SPIRITUAL NATURE FARM

Name: SPIRITUAL NATURE FARM
Start: 2015-10-27
End: 2027-12-27
Location: Matale, Sri Lanka

Code: 917350db-bfdb-11e5-81b0-005056b7444b Copied

Sri Lanka Farming Culture Education Environment Manual work Renovation Social work Farming Culture +8 Permanent

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Our partner is a group of eco- friendly family farmers who are practicing a new type of farming called ‘Spiritual Nature Farming’. Their aim is to build a farm that has no negative impact on nature while also creating a space where people can come together, find peace of mind, and foster reconciliation. They believe in addressing the challenges brought about by inorganic conventional farming, modern development crises, global warming, stress, poverty, lack of education, strife, and malnutrition. Their project also emphasizes the fight against other environmental issues. Additionally, they offer facilities for meditation and yoga, promoting spiritual development for a sustainable future. Our partner's values include:

protecting bio-diversity without using chemicals;
being fair to the producer and consumer, being healthy to consume, resulting in a proper diet;
adopting a sustainable method of using natural resources;
trying to carry out indigenous farming as far as possible;
limiting soil erosion to enhance soil conservation by protecting air, water, and nutrients of the soil;
promoting peace by gathering people from different social strata and through a natural and spiritual environment.

💼 What the programme involves

Group volunteers are warmly welcomed to contribute their valuable time, money, skills, and knowledge, as well as their cultural values, to society by engaging in cultural exchange activities such as sharing food, daily life experiences, festivals, philosophies, yoga, meditation, and farming practices. There are several projects available:

community-based school projects: Many rural schools in Sri Lanka lack essential educational materials, sports equipment, and infrastructure. Engaging in these projects can motivate students to learn new languages and experience different cultures. Volunteers can participate in painting or renovating schools, repairing classrooms, playgrounds, or toilets, depending on the most urgent needs. During work camps, volunteers can cook meals for school children, introducing them to new recipes and providing a memorable experience. Bringing stationery, sports equipment, toys, clothes, and other gifts can provide additional support to underprivileged children;
natural farming community projects;
public voluntary work with villagers;
environmental preservation projects.

Opportunities are abundant, and priority will be given based on the volunteer group's selected time and season. Specific projects will be organized according to the group's preferences and duration of stay. Detailed information about each work camp will be provided once volunteers are placed.

🏠 Accommodation on site

Our partner is constantly looking for volunteers. They have the capacity to accommodate several people at the same time (up to 20). The water is coming from the river next to the house. We boil it for cooking and drinking. The shower and the covered, squatting toilets are outside. Especially for ladies, you will have to adapt to local shower (with a bathing cloth from chest to knees) for the outside shower. According to project values, alcohol and smokers are not encouraged.
For the mosquitoes or any type of insect, we advise you to bring a mosquito net or at least some mosquito repellent.

🍲 Food

In Palle Hapuwida and Alwatta, Sri Lanka, visitors can indulge in a rich culinary experience rooted in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. From the fragrant rice and curry platters showcasing an array of flavors to the beloved hoppers and string hoppers served with spicy sambols, there's something to tantalize every palate. Don't miss out on savoring the warmth of freshly made roti or the savory delight of kottu roti prepared with skillful expertise. And for seafood enthusiasts, the coastal proximity promises an abundance of fresh catches transformed into delectable dishes like fish curry or prawn curry. Complete your culinary journey with a taste of vibrant tropical fruits, offering a refreshing and sweet finale to your gastronomic adventure.

📍 About the location

To the east of Matale, nestled in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, lies Strathisla Estate, also known as the "Region of Spices" due to its abundance of natural spices. Situated in a mountainous area at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level, the temperature ranges between 18°C and 33°C. There is much to explore in the area, including picturesque waterfalls such as Sera Ella and Bambarakiri Ella, local artisan crafts such as pottery, wooden utensils, knives, and clothing, as well as cultural sites like the Matale Alu Viharaya (Alu Vihara Temple). Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the nearby river. The estate is conveniently located only 1.5 hours by bus from Kandy, known as the cradle of Buddhism. The monsoon season typically occurs from the middle of November to the end of January.

🎒 Leisure activities

In Pahala Hapuwida and Alwatta, Sri Lanka, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of rural life while enjoying a variety of leisure activities. From nature walks and village tours to cultural experiences like temple visits and cooking classes, there's something for everyone to explore. Adventurous souls can embark on hikes through lush landscapes or enjoy river activities such as swimming and fishing. For those seeking inner peace, yoga and meditation sessions amidst serene surroundings offer a rejuvenating escape. Capture the essence of rural Sri Lanka through photography, and consider a homestay experience to connect with the local community and culture.

In Sri Lanka, it is customary to wear white when visiting temples.

⚠️ Requirements

Our partner is seeking volunteers who are willing to engage in physical labor, getting their hands dirty and going beyond their comfort zone to assist with tasks such as soil work or using a shovel or broom. They value individuals who are eager to share their knowledge and skills while maintaining a positive attitude and a sense of humor. While they appreciate hard work, their main focus is on volunteers who enjoy teaching students aged 6 to 15 years old. If someone is motivated and willing to volunteer with the right attitude, spirit, and a sense of humor, our partner's spiritual farm offers a fitting opportunity for gaining valuable experiences. Volunteers are encouraged to share their own remedies or ideas to contribute to our partner's efforts. Whether someone is new to farming or has experience, joining our partner's community provides a chance to learn and grow through participation in farm activities. Understanding our partner's goals and approach may take time, depending on individuals' nature and behavior. It is recommended to bring suitable clothing for work, including sturdy shoes, gloves, and a raincoat. Our partner values not only physical strength but also knowledge and intellectual skills to help develop the farm in various areas. Any kind of assistance or ideas are welcome. Let's see how volunteers can contribute!

🤝 Meeting point

We are in the village of Palle Hapuwida near Matale in the area of Alwatta.
How could you join us ?
➢ By yourself: from Colombo airport, you can reach take the bus n°127 to Colombo fort, then bus or train to Kandy. Once you are in Kandy, take the bus or train to Matale. Finally you can take a tuk tuk to our farm (700 ruppes).
➢ By request: we can arrange the transport directly from Bandaranayake aiport in Colombo in a private vehicle (80 euros). It will take nearly five hours. Please inform us of your choice at least 2 weeks before your arrival.
If you are a group of more than 6 people please contact us and discuss about this matter.

ℹ️ Additional information

Extra information about the project includes details about fees and additional services:

Registration fee: 200 euros
Food and accommodation:
- 11 euros per day for individual volunteers
- 13 euros per day for group members

Calculation for different durations:
- 2 weeks: Registration fee (200 euros) + (11 euros per day × 15 days) = 365 euros
- 1 month: Registration fee (200 euros) + (11 euros per day × 30 days) = 530 euros
- 2 months: Registration fee (200 euros) + (11 euros per day × 60 days) = 860 euros
- 3 months: Registration fee (200 euros) + (11 euros per day × 90 days) = 1190 euros

For groups of volunteers, the charges are slightly different:
- Registration fee: 260 euros
- Additional charge: 13 euros per day, depending on the duration

Additionally, transportation from the airport to the farm is available at an extra cost of 120 euros, and the journey takes approximately 5 hours. For groups of more than 4 volunteers, a bigger vehicle can be arranged for transportation to the project site, with a charge of 380 euros to be shared among the group members.