At a glance
- 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.
Is a volunteer IT teaching placement in Sri Lanka right for me?
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. Start and end dates are flexible, so you can choose a time that suits you.
What will I do on this project?
During your time in Sri Lanka, you’ll help children and adults to improve their computer skills. You can get involved in:
- Teach children and adults basic computer skills at a training and education centre
- Work with children at a local school to develop their IT skills
- Help students to improve their conversational English
Your work with focus on the following main areas:
Teach children and adults basic computer skills at a training and education centre
At our partner training and education centre, you’ll work with both children and adults to improve their computer skills. Here you’ll teach them the basics, from software programmes like Microsoft Word, to using the internet for research purposes.
Work with children at a local school to develop their skills
You can also choose to teach IT at a local school. Here you’ll assist the IT teacher during morning classes, working with students aged 11 and 12. You’ll spend time teaching them the basics of programmes like Microsoft Word and Paint.
Help students to improve their conversational English
At both the training and education centre and the school you’ll also have the opportunity to teach conversational English. Knowledge of English is a very useful skill, and can help improve people’s job prospects. You’ll work with the students to improve their pronunciation and vocabulary.
Where interns work
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.
A typical day on the Teach IT project
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.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
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.
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Sri Lanka. 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 programme 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.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team Sri Lanka
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