Sri Lanka Community Development Volunteer & Beach + bespoke trips for groups available

  Sri Lanka

Colombo Central,  Kandy,  Sigiriya

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: August/Oct 2008 + many other dates available for bespoke group requests

Description: Do something different - make a difference: Get stuck-in to a wide range of community projects helping local people, relax on gorgeous beaches and enjoy optional excursions as well.

Spend two weeks at the glorious Coral Sands Hotel, in Hikkaduwa just north of Galle on the south west coast of Sri Lanka. Divide your time between relaxing, sightseeing, and assisting on various development projects, all of which are run by and for local people, and funded through the cost of your holiday.

Hikkaduwa is a popular beach destination on the south west coast of Sri Lanka, about 20km to the north west of Galle. Situated opposite the only marine park in Sri Lanka, the resort has a great beach and glass bottom boats offer fantastic views of the coral reefs just offshore. For those who want to get a closer view of the coral and marine life, complete diving facilities are also available.

Option excursions include visits to the amazing hill town of Kandy, returning through the gem mining area of Ratnapura. You can also take a day-trip to see the wonders of the natural rain forests of Yala National Park. Optional extensions to your holiday include visits to the ancient cities of the central highlands, around Polonnaruwa, and for those with a head for heights, why not take a trip to see the 'Lion Rock' of Sigariya.

The projects
Hikkaduwa was an area which was massively affected by the Boxing Day Tsunami and, years later, the area is still suffering the consequences. There are therefore a number of projects in the area which we will be supporting, many focusing on enabling people to escape poverty and return to self-sufficient livelihoods following the devastation. The projects are varied, ensuring that everyone on our trip will have something positive to contribute, and for those wanting to get their hands dirty  there will certainly be opportunities to work alongside the locals in helping renovate community buildings. Those with specific professional transferable skills can really make a difference through skill-sharing with their local colleagues, but there is something for everybody  all you need is enthusiasm!

Past projects have included house reconstruction, refurbishment of essential buildings, teaching, helping out at local orphanages or elderly care homes, beach clearing, building libraries, work in a nursing training college and other general environmental works.

For more information, see our website or end us an email.

Highlights:
* Do something different - volunteer abroad in Sri Lanka with a choice of projects to suit all
* Make a difference - Up to 12 days project work (and you choose how many days to work or relax)
* Wonderful 3* beachside hotel
* Choice of projects to suit all
* Great optional excursions & opportunities for sightseeing
* No single supplement in October 08
* Great family voluntourism holiday during the school summer break
* Responsible - your holiday doesn't exploit the environment or the local people
* Carbon-neutral

Qualifications: No requirements, specific skills, education or certifications are necessary to book - just a desire to do something different and make a difference.

Only people permitted to work with children unsupervised (and who can supply the relevant paperwork to prove this) will be permitted to work unsupervised with children on our projects - and then at the discretion of those who run the projects.

Cost in US$: from 2000

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone can be eligible: Our trips are for anyone who wants to have a great time and do something positive, altruistic and with a meaningful purpose. One of the things we hope you get out of your working holiday is a sense of fulfilment at having made a difference to the lives of local many people. But we also want to make sure that you have opportunities to socialise with others in your party, and make friendships which will last a lifetime. We will make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for fun to help you relax and recharge your batteries after such valuable work.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Sri Lanka Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Different Travel's Mission Statement: We are a volunteer and adventure travel and tourism group specialist, set up in the wake of the Asian Tsunami on 26th December 2004, offering bespoke group challenges and volunteer opportunities to work alongside local people on international development projects abroad combined with responsible travel and great accommodation. We make sure we work to meet the needs of the communities who welcome us into their world - and at the same time offer our travellers amazing experiences which will stay with them a lifetime.

Year Founded: 2004