- Where: Kandy, Sri Lanka
- When: 20 Aug 2026 — 29 Aug 2026 (10 days)
- Age: 18-80 (mixed age camp)
- Theme: People with disabilities
This project is part of the North-South exchanges. Volunteers must be at least 20 years old and have participated in the pre-departure meeting organised by SCI Austria (taking place every year in spring: have a look at our pre-departure meeting 2025). To find out more read all the requirements here: International Volunteer Camps / Long-term Volunteer Projects / European Solidarity Corps or write to: placement.sciaustria@gmail.com / longterm.sciaustria@gmail.com / call: +43 (0)6603217466
Description
This volunteer camp is organized by SCI Sri Lanka. SCI Sri Lanka has been organising volunteer camps and peace-building activities since 1960 as the Sri Lankan branch of the SCI network. They are dedicated to promoting peace, solidarity, and active community service through meaningful local and international engagement.
This volunteer camp explores how compassion and active community service can build peaceful and inclusive societies. Participants will learn about the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, including children with special needs and individuals affected by health challenges.
Activities involved
Volunteers will take part in various community service activities, including:
- Supporting special needs children at the “Mother Teresa” Special Needs Orphanage by cleaning, painting, assisting caregivers, and caring for children.
- Cleaning, organizing, and improving the SCI Sri Lanka premises to create a better and more welcoming environment for future programs.
- Fundraising to support the Kandy Kidney Society during the annual Kandy Esala Perahera.
Accommodation & Food
Participants will stay at the SCI Sri Lanka premises. Shared sleeping spaces are separated for males and females. Volunteers will sleep together on floor mats. Water and bathing facilities are satisfactory. Clothes should be hand-washed. Internet access is available. Simple food will be provided, and volunteers will cook together.
Languages spoken during the camp
English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Requirements
- EUR 150 participation fee, covering food, transport, accommodation, administration costs, and materials.
- Empathy & Sensitivity: A compassionate and patient approach to interacting with special needs children.
- Teamwork & Cooperation: Willingness to work collaboratively with others to build collective ownership of the project.
- Communication Skills: Ability to engage with the public during fundraising and awareness campaigns for the Kandy Kidney Society.
- Cultural Respect: Sensitivity and appropriateness while volunteering during the Kandy Esala Perahera, a significant cultural and religious festival.
- Commitment to Values: A strong alignment with the principles of peace, solidarity, and social responsibility.
- Social Adaptability: Openness to cultural exchange and interacting with both local community members and international volunteers.
- Proactive Attitude: A self-motivated spirit of volunteerism to assist caregivers and improve community environments.
How to apply
- Visit the original project description
- Application procedure for North-South exchanges
- What is a volunteer camp (previously workcamp)
- Visit our new online database with all the projects available!
Do you still have questions? You can contact us!
- placement@sciaustria.org / long-term@sciaustria.org
- +43 (0)6603217466
