Location: Koslanda, Badulla District, Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Duration: 3 weeks
Project focus: environment/education

In this summer’s work camp, 10-15 international volunteers will join our team, as well as children, parents and teachers to prepare and plant an organic herb garden in the grounds of one of the local schools. The school will use the garden as a model business, selling the surplus produce to local markets for a premium price; children will be taught the advantages of traditional organic farming as well as sustainable business ethics. Volunteers will also organise sports activities, give English lessons and lead activities that will teach the children about the importance of preserving their environmental heritage.

This will be a unique opportunity to experience authentic village life in a stunning though impoverished location. The three week adventure of living and working with your local and international team mates will be challenging and rewarding and ultimately very memorable. The school is situated amongst tea and pepper plantations, and overlooks a glorious vista as the rolling hills subside into the south coast. The children in the school all have impoverished backgrounds, with parents earning a subsistence living from labouring or plucking tea, and will benefit enormously from the interaction and lessons they will receive from the volunteers.

Dates

5 – 26th August 2006

Location

Koslanda is located on the southern face of Sri Lanka’s hill country. We will organize two recreational trips, one to the high tea lands and the other to a coastal national park of great beauty. Otherwise, you will be free to enjoy the scenery around Koslanda with its natural waterfalls, wildlife and good trekking opportunities. A community centre a few miles down the road offers access to broadband internet so you can contact home.

Accommodation

This is an isolated rural location and accommodation will be quite basic. We’ll all sleep in the school on mattresses provided by LHT. There will be an outside bucket bath and clean toilets. Boys and girls will sleep in separate rooms. Our lively cook will prepare our meals over an outside stove and there will be the opportunity to learn how it’s done. In the evenings the volunteers will make their own fun around the camp fire under the stars.

Skills and experience

No specific skills or experience are required, just lots of enthusiasm and a willingness to live the hardy life for a few weeks.

Costs

Land costs (excluding flights and visas) are:

• GBP: £356
• EURO: €525
• USD: $625

Please contact the office for further information on costs.

Booking

If you are interested in receiving more details about our workcamp please email info@livingheritagetrust.org and we’ll send you the booking pack by return email.