Palmera Projects
Sri Lanka
2011 Sri Lanka Volunteer Programme
Palmera offers young people the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects in Sri Lanka via the Sri Lanka Volunteer Program (SLVP). Since 2004, groups of young people from Sydney have travelled together to Sri Lanka to share their language, musical, legal, commercial and technical skills. The Sri Lanka volunteer program is a great way to learn about Sri Lanka and share the skills and knowledge you have been privileged enough to acquire with those less fortunate.
Our program is ideal if you are:
- Aged 18 to 35
- Motivated to make a difference
- Interested in learning about Sri Lanka
- Available for 3 to 12 weeks
Our projects require a deep commitment and engagement on your part. Once you are on project, the work schedule can be demanding and living conditions are very basic. But the rewards are immense - you will tap into hidden personal resources, push yourself to new heights and make a difference.
What sort of things can I do?
The program is very flexible. Based on your skills sets and when you are available to volunteer, the Palmera team will work with you to identify a project which you can make the greatest difference. Generally, volunteers have been involved in grass root level development work. Over the years Palmera volunteers have engaged in a wide variety of activities - teaching English and music, implementing IT and accounting systems, translating and volunteering at local hospitals. If you are unsure about what you'd like to do, the volunteer's coordinator will be happy to discuss your options with you.
How long is the volunteer program?
Palmera encourages participants to volunteer for one month. Where possible we encourage your trip to be as long as possible as given the cultural and social difference, it takes to time to begin to feel the impact that you can have on the project.
How does the program work?
If you are interested, please complete the Sri Lanka Volunteer Project (SLVP) Application form attached and send through to the Palmera team at . After sending a completed SLVP Application form to the volunteer coordinator, someone from Palmera will be in contact with you to discuss program dates. Dates are subject to volunteer availability, Project availability and weather conditions.
Prior to departure, volunteers will meet regularly to discuss their impending trip, meet previous volunteers and take part in some pre-departure training (including basic language and cultural etiquette). There will also be opportunities to learn more about and explore Sri Lanka on weekends and in the evenings. Upon arrival back in Australia, you will be invited to attend a debriefing dinner and often our volunteers are asked to share their experiences with the larger Palmera group and other community organisations.
Do I have to speak the language?
No, there is no need to speak Tamil or Singhalese however these skills are highly desirable. We have had several volunteers who speak little or no Tamil/singhalese. Of course, you won't be left completely in the dark. On each program, we ensure that there is at least one native speaker.
In order to bridge the language barrier, the Palmera team will be organising Tamil classes prior to departure. We encourage all volunteers to attend if they are unfamiliar with the language.
How much will it cost?
Volunteers are required to cover their own costs as Palmera is a 100% not for profit organisation that is fully funded by private donations. Palmera encourages that volunteers organise fundraising activities in order to assist with their funding requirements and increase awareness to their friends and families regarding their trip.
Who can I speak to about the SLVP?
You can direct any questions you may have towards the SLVP coordinator:
Dilan Ponnudurai
Contact: 0414 155 273
Email:
Note:
All participants are required to undergo the relevant police and working with children checks prior to commencement of the program.