Play a crucial role caring
for
children in Sri Lanka

Immerse yourself within the local community

Apply now
  • Duration
    1-24 Weeks
  • Accompanied age
    5+
  • Minimum age
    17+
  • Start dates
    1st & 3rd Saturday
  • From
    £180
  • Duration
    1-24 Weeks
  • Accompanied age
    5+
  • Minimum age
    17+
  • Start dates
    1st & 3rd Saturday
  • From
    £180

Sri Lanka childcare volunteers

Get ready to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka while helping on this hugely rewarding project. You will play a crucial role in interacting with the children, keeping them entertained and happy while building their confidence. The children will be sure to fill your life with laughter and unconditional love and you’ll be overwhelmed by the energy that they show you.

Working alongside the local staff and other volunteers, you will assist with basic education, play lots of games and encourage a positive lifestyle to children aged between 4 and 6 years old. The projects you will be helping aim to provide a better and brighter future for the children. You will become a big brother or sister, offering invaluable assistance and providing the care and love the children need.

This is your chance to fully immerse yourself into the Sri Lankan culture and way of life by playing a major role within the local community. Along the way you will make lots of new friends and will make a real difference to the lives of young children.

Background to the childcare programme

It's no secret that Sri Lanka is a third world country and poverty is rife amongst the country (especially in the more rural areas). With very limited resources and funding, day care centres and kindergartens are not only struggling to provide the necessary attention and education to the children (due to overcrowding and supplies), but also to even keep running.

As is common around the world, it is vital for children to attend kindergarten or pre-school on a regular basis to help provide the basic foundations to exceed in their future lives. On top of this and especially in Sri Lanka, parents need to work as often as possible, which would not be plausible if their children were at home all day every day.

With the above in mind, we simply could not let the main kindergarten we support (Happy Kids) close their doors - as had happened last year. The Mighty Roar now fully supports and runs the Happy Kids Kindergarten, covering all financial costs such as staff wages, stationery, maintenance and anything else required. Not only this, but we also help and assist at another local kindergarten (Sasmitha Pre School), to ensure they receive all of the support and funds needed to keep operating.

We now need you and other volunteers to come and help run the kindergarten along with our local team and other staff members. You will help take away some of the burden from the overstretched teachers and ensure that proper care and attention can be given to all of the children that attend. As well as this, the programme fees that you pay will help towards supporting the financial costs associated with the kindergartens.

Where will I be volunteering?

Happy Kids - The majority of volunteers will be placed at The Mighty Roar's kindergarten called Happy Kids. The kindergarten is located in the small rural village of Akurala (the same village as our volunteer accommodation), and provides day to day care and basic education to the 10-20 children that attend every day - with the attendance numbers thought to increase substantially over the coming year. After having to close down last year due to a lack of funds and resources, we could not let this vital community service stay shut. We now provide a free to attend and safe environment for all children aged between 3 and 5 years old to help provide the first fundamental steps for their futures.

Sasmitha Pre School - During busier months, some volunteers may be placed at the Sasmitha Pre School which is the largest kindergarten in the area. You and other volunteers will help assist and educate the 150 or so children aged between 4 and 5 years old that attend every day. The kindergarten needs support from volunteers as classrooms are often overcrowded and the children do not always get the one-to-one attention required.

What is my role?

Your main role as a childcare volunteer will be to encourage and care for the children that come to the kindergarten everyday. By interacting with the children through creative and energetic ways and providing them with a basic education, you will not only be boosting their confidence but also their abilities - maximising their future potential.

You’ll be involved in a variety of activities such as playtime, meal times and basic teaching and you can be sure that the children and community you help will be extremely grateful for having someone there to support and care for them. No day will be the same, with the excited children always wanting to learn and get involved with singing, dancing and drawing.

We encourage you to get as involved as possible by helping with all of the day-to-day activities. You will be instrumental in keeping the children engaged and happy, where you will join in with games and other fun activities and hopefully introduce some of your own new ideas along the way. You will find that you will get to know many of the children and their routines, making your time here even more special!

What will a typical day look like?

You will volunteer every morning from Monday to Friday, generally between 7:30am and 11:30am. Both kindergartens are located just a 5-10 minute drive away from the volunteer accommodation by tuk-tuk or private car / bus.

The first part of the day will be dedicated to ensuring the class room is clean and tidy, ready for a busy day ahead. The children will start arriving around 7:45am and this is the perfect chance to play and bond with everyone before the day officially starts at 8:30am. After singing the national anthem and worshipping, you will then be involved in a 10 minute exercise session.

