Teaching in community schools in Kandy

A project supporting schools and communities in Kandy through new opportunities for learning and exchange

Many children and adults in the areas around Kandy don't have access to quality English classes, which are often only available to families who can afford them.

This project was set up to make learning more open to everyone, from kindergartens to community centres, including adult classes for people looking to improve their work prospects. As a volunteer, you'll be part of the everyday rhythm with students and teachers, helping to build practical learning activities and small connections across cultures.

Teach and discover everyday Sri Lanka

A project supporting schools and communities in Kandy through new opportunities for learning and exchange

Teach English to children and adults who otherwise wouldn't have access to quality classes, helping make learning more open.

Living in Kandy, you'll fit into the everyday life of schools and the community, building real connections with students, teachers and families.

During your stay in Kandy you'll be hosted in one of the volunteer residences, around 4 km from the centre.

The accommodation is simple but comfortable, set up to give you a quiet base for your time here. Rooms are shared (4–10 people) and have the essentials: beds with linen provided, fans, and running water with a hot shower. There's no Wi-Fi or mosquito nets, but you'll find common areas to relax in and a shared kitchen with a fridge.

Meals are served daily: three on weekdays and two at weekends. The cooking is mainly vegetarian, a mix of local and Western dishes, with water, tea, coffee and milk always available.

A few minutes' walk away you'll find supermarkets and ATMs for anything you need, while a paid laundry service is available.

🛏️ What's included:

- Shared rooms with beds and linen provided
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Water, tea, coffee and milk always available
- Lockbox and lockable rooms
- Common areas for socialising and relaxing
- Ongoing support from the local team and an orientation on arrival

The volunteer residence is more than just a place to sleep. It's a space for getting to know people and sharing time.

You'll meet people from all over the world here, cooking together, swapping stories and sharing the everyday moments that make a stay in Kandy special.

We take your safety seriously.

Each programme is monitored carefully, from the schools where you'll be teaching to the volunteer house, so you can settle into a welcoming and well-supported environment.

🔹 Background checks and safe spaces

To keep children and local communities safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling.

We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it.

🔹 Trusted local partners

We only work with schools and community centres that regularly host volunteers from around the world, in well-organised settings. The volunteer accommodation is in a safe area, with lockable rooms and the local team always on hand.

🔹 24/7 support

From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, you can count on the local staff being available, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.

🔹 Briefing and orientation

On your first day you'll join an orientation session covering Sinhalese culture, the practical basics, and a guided walk around the area. It's the best way to get the lay of the land and start the experience confidently.

🔹 A few sensible habits

Sri Lanka is a welcoming and friendly country, but a few simple habits go a long way:
- Avoid going out on your own at night.
- Travel with other volunteers when you can.
- Always follow your local coordinator's advice on areas and transport.

💡 Our aim

is to give you a safe, well-supported environment, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, sharing skills and learning alongside the local community.

🧭 Orientation day

Your time in Kandy starts with a full day of orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local setting and start the programme safely and confidently.

On your first Monday, you'll join a series of activities led by the local team:

- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
- Practical tips on health, safety and local etiquette
- A short introduction to Sinhalese culture and a brief Sinhala language lesson
- A walk around Kandy, with a visit to the main spots and useful info on supermarkets, transport and local SIMs
- Time to start getting to know the other volunteers and the staff

Orientation is also a chance to find your feet around the city, get a feel for the Buddhist culture that defines the area, and quickly start coming together as a group.

📌 After this introductory day, from Tuesday you'll get into the educational activities at schools and community centres.

We'd recommend booking your flight into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo, on a Sunday, ideally between 05:00 and 21:00.
That's when our pickup and transfer to Kandy is running.

Sunday morning/afternoon arrivals (05:00–21:00): airport pickup to the residence in Kandy is included (3–4 hour journey).

Saturday arrivals: possible, with a supplement for the extra night.

Out-of-hours arrivals: you can book a private transfer (paid) or get a taxi yourself.

Arriving after 21:00 or very early: we'd suggest staying overnight in a hotel near the airport and joining the transfer the next morning.

📍 Meeting point

At the arrivals exit you'll find one of our coordinators with a sign with your name (or the partner organisation's name). Don't leave the meeting point: the coordinator will come to you. You may need to wait for other volunteers before heading off to Kandy.

📱 Useful tips

- Pick up a local SIM as soon as you land: useful for staying in touch with the team and your family.
- Bring a printed copy of your ETA visa, passport and criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) with you.
- Be ready for a 3–4 hour drive up to Kandy, which you may share with other volunteers arriving the same day.

📞 If you can't spot the team straight away

Stay at the meeting point: the coordinator will come to you. In an emergency, you can ring the coordinator directly.

🚖 Heading home: return flight tips

Check-out from the accommodation is by 12:00 on Saturday. The transfer to the airport isn't included, since people travel home at different times. Our team will happily help you book a taxi or share a transfer with other volunteers.

We'd suggest booking your return flight for Saturday evening or Sunday, allowing about 4 hours for the drive from Kandy to Colombo airport.

If your flight is very early in the morning, you may need to leave the night before. Either way, the staff will help you sort out a transfer, and you can share it with other volunteers heading home at the same time.

🗓️ Carrying on with your trip in Sri Lanka?

Let us know in advance if you're planning to stay longer or move to a different part of the island, and we'll share practical, sensible tips for planning your route.

💡 Once your booking is confirmed, we'll send you a detailed pack by email with:

- Up-to-date instructions
- Local emergency contacts and the local team's details
- Practical pointers to help you get ready

Teaching in community schools in Kandy

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