Second chance In life - Nawalapitiya
Code
Name
Second chance in life
Location
Nawalapitiya
Start
December 21 (Mon)
End
December 30 (Tue)
Type
SOCI, MANU, AGRI, LIVELIHOOD
Vols.
8
Min age
20
Max age
99
Summary
Support local communities in enhancing their livelihoods while sharing life with them
Background
This project is actively working for SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10( Reduce Inequality) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), organized with the Cultural and Agricultural Organization from this year, 2025.
The education system in rural tea estate communities is often substandard. There is a lack of sufficient teachers, facilities, and overall motivation for learning, as education is not widely regarded as an essential aspect of life by many members of these communities. Ambitions are modest, centered around traditional milestones such as finding a partner, marriage, and having children. Long-term planning for the future, whether for themselves or their children, is uncommon.
The dreams of estate youths are simple and often limited to aspirations like becoming laborers in tea plantations, shop assistants, or unskilled workers at construction sites. These aspirations are often short-lived, as the cycle of poverty persists. Children frequently grow up taking care of their parents, and if there is insufficient income, extended relatives may step in to support them. In cases where no guardian is available, children are placed in orphanages under the recommendation of village headmen.
Moreover, some families pose unsafe environments for children due to factors like domestic violence, alcoholism, or instances of sexual abuse and harassment. Such children are also transferred to orphanages for their safety. Life in the orphanages is monotonous, with daily routines that offer little variation. School holidays bring additional challenges, as the children face long stretches of unstructured time.
To bring positivity and inspiration into their lives, volunteers going to engage with the children, organizing activities, games, and other enriching experiences. These interactions not only break the monotony but also provide the children with glimpses of new possibilities, encouraging them to dream bigger and aspire for brighter futures.
Work
During our project period, first 4 days we plan to visit an orphanage. Volunteers will engage with the children through simple yet enjoyable activities such as games, painting, acting, and other creative projects. While some children may be reserved and prefer to stay within their comfort zones, our goal is to connect with every child and encourage their participation.
Following the orphanage visits, we will meet with a family, village youths, and kindergarten children. During this time, volunteers will have the opportunity to share their personal experiences and life stories with the local communities, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Accommodation
We will be staying in a village house with a welcoming host family, where the host mother will prepare meals for us. The family has three boys aged 18, 9, and 5. The home offers electricity, purified drinking water, and 3G/4G data connectivity. Toilet papers can used, and clothes will be washed by hand and hung out to dry outside the house
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.