Volunteers will then assist the class with teaching basic English such as colours, animals and other basic subjects (it's best to plan these the day before). At 9:30am, there is a small break where you can head outside to play further with the children. The rest of the day is then dedicated to arts and crafts, dancing, singing, sports and other creative and fun activities - you can choose!

Our childcare volunteers are primarily based at Happy Kids Kindergarten, however, during busier months volunteers will also be placed at Sasmitha Pre School (different schedule to the above).

During the afternoons, we recommend that volunteers come together to plan some activities for the following day. You will also be able to help with our community teaching classes that were established by The Mighty Roar. If you are not feeling brave enough to teach, then you are more than welcome to assist the teaching volunteers by providing more one to one attention and joining in the fun and games that are planned for each day.

Where will I be staying?

We cannot think of anywhere better to stay when volunteering in Sri Lanka! Our volunteer accommodation is just a stones throw away (10 second walk) from a quiet golden sand beach that is lined with palm trees – paradise! It’s the perfect place to come and relax each evening and witness some incredible sunsets. Not only this, but you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters that have an abundance of colourful fish swimming around the coral reef and you may even see a sea turtle swim by!

The touristy backpacker town of Hikkaduwa is just a 10 minute tuk-tuk ride away where you can visit many restaurants and bars that back right onto the beach. A favourite town amongst most volunteers, there are many supermarkets, quirky shops and water activities on offer – including surfing. The fishermen town of Ambalangoda is just another 10 minute tuk-tuk ride away in the other direction and offers a more local and traditional way of life. You can visit markets, devil mask museums and also see the largest laying down Buddha statue.

The accommodation is also conveniently located close to the historic town of Galle and well known beaches including Mirissa and Unawatuna.

Other things to consider

Top destination - Sri Lanka is widely considered by our volunteers to be our best volunteer destination. The majority of our feedback suggests that this is due to the superior local support offered by Charith and our local team, the volunteer programmes making a real difference, value for money and accommodation location. With this in mind, we believe that Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for first-time travellers, under 18's and families with younger children.

Helping on multiple projects - Whilst in Sri Lanka, you will also have the opportunity to get involved with our teaching programme for no additional cost. If you are also looking to help with our wildlife projects, then we would recommend applying for our sea turtle project - this will allow you to take part in many more of the programmes available. 

Resources and donations - Resources can be very limited on our programmes in Sri Lanka and we would really appreciate any additional support that can be provided. It would be amazing if you could bring any materials associated with your project, including pens, paper and anything else you think will aid your time on the programme. If you are looking for an instant bond, then taking sweets is always a big hit with the children!

Weekends and free time - You will have every weekend off from volunteering and this is the perfect time to explore everything this beautiful island has to offer. You are more than welcome to simply relax around the accommodation and enjoy the nearby beaches, but most volunteers will use this time to travel and see the country. Further down this page you will come across many suggestions and ideas on where you could go. Alternatively, if you are looking to see as much of the country as possible during this time, travel with other volunteers and be accompanied by one of our local team members, then you may be interested in one or more of the organised weekend trips we run.

A life changing experience in Sri Lanka!!

During my stay in Sri Lanka I went with the mighty roar and they were amazing and so caring! The staff would always check up on you and engage you in conversations making you feel like family! I’m so glad i decided to go with them as they organised our stay, food and trips… which took a massi... Read More

Chloe StevensMarch 2024

Sri Lankan first timers

We spent three weeks at the Mighty Roar in Sri Lanka in February, working on the sea turtle, kindergarten and English teaching projects. As a family of four we felt so included and welcomed by Ayomi and her team and made so many unforgettable memories. From baby turtles to tuk tuk rides, and suns... Read More

Andy RoseFebruary 2024

TMR childcare volunteering

I had an amazing time at the TMR volunteer experience in Sri Lanka! The food provided Monday to Friday in the accommodation was delicious and accommodating for all dietary requirements and there was always enough to go round. I did the childcare programme which was challenging but rewarding too.&... Read More

Eleanor MillerFebruary 2024

The people made this experience very…

The people made this experience very enjoyable. It was a great experience and I would recommend it to everybody.

Ben MöllerFebruary 2024

The staff and organisation couldn’t…

The staff and organisation couldn’t have provided a better experience for me while I was volunteering. Very friendly and helpful, made the experience so enjoyable whilst also giving us the opportunity to give back to the community.

