Volunteering in Sri Lanka

Make Your Journey Meaningful

Volunteering with L.E.O Projects offers individuals, families and groups the opportunity to make a genuine difference while experiencing life in Sri Lanka in a meaningful way. For many years, L.E.O Projects has welcomed international volunteers from around the world, including volunteers from the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and Australia. Some volunteers join individually as part of their travels, while others come as couples, families or small groups who wish to give back while exploring Sri Lanka. Over the years we have also welcomed young volunteers accompanying their parents, and in some cases children as young as six have participated in community and conservation activities. Volunteering is open to anyone with a positive attitude, compassion and a willingness to help.

Animal Welfare Volunteering

Volunteers play an important role in supporting our street dog and cat welfare initiatives. Working alongside local coordinators and veterinary professionals, volunteers may assist with:

• feeding programmes for stray dogs and cats

• supporting rabies vaccination programmes

• helping coordinate neutering initiatives

• monitoring animals after treatment

• recording and maintaining logs of treated animals Volunteers may accompany teams visiting different areas to identify animals in need of care, liaise with veterinarians and assist with feeding programmes later in the day. Working with animals requires patience and flexibility, as situations can change depending on circumstances on the ground..

Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteering

L.E.O Projects works alongside the Victor Hasselblad Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering sea turtle conservation initiatives. Volunteers may assist with activities such as:

• collecting turtle eggs laid overnight on the beach

• recording and protecting eggs brought by fishermen

• monitoring incubation areas

• observing hatchlings and supporting their release

• cleaning tanks and helping care for injured turtles

• assisting with educational visits to the hatchery Much of the work takes place during the morning hours, while evening beach patrols may take place to monitor turtle nesting activity.

Preschool Teaching & Education Support

L.E.O Projects also welcomes volunteers interested in supporting early childhood education. We work with preschools that serve children from economically disadvantaged families, where access to educational resources is often limited. Volunteers can support these preschools by assisting teachers and engaging with children through creative and educational activities such as:

• English language support

• drama and storytelling

• art and creative activities

• music

• sports and play-based learning Volunteers help create a positive and stimulating learning environment that encourages children to learn, express themselves and build confidence. Because this project involves working directly with young children, volunteers must provide a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check when submitting their volunteer application. The minimum stay for this project is two weeks in order to provide continuity and stability for the children.

Community Support Projects

Volunteers may also support community initiatives and social support programmes. These activities may include:

• helping distribute school supplies to underprivileged children

• assisting with community support drives

• supporting sanitation and essential supply distributions These initiatives provide practical support to families and children who may otherwise struggle to access essential resources.

Who Can Volunteer

L.E.O Projects welcomes volunteers from all over the world. Volunteers may be individuals travelling independently, couples, families, students or professionals wishing to give back. There is no strict maximum age, and younger volunteers are welcome when accompanied by parents. The most important qualities are enthusiasm, compassion and a willingness to help wherever support is needed.

Minimum Volunteer Stay

For most volunteer projects, the minimum volunteer stay is one week. However, for volunteers participating in the preschool teaching and education support programme, the minimum stay is two weeks. This allows volunteers to integrate into the classroom environment and provide meaningful continuity for the children.

A Real Volunteer Experience

Volunteering with L.E.O Projects offers the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka in a way that goes far beyond tourism. By contributing your time and energy, you become part of a community working to support animals, protect wildlife and uplift vulnerable communities. It is an opportunity not only to give back, but also to learn, connect and create lasting memories while making a positive impact.