At a glance
- This is a volunteer opportunity with Projects Abroad. Devxchange will assist you in choosing the right fit, raising funds with your own campaign page, issuing tax receipts to donors if project meets CRA criteria as a charitable activity. Devxchange will also assist you in onboarding with Projects Abroad.
- Join our volunteer IT teaching placement in Sri Lanka and help to improve the computer skills of children and adults based at a local school or education centre.
- By teaching IT you’ll be helping disadvantaged Sri Lankans improve their job prospects. Currently Sri Lanka has a low computer literacy rate which is estimated to be around 28%.
- You’ll live with a host family in Kalutara or Udubaddawa with fellow volunteers. Take the opportunity to explore all the amazing sights, smells and sounds that the island has to offer.
Details
- Teach children and adults basic computer skills at a training and education centre
- Work with children at a local school to develop their skills
- Help students to improve their conversational English
Includes/Excludes
Food and Accomodation
- Food (three meals a day)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
- Transport to and from your work placement
- In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
- Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
- Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
- Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
- Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
- Access to our local office with internet connection
- Certification of project completion
- Access to our alumni services and discounts
- Visa support and advice
- Fundraising support, including your own personalized fundraising website with DevXchange
- Tax Receipts for your donors if activity meets CRA criteria for charitable activity.
- Pre-departure preparation by your own specialist Volunteer Advisor
- Personalized MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination
- A free cultural awareness course
- Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
- Support to help you complete registration or internship documents, if applicable
Not Included
- Flights
- Visa Costs (where applicable)
- 10% Admin fee for donations involving tax receipts.
Itinerary
Are you interested in travel and culture? Want to explore a new place while giving back and helping others? Then our Teach IT Project is a great fit for you. You’ll support local people through skills development, and add classroom experience to your CV.
You don’t need prior teaching experience in order to join this project. This is because you’ll receive a thorough induction upon arrival, which will run you through everything you need to know. You will also be working alongside local IT teachers, who can guide you where needed. All you need is basic IT knowledge.
Our Teach IT Project is available year-round, from a minimum of two weeks for the education centre, and four weeks for the school. Start and end dates are flexible, so you can choose a time that suits you.
The main aim of this project is to improve the computer literacy of people in Sri Lanka.
According to the Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka, only 28% of the population were computer literate by 2017. Furthermore, many people in disadvantaged areas do not have enough money to buy a computer. This means that most children and adults have extremely limited opportunities to learn computer literacy. This is an issue that needs to be addressed, as we live in an increasingly digital world where computer skills are an essential life skill.
As a volunteer, you’ll work with adults and children to equip them with the necessary IT knowledge so that they are able to confidently use computers. You’ll also teach them how to do research on the internet and how to use basic Microsoft Office programmes. This in turn increases their future employment prospects.
Join us and gain invaluable IT teaching work experience while in Sri Lanka. You’ll also help us develop the computer skills of local people while making a positive impact in the community.
After waking up in the home of your friendly host family, you’ll enjoy a Sri Lankan style breakfast to fuel you for the day. You’ll then travel to your placement by bus, or walk if you live nearby. On your first day, a Projects Abroad staff member will accompany you to show you the way.
A typical working day on this project runs from 7.30am – 1.30pm if you’re working at the school, and from 9am – 5.30pm for the education centre. You’ll work from Monday to Friday, but those at the education centre can do optional weekend work.
Depending on the placement you choose, your daily activities will vary. However, whether you’re working at the education centre or at a partner school, you’ll spend your time teaching students the basics of how to use a computer. As their skills develop, you may find yourself showing them additional IT tasks.
Once you’re done for the day, you’ll have the chance to have fun and explore. We organise regular social events for our volunteers. This is a great way to get make new friends and get to know the local staff. You can also spend time in the evenings with your host family, learning about the local way of life. There’s plenty of travel opportunities on the island, so don’t miss out.
Food and Accomodation
You will either be based in Kalutara or Udubaddawa, which are situated along Sri Lanka’s west coast. The country has an extensive and affordable public transport network, so you’ll be able to explore the country during your leisure time. Sri Lanka has plenty to offer visitors, with its natural scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Udubaddawa
Udubaddawa is a small town that still has many of the modern conveniences you might need, such as grocery stores. Here, you’ll be working at a training and education centre which caters for both children and adults.
Kalutara
Kalutara is a major city with plenty to offer visitors and good travel connections. Their most famous landmark is a striking Buddhist temple which overlooks the town. You’ll work at a local school teaching students aged 11-12.
You’ll stay with a host family in or around Colombo. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Sri Lanka and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your program fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Sri Lanka is well-known for its diverse landscapes. From beaches to tropical jungles, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant country.
The buzzing Pettah Market is a must-see. You can chat to friendly vendors, buy handmade products, and enjoy the electric atmosphere around you. For cultural enrichment, you can spend an afternoon in the National Museum of Colombo. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is also a highlight, with its vast collection of artefacts.
The town of Galle is a sea port with a strong Dutch heritage and plenty of old colonial buildings to explore. You can also venture inland to hike in the hills, swim in the cool waterfalls, and visit traditional hill towns.
Sri Lanka’s national parks include safari parks where you can spot wildlife like leopards and elephants. Or spend an early morning bird-watching in one of the wetland sanctuaries. There are also rainforest reserves crammed full of tropical biodiversity.
You’ll be sharing this unique experience with many other volunteers. This means you can travel solo or spend your free time with the friends you make during your trip.
