Little light-Big dreams - Nawalapitiya

Code

2026/15/NP 07

Name

Little light-Big dreams

Location

Nawalapitiya

Start

December 22

End

December 31

Type

SOCI, MANU, EDU

Vols.

8

Min age

18

Max age

99

Summary

Working and sharing with local communities, Sinhalese and Tamils, who brought to Sri Lanka 200 years ago. experiencing the rural life, livelihoods and local culture while exploring hill country’s environment whaile sharing with children.

Background

This project is actively working for SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 10 (Reduce Inequality) SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) organized together with Culture and Agriculture Society since 2023. The project is based in a rural area historically known for tea plantations and vegetable cultivation. Until Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, the entire region was dedicated to tea production. After independence, the government assumed control, with portions of the land later abandoned or redistributed among local families.

During the development of nearby hydropower projects, many people lost their homes and were relocated to this area. Today, tea remains the lifeline for most residents, with many still working in the fields. Only a few individuals are employed in urban centers or government roles.

Despite its rich agricultural heritage, the area remains largely overlooked by both locals and tourists due to limited access to basic facilities. This isolation has contributed to ongoing challenges in education, economic opportunity, and social inclusion.

One of the most compassionate aspects of the project is its work with children living in institutional care. The definitions of “children’s home” and “orphanage” are not always clearly distinguished here. Some children have lost both parents or guardians and reside permanently in care, while others have been placed through legal processes and may return to relatives during school vacations. Regardless of their background, these children share a common need: connection, enrichment, and hope.

Volunteers play a vital role by organizing activities that bring joy, learning, and transformation to the lives of these children. Their presence introduces new experiences, breaks the monotony of daily routines, and creates moments of inspiration. For many children, interacting with volunteers becomes a cherished memory—something they proudly share with their school friends and carry with them as a symbol of possibility.

This project is not only about development—it is about dignity. It is about nurturing the land, empowering families, and uplifting children through meaningful human connection. Step by step, it is helping build a more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate future.

Work

Project consists of two parts. First four days we are visiting a children home/orphanage. Volunteers can prepare activities with children. Second three days we move around villages to meet members of the women’s group/members of the self-help group, youths, and kindergarten etc.

During the second part, we are sharing with volunteers stories and culture with family/ village youths/village level organizations members and support to do their daily work. On the last day morning volunteers visit the village kindergarten/village temple/church/Kovil.

Accommodation

Volunteers are going to stay at a village house with limited facilities. Electricity, hot water, cleaned drinking water, beds, pillows, and toilets are available. Internet facility is good. But no Wi-Fi. Cloths can be washed by hand and can hang outside to dry.

Study theme

Local SDGs (2030 goals) of the family, Nawalapitiya and Sri Lanka.

Other activities

Organizing cultural exchange events, Excursion, Environmental Education, Expeditions, Farewell party, etc.

Location

Located at 114km (and 157km via Gampola) from Colombo. This is a rural area and located at among mountains. 590m above from the sea level. People are mainly tea plantation workers and working at the tea factories. Few families depend on agriculture, especially on black pepper and vegetable cultivation. It is close to two ancient kingdoms called Gampola (17km) and Kandy (46km). This area has beautiful landscapes, mountains, ancient temple etc. Cardamom and Vanilla also common crops here.

Terminal

Colombo – Volunteers need to arrive at Katunayake Bandaranayake International Airport by the end of December 21 and can leave there after 20:00 of December 31. 6 hours by bus to the site. You will meet at the Colombo Government bus terminal in the morning on the first day.

Requirement

High motivation to work while experiencing different type of life style, accept challenges, adopt to local environment, sharing with local communities, respect and accept local life and culture.

Join with the Event

Join for Project