NATURE AND SUSTAIN

For the first four days of the project, volunteers will engage in essential nursery work alongside local, family-run operations. This is a crucial, hands-on opportunity to support small enterprises. Your main tasks will involve the vital activities needed to maintain and expand the nursery s stock: weeding, mixing soil, filling and relocating pots, planting seeds or seedlings, and consistent watering. This direct support ensures the health and productivity of these family businesses.Following the physical work, the focus shifts to authentic cultural exchange. Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to live and work alongside a local village family, immersing themselves in the daily rhythms and routines of rural life. This is where you truly connect, sharing in the simple, yet profound, experiences that define their existence.A major highlight is a dedicated meeting with a village self-help group, often comprised of highly motivated women leaders. This session is designed for active dialogue: volunteers are encouraged to share ideas and insights, fostering a reciprocal learning environment. Crucially, you will gain a clear understanding of the local women s responsibilities and appreciate their vital contributions as catalysts for both local and national development.The program draws to a close with a visit that honors the village s culture and history. Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit a village kindergarten or the local temple, serving as a community centerpiece. This final event allows for a rich cultural sharing, enabling you to learn about the history and cherished traditions that bind the village together, leaving you with a holistic appreciation for the people and place you have supported.

The accommodation is a village house with a host family, conveniently located close to the main road. The host mother and her two sons (ages 13 and 10) live there. Her husband is working in Colombo, and her elder daughter is studying at university.Essential amenities include reliable electricity and filtered, clean drinking water. Mobile phone signal and internet access are available, but there is no dedicated Wi-Fi.Volunteers are required to wash their clothes by hand and hang them outside for drying. The host mother cooks for volunteers, allowing you to enjoy a variety of different local dishes.

The project is situated in the North Central Province, home to the historic city (13 and 10 years ols boys)of Polonnaruwa, which served as the capital over 1,100 years ago. After the kingdom relocated to the central region, the population dwindled. In 1956, a government initiative began resettling villages and distributing land for cultivation. Today, the descendants of these original settlersspanning three generationscontinue to reside here. Despite this legacy, the community still faces challenges, including a lack of common facilities and persistent poverty. While the first generation primarily engaged in agriculture, the third generation is now seeking employment opportunities. Our partner organization is actively working with women s groups and self-help initiatives to enhance income prospects for families in the area. On our free day, volunteers can visit archeological sites more than 1000 years old, reservoirs, some monuments, old temples etc.Beyond the project, take time to experience the rich tapestry of Polonnaruwa. Use your free time to visit stunning historical sites, discover the region s scenic beauty, and genuinely connect with the local people and their livelihoods