Zofia StyrnaJanuary 2024

Sri Lanka Turtle Sanctuary

Spent 3 weeks at the Turtle Sanctuary and managed to participate in Turtles/ Kindergarten and the Dog programmes. All were excellent and well managed. Accommodation was good and nothing was too much trouble for the team. The weekend trip was a great opportunity to see more of Sri Lanka and the Ma... Read More

Justine McDonaldDecember 2023

Amazing month in Sri Lanka

It was an amazing month in Sri Lanka with plenty experiences in culture and nature. Everyone made us feel welcomed and wanted us to be happy. I really appreciated that you can easily join more than one project, so I was able to do turtles and childcare. It was great to see the outcome and effort ... Read More

Sophia MullerNovember 2023

3 weeks in Sri Lanka

Had a great 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, everyone made us feel so welcomed. Really enjoyed the childcare program and getting to know all the little personalities at the kindergarten! The weekend trips were also a great way to see other parts of the country - would definitely recommend the Maldives one t... Read More

L SNovember 2023

Amazing experience with The Mighty Roar!

The Mighty Roar Sri Lanka was the most fabulous experience for us (myself, 7&13yr children). The project work with turtles, street dogs and local children (at school & kindergarten) was exciting, fun & rewarding. And TMR staff were always super kind, helpful & organised. All round... Read More

Jo GambiOctober 2023

The Mighty Roar - Sri Lanka…

I had the most amazing experience with The Mighty Roar in Sri Lanka! The staff go above and beyond for all of the volunteers and treat us all as a family. I was able to do the medical and childcare programmes, whilst also being able to help with the dog feeding and releasing the turtles during my... Read More

Sav Shewan October 2023

I had a wonderful time in Sri Lanka

I had a wonderful time in Sri Lanka. The staff were lovely and helped me with anything I needed. They made me feel at home and I met some lovely people along the way!

Heidi SmallSeptember 2023

2 weeks in Sri Lanka

I’m just back from the most amazing 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, I did the childcare programme with the travel and volunteer and it was amazing. You get to see so much with the volunteer programme and everything is sorted for you. Special thanks to Karu and Santa for looking after us and helping us ma... Read More

Tanya WhiteSeptember 2023

I personally really enjoyed my time…

I personally really enjoyed my time away in Sri Lanka. It was the perfect experience for a first time solo traveller at 17!! I definitely recommend doing one of the weekend trips to get a chance to do more touristy things but you really get a chance to live in the community for the rest of the we... Read More

Caitlin LowryAugust 2023

This experience has been extremely…

This experience has been extremely enriching and heartwarming. I decided to do 2 weeks of the childcare program in Sri Lanka  and it was the best decision I could have made. The program was well organized and the staff at the sight was happy to help in any situation.

Grace JamiesonAugust 2023

Great childcare volunteering experience

Ayomi and her team did a fantastic job at making us feel welcome and well looked after. I was travelling with my two daughters (17y and 15y) and we all really enjoyed the childcare volunteering activities and also the events organised by the team in the afternoon / evenings.

Peter KellerAugust 2023

Mighty Roar Sri Lanka

I had an amazing time volunteering in Sri Lanka on the teaching and childcare programme. Ayomi was incredibly helpful, she really welcomed us into her family and treated us wonderfully. She helped us organise transport, recommended places for us to visit and gave us general advice about life in S... Read More

Aisling PowerAugust 2023

Amazing time with amazing people

Amazing time with amazing people. Everyone is so lovely. Ayomi and taxi were very helpful and made everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. Would definitely recommend The mighty roar!

Cydney ElmonAugust 2023

Had the most amazing experience whilst…

Had the most amazing experience whilst in Sri Lanka with The Mighty Roar. The hospitality as soon as we walked in to Ayomi's residence was amazing and together with Taxi, they put together the most incredible time. Everyone was so friendly, and the programme was so sociable. I had the best time e... Read More

Ariella NovickAugust 2023

Childcare volunteering- Sri Lanka

A really wonderful experience in Sri Lanka. I did the childcare volunteering which was a really good experience and I really enjoyed interacting with the kids. The staff were lovely and really helpful and overall the experience was amazing.

Millie BJuly 2023

Sri Lanka - Childcare Program

The Mighty Roar made my time in Sri Lanka the best 2 weeks ever! The staff were amazing and very quick to help with any questions or possible concerns. I would 1 million percent recommend The Mighty Roar!!

Erin WrightJuly 2023

A dream come true

The experience has been unforgettable. The people I met, the culture, the lifestyle, it was a dream. Moreover, I am very grateful for the cooperation of the organisation with me. Always taking care of me and attentive to anything. I recommend it 100%.

Paula LatorreJune 2023

If you want know the real Sri Lanka life this is your opportunity

It was an incredible opportunity to meet different kinds of people and to live the real Sri Lanka life.

Paula LatorreJune 2023

Sri Lanka - A Truly Memorable Experience

I’ve just finished 4 weeks volunteering with the Mighty Roar in Sri Lanka and wow what an amazing experience. I did the childcare helping in the kindergarten with the most adorable children. They were all so happy and playful and a joy to be around. Ayomi who runs the project is fantastic at or... Read More

Louise StarkMay 2023

Just finished 4 amazing weeks at TMR in…

Just finished 4 amazing weeks at TMR in Sri Lanka. I met so many lovely people and it was such a wonderful experience, which I will treasure forever!

I volunteered at the kindergarten and it was such a wholesome experience. The children are adorable and so much fun to be around.

All o... Read More

Emily WalneMay 2023

Most Amazing Experience.

I’ve just spent two weeks at TMR Sri Lanka doing the childcare program and also dipped into the turtle and dog feedings programs.

The experience far exceeded my expectations as the team went above and beyond at all times for the volunteers. They were helpful when needed a pharmacy and wou... Read More

Louise WightmanApril 2023

Unforgettable Experience

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a life-changing volunteering trip in Sri Lanka with The Mighty Roar Volunteering Company. I cannot recommend this organisation enough to anyone looking for a fulfilling and rewarding travel experience.

The volunteering opportunities were incredibl... Read More

Mary SharpApril 2023

Great Experience in Sri Lanka

Great experience in Sri Lanka, would recommend!

Alice WilbyMarch 2023

Amazing Experience

Our family is just back from 3 weeks in Sri Lanka - my husband and I, son (11 years) and daughter (9 years old). We had an amazing time. The volunteering highlights were releasing hatchlings and beach night patrol, and helping in the Kindergarten. We also went on some wonderful weekend trips to e... Read More

Sarah ScottSeptember 2022

4 Weeks at TMR Sri Lanka

I spent 4 weeks at TMR Sri Lanka. Those 4 weeks were 4 of my most enjoyable weeks ever. For my first 2, I did the Turtle conservation program which I really loved. It has a really well organised timetable which gives you the best opportunity to see baby turtles being released and turtles laying e... Read More

Freddie PryceApril 2022

TMR Sri Lanka

I just got home after 3 weeks volunteering in Akurala’s kindergarten in Sri Lanka and I’m already missing it! The children were so beautifully eager to learn and always wanted tonnes of high fives, I ended up bonding with the kind and devoted teachers, Harshi and Udeshika aswell over many gam... Read More

Angelica MastersMarch 2022

My Stay at TMR Sri Lanka

My stay at tmr in Sri Lanka was amazing!! :) all the local team are so kind and funny, Mini is so great too❤️ I volunteered doing the kindergarten and I absolutely loved it, the kids are so adorable. The food at tmr was incredible and it’s location is so great being so close to the beach :)... Read More

Lucy HillMarch 2022

Sri Lanka Childcare

I had the most amazing 3 weeks in Sri Lanka volunteering in the kindergarten. Firstly the volunteering itself - it was so rewarding to help with their learning and so lovely to just get to know them. The weekend trip I did was really well structured and included so many of the incredible Sri Lank... Read More

Flora BrettFebruary 2022

Loved Every Minute, Did Not Want It To End!

I have had the most amazing 2 weeks volunteering in childcare and also the teaching on the program in Sri Lanka. From the moment you get here you are immediately welcomed by all the family, who are super caring and welcoming. Whilst on the childcare program, I also had the chance to do the teachi... Read More

Izzy SimsJanuary 2022

TMR Sri Lanka

Not sure how to put it into words but I will try to keep it short and sweet...this was my first time on an overseas placement where i took part in the child care program. From the moment of arrival, me and other volunteers were greeted with a warm welcome from Charith and his family and other mem... Read More

Nixon ChipindikoDecember 2019

Sri Lanka Childcare Project

I volunteered on the childcare project for 3 weeks and had a wonderful experience which will be memorable for life. Not only was the volunteering a great way to give back to the community but also taught me life long lessons which I will benefit from day to day. The weekend trips which were organ... Read More

Danielle GreigNovember 2019

Going away to Sri Lanka

Going away to Sri Lanka with the mighty roar to Sri Lanka was an amazing and valuable experience that I would recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to do good. The childcare work I did was fun, exciting and rewarding. Volunteering alone was something I was a little nervous to... Read More

Samuel PittAugust 2019

Childcare in Sri Lanka

I had an amazing 3 weeks and would definitely do it all again if I could, the accomodation was great and everyone was really welcoming. The volunteering at the kindergarten was really fun and I miss going there each morning, I also loved the free time in the afternoon to go into Hikkaduwa with fr... Read More

Sophia JacksonAugust 2019

The best family trip ever!

My family and I chose to volunteer on the Sri Lanka childcare and turtle program last August for three weeks. We were at the end of a three month trip around the world and we wanted to introduce the children to a volunteer program that could help all of us give something back to a local community... Read More

Sue FirthJune 2019

The best experience in Sri Lanka

  • January 2024
In April, I went to Sri Lanka on the 2 week Travel and Volunteer experience and had the BEST time! The experience was the perfect idea as it meant I could take part in a meaningful project while still getting to explore the beautiful country of Sri Lanka on my holiday from work. It was my first time travelling completely by myself and the team, both in the UK and in Sri Lanka, made it really easy for me. If you're in any doubt of going on a trip with TMR, this is your sign to do it! I'm so grateful to the whole team who gave me this incredible experience.

Katharine's story

Two amazing weeks in Sri Lanka and I loved every moment

  • June 2023
I spent two amazing weeks in Sri Lanka and I loved every moment. During my time I was able to fully immerse in the incredible culture of the country and the local team made you feel welcome and were all there for any queries you had. I’m very grateful and thankful to TMR for making this experience unforgettable.

Olivia's story

Volunteering in Sri Lanka at 17 years old

  • April 2023
In April I spent two weeks volunteering in the turtle conservation program in Sri Lanka. At only 17 I was terrified to travel so far on my own, but it ended up being some of the best few weeks of my life! Sri Lanka as a country is incredible - the people are so friendly, the lifestyle is very relaxed and the food is amazing! The mighty roar team in Sri Lanka could not have been more welcoming, anything we needed help organising would be sorted straight away. This experience was a trip of a lifetime for me and hopefully I will go back one day!

Holly 's story

Our life changing family trip to Sri Lanka

  • December 2022
After some health issues at the beginning of the year we decided to do something incredible in the summer with the kids and I’m so grateful we found The Mighty Roar! I have three children aged 13, 10 and 7 and this trip has been life changing to say the least.

Sarah's story

Sea turtles & childcare in Sri Lanka

  • October 2022
I volunteered in Sri Lanka for four weeks, split between the sea turtle and childcare programmes. Everything was really well organised and I had the most enjoyable time and met some amazing people along the way.

Freddie's story

Teaching in Sri Lanka

  • March 2022
Volunteering in Sri Lanka is a must do for everyone! I was a teacher there for 4 weeks, where I was able to plan and teach the sweetest kids from the local village, meet many other amazing volunteers and bond with the whole local team. If you're looking for an experience like no other, then head to Sri Lanka!

Malachy's story

Creating memories in Sri Lanka

  • January 2022
I spent 12 weeks in Sri Lanka with The Mighty Roar and I honestly enjoyed every second of it! My time in Sri Lanka was way more than just volunteering. I made some amazing friendships, travelled around the whole island and learnt so much.

Emma's story

Volunteering in Sri Lanka with my partner

  • April 2019
Our visit to Sri Lanka on the Sea Turtle program was nothing but incredible (other than a little hot and sweaty). Our 3 weeks was amazing from day one, with a massive warm welcome from everyone.

Catherine's story

Conserving sea turtles in Sri Lanka

  • April 2019
There is no better feeling in the world than watching a hundred or so baby turtle hatchlings scrambling along the shoreline to the sea, the determination and drive to reach the ocean, it never gets old.

Martin's story

Teaching and turtles in Sri Lanka

  • January 2019
I went to Sri Lanka in January 2019 to volunteer on the sea turtle program, but was also able to help teach English. I had a huge sense of fulfillment from both projects in completely different ways.

Esther's story

Volunteering with my family in Sri Lanka

  • August 2018
My family and I chose to volunteer in Sri Lanka last August for 3 weeks. We wanted to introduce the children to volunteering so that we could all help give something back to a local community.

Sue's story

Sea turtle conservation in Sri Lanka

  • July 2018
My daughter and I volunteered with sea turtles last August and we would 100% recommend The Mighty Roar; we have even looked at doing another project in the next year.

Jennie's story