Life among the mountains

Name: Life among the mountains
Start: 2025-04-21
End: 2025-04-30
Location: Gampola, Sri Lanka

Code: ff6772ad-e053-11ef-9ba5-fa163ef8d720 Copied

Sri Lanka Farming Manual work Farming Manual work Fixed dates

About the project

📝 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

This project is actively working for SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), organized with the Cultural and Agricultural Organization and TRUE foundation since 2023.

This project is comprised of two key components. First, we aim to support families engaged in agriculture by assisting with planting, harvesting, nursery maintenance and agriculture related activities. We will begin by collaborating with two or three families to understand their needs better.
Next, we will connect with local youths, members of self-help groups, families with income-generating activities, and the village kindergarten. Throughout this process, our volunteers will share their life experiences and cultural insights, fostering meaningful connections within the local community.

🏠 Accommodation on site

All volunteers will stay with a host family. Accommodation is located at a nice location with scenic beauty. 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. Toilet paper can be used. Clothes need to be washed by hand and hung outside to dry.

🍲 Food

Our host mother will be cooking for us. 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. Breakfast and lunch are sourced from outside.

📍 About the location

Gampola, situated 14 km from Kandy and 127 km from Colombo, is nestled in Sri Lanka's picturesque hill country, serving as the country's second capital. The weather here is pleasantly cool, with nighttime temperatures ranging from 22°C to 24°C. The area boasts both historical landmarks and stunning natural scenery, making it a captivating destination.

🎒 Leisure activities

Typically, volunteers discuss their free day plans and visit together. Some places may require entrance tickets. Hiring a personal vehicle helps minimize travel time and avoids unnecessary delays. Free day expenses are not included in the participation fee.

In Gampola, volunteers have the opportunity to visit several fascinating locations:

• Kandy: The second capital city in Sri Lanka 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.

⚠️ 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.