developed and developing countries. Volunteers also gain a close perspective on local life and culture.
Group Projects
Participants stay in a holiday home and engage with village youths and vocational training center students through cultural exchange activities. These activities include visits to home gardens or farmlands and involvement in domestic-level income generation activities.
Medium-Term Voluntary Projects (MTV)
MTV projects allow volunteers to assist in kindergartens, teach English, support agricultural and nursery work, and help with organizational management activities. Volunteers reside in a village house with a host family, providing a deeper immersion into the local community.
🏠 Accommodation on site
For both STV and MTV projects, volunteers will stay with a host family. Volunteers will share rooms, with separate rooms for males and females. Beds, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided. Water, electricity, and 3G/4G data connections are available. Our host mother will be cooking for us. In some houses, toilet paper can be used. Clothes need to be washed by hand and hung outside to dry.
Groups will stay at a holiday home where the staff will handle the cooking. All essential facilities, such as drinking water and electricity, are available. Please note that the data connection may vary depending on the area.
🍲 Food
Volunteers will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local foods, sweets, fruits, and tea during their stay. Our host families take pride in offering delicious and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. However, please note that pork and beef are not served. This provides a chance to experience the rich flavors of traditional dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients
📍 About the location
Nawalapitiya – located in the Central province, 154 km from the capital city, Colombo – is a beautiful mountainous area with an elevation of 610 meters above sea level. The region is known for its lush tea and vegetable plantations, which are the main crops. You'll also find vanilla, black pepper, chilies, and cardamom being cultivated here.
The South Indian Tamil community is predominant in Nawalapitiya, a legacy of the British colonial era. About 200 years ago, the British brought these hardworking individuals from South India to work on their tea plantations.
The climate in Nawalapitiya is cool and comfortable, making it a pleasant place to visit. However, be prepared for warmer temperatures during certain months, when daytime temperatures can fluctuate between 30°C to 33°C.
🎒 Leisure activities
During the 10-day workcamp, volunteers have one free day to explore and relax. On this day, volunteers discuss their plans and intentions, hire a vehicle, and venture out to experience the local area. They can enjoy breakfast and lunch outside, sampling local cuisine and enjoying the sights.
Exploring Nawalapitiya:
In Nawalapitiya, volunteers have the opportunity to visit several fascinating locations:
• Kandy: The second capital city and the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history and cultural significance.
• Waterfalls: Enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the region's waterfalls.
• Sri Lanka’s First Tea Plantation and Factory: Learn about the history of tea production in Sri Lanka.
• Temple of the Tooth Relic: A sacred Buddhist temple that houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
• Gampola Biodiversity Center: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
• Elephant Orphanage: Visit this sanctuary dedicated to the care and protection of orphaned elephants.
Please note that it may not be possible to visit all these places in one day, so volunteers will need to prioritize their preferences.
⚠️ Requirements
During the project, we’ll be using English as our primary means of communication, so a basic understanding of English is necessary. Volunteers will be staying in rural areas, often in traditional villages. It's important to accept and respect the local culture. Being adaptable and flexible will make your experience even more rewarding.
Be ready to share stories about your country, city, work, and personal life with the local community. And most importantly, bring along a smiling face and a big, warm heart.
🤝 Meeting point
All volunteers will meet at the Colombo Government Central Bus Terminal, in front of the Galle (Route No. 2) bus stop, at 9:00 a.m. The camp leader will be there to greet you. Together, all the campers will then travel to the site by bus.
Please note that there is another bus terminal, the Private Bus Terminal, which we are not using. You can recognize government buses by their red color, while private buses are mainly light blue and white, though they come in other colors too.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
Feel the life
07/01/2025 at 09:00 → 16/01/2025 at 16:30
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
225.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Mapakanda Road, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR / ₨)
Exchange rate
1 LKR = 0.002693 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
India Standard Time
Local time: 20:57 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken