If you volunteer with the Foundation of Goodness (FoG), you will return home having had the experience of a lifetime. FoG hosts volunteers from across the globe – particularly since the tsunami – and the benefits for both the local community and volunteers are far reaching. Volunteering at the Foundation of Goodness will give you the opportunity to bring much needed skills to areas as diverse as sport, health, education, children’s wellbeing and more, directly befitting people in the area who are disadvantaged by poverty and lack of opportunities. We welcome applications from all volunteers and are in particular need of well qualified professionals who can provide insight and support for staff as the organisation moves toward a phase of community focused development.  If you volunteer with us you will leave as a member of the family; most volunteers keep in touch, many continue to assist from afar in whatever capacity they can and some return again to enhance the work of the Foundation and improve the lives of the Sri Lankan people in this area.  “Volunteers are not paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”

Our Volunteer Requirements

We are looking for volunteers on an ongoing basis.  The biggest advantage of volunteering at Foundation of Goodness is the wide variety of projects and the opportunity to get involved in a number of different ways including:

• Children and Education – Computer and English training, Pre-School and Drama and Art Therapy.
• Healthcare - Doctors Clinic, Dental Clinic, Maternity Clinic and Mental Health Unit.
• Sports - including Volleyball, Cricket, Swimming, Netball and Karate.
• Environmental Management and Sustainable development
• Women’s Enterprise Centre
• Livelihoods projects
• General Management – supporting the running of the FoG office.
• And a range of other community services.

Volunteer roles

Roles at FoG are diverse and could involve anything from working with the local children to starting up small business, setting up sports programmes, or teaching and running training facilities.  We are looking for volunteers with a range of skills to help with our different project areas.

Previous volunteers have brought a wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to the Foundation.  A host of professionals have worked with us including engineers, builders, carpenters, journalists, film makers, teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, youth workers, educational specialists, IT experts, project managers, small business specialists, management consultants, micro finance advisors and sports coaches.
 
Skilled Professionals (20+)
Most independent volunteers are qualified and experienced professionals who come to the Foundation to offer their skills and expertise, often setting up their own projects and initiatives. They are a real asset to the organisation as they are able to immediately get up and running on projects, working with and training local staff in best practice, leaving behind good working systems and enhancing the skills base of the Foundation’s staff.  We urgently need help from more people who are willing to come and work with us on this basis. 

Young People (18-20)
We also welcome help from younger people (such as Gap Year students) who are keen, proactive and willing to put in some hard work, particularly those who have had prior volunteering experience in their own countries. Unfortunately, unlike some of the larger NGOs, we are unable to offer structured itineraries and we expect volunteers to be able to work under their own initiative - it is important volunteers are self sufficient and willing to run their own schedules as there will often be no-one to oversee their work.

Read more:
Volunteer's green thumbs help FoG environment projects get growing

How to Apply

You can apply either through one of the organised volunteer programmes or directly to us.  We do not charge for volunteer placements, but we ask volunteers to pay for their own travel, insurance, accommodation and living expenses.  We do not stipulate a minimum length for placements and we welcome all volunteers with a genuine desire to help improve the lives of the less privileged rural community.

Organised Volunteer Programmes: There are a number of organisations that arrange volunteer programmes across the developing world and FoG is lucky to be one of the charities they send volunteers to. These include: United Nations Volunteers, Mondo Challenge volunteers, and The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development programme.

Independent Volunteers: The Foundation of Goodness is a small NGO which often attracts independent volunteers directly through friends, family or word of mouth.  If you are interested in applying directly please complete the short application form attached (hyperlink to application form) and email it to Tanya Perera fogucc2@sltnet.lk or Dilhani Tennekoon fogucc1@stlnet.lk along with your CV.  The application form will help us to plan your placement and make sure that you are matched to the most appropriate project(s). 

Working Hours

Exact working hours are not fixed and depend on the nature of the work. Volunteers are expected to work on their own initiative and organise their own pattern of work.  As a guide, office hours are 9 – 5pm but volunteers may be required to outside of these hours with breaks during the day.  The majority of the sectors are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

“People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do”

Additional Information

Please click on the link for further information about costs, accommodation, visas, location and travel, health and what to bring.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Tanya  Perera fogucc2@sltnet.lk or Dilhani Tennekoon fogucc1@stlnet.lk, or call us at our Head Office on + 94  (0) 77 7 322 323.  We are also able to put you in touch with previous volunteers if you would like to hear more about their experiences.

Accommodation and Expenses

Volunteers are required to cover all their own expenses, including flights, insurance, transport, accommodation and food.  FoG has several accommodation options to suit different budgets;

The Foundation has a restored villa to accommodate donors and volunteers who visit Seenigama – it is part located right in the heart of the village as part of the MCC Centre of Excellence (hyperlink). The villa has five comfortable ensuite a/c rooms with a small swimming pool and a communal lounge with satellite TV and a DVD player.  There is also a washing machine available.
For larger groups and individuals looking for a lower cost alternative, FoG can offer hostel style accommodation based in the Sports Centre. The two accommodation houses can sleep up to 26 people in total (in bunk-beds, with two single beds in one house).  The accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen, including a washing machine, for guests to use and there is a communal area and TV.  We provide sheets and towels and if volunteers would like cooked meals we can provide these at extra cost in the villa.

During their stay volunteers are welcome to use the sports facilities in the village including the Bryan Adams swimming pool.  Volunteers are also able to use computers with internet access at the MCC Centre of Excellence. 

Accommodation can also be arranged within the village, providing a unique chance to live amongst Sri Lankan villagers and to get to know a culture rarely seen by tourists. These local houses provide both accommodation and food at very good rates.


Villa “LAHIRU’ – Individual Rooms

Short stays: USD$25 per person for a double and US$20 for a single per night on a bed and breakfast (B/B) basis.
Stays over two weeks: USD$18 per person for a double and USD$15 for a single per night - B/B

Lunch and dinner cooked on request by expert local cooks at USD$3.50 per meal

Sports Centre Accommodation – Dormitory Style/Shared Rooms

For volunteers staying less than two weeks:
USD$10 per person per day (excluding meals)

For volunteers staying from two weeks to a month:
USD$7.50 per person per day (excluding meals)

For volunteers staying over a month:
USD$150 for the entire month (excluding meals)

Full board packages can be arranged for USD$10 extra per person per day, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared daily by a local cook (extras negotiated upon request). Prices may be negotiated for individual volunteers in certain circumstances.

*Please note that all prices are subject to change and availability based on tour groups/ prior bookings etc.

Costs and Money

The currency is Sri Lankan Rupees (Rs) and the exchange rate is approximately US$1 to Rs 100 (up to date exchange rate information can be found at www.exchange-rates.org/AddCustomContent/RatesTable).

There are several banks in Hikkaduwa and you can also withdraw money from ATM’s in Hikkaduwa. However, please be aware that large Rs 1000 / 2000 notes can be difficult to change in rural areas and we recommend that you make sure that you have smaller notes before coming to the village.

Sri Lankan food is reasonably priced and if you eat in local restaurants a meal will cost approximately Rs 100-150.  It is more expensive in guesthouses and tourist restaurants where you should expect to pay around Rs 300 to Rs 700 for a meal.   You can purchase take-away lunch packets in bakeries and many local restaurants in Hikkaduwa for as little as Rs 80.

Travel to Hikkaduwa from the village will cost approximately Rs 150 to Rs 200 in a Tuk Tuk to Hikkadua.  Always negotiate the price before you get in!  You can also catch a public bus into Hikkadua for Rs 10-20.  Volunteers often find that hiring bikes is the easiest way to get around – bikes can be hired for Rs 150 per day or even purchased second hand for approximately Rs 3,500 in Hikkaduwa.

If you stay in our sports accommodation centre and eat in local restaurants it is possible to live on approximately Rs 1,000 per day, or even less if you cook for yourself - Hikkadwa has an excellent daily market selling fresh fish and fruit and vegetables and you can also purchase basic supplies from shops in the village.

Visas

Obtaining a visa is your responsibility.  Please contact us if you would like visa information.
If you are interested in volunteering for longer than three months there is a lengthy process to go through so it is important to contact FoG at least four months before you plan to arrive.

Location and Travel

You will arrive in Bandaranaike International Airport which is about 35 km North of Colombo.  The village of Seenigama is approximately 96km South of Colombo and is situated several kilometres North of the tourist beach town of Hikkaduwa. 

Subject to availability we will aim to meet you from the airport in our volunteer van.  Alternatively we can advise you on independent travel options if you are making your own way here.  It takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach Seeignama from the airport by car or van. 

Health

We suggest that you contact your local Doctor before you travel for up to date health advice.  We have highlighted the main risks as a guide below:

• Malaria – Malaria is not endemic in the Seenigama region, but check with your Doctor for the most up to date information.  You should always take steps to avoid mosquito bites (such as using a DEET-insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers) and check with your Doctor before travelling for up to date advice about Malaria and anti-malarial medication.
• Hepititis A – this is a food and water-bourne virus.  All travellers should be vaccinated against this before travelling.  Contact your local Doctor/travel clinic to arrange this as soon as you know that you are coming as you will need several injections. 
• Hepititis B can also be prevented by vaccination. 
• Rabies – this is spread from the bite of an infected animal and you should seek medical advice immediately after any animal bite.  Your Doctor is likely to recommend that you have a vaccination before you travel as this makes the postbite treatment easier.
• Travellers Diarrhoea – you can take steps to avoid this by only eating cooked food, avoiding salads or washed fruit and not having ice in drinks.  Do not drink tap water – bottled water is widely available in most buildings in the FoG, or you can buy bottled water for approx Rs 45.  If you do get travellers diarohea you should stay rehydrated and if symptoms persist antibiotics can be taken to kill the bacteria (these are available over the counter in Sri Lanka).
• Typhoid – this is a bacterial infection spread via food and water.  Vaccination is recommended for all travellers.  However, it is not fully effective and it is still important to be careful with what you eat and drink.
• Dengue fever - this is transmitted through mosquito bites. You should take steps to avoid getting bitten during both night and day.  Symptoms include fever, headache and bodyaches. If you suspect that you have Dengue fever we recommend that you see a Doctor. 
• Depending on length of stay, other recommended vaccinations also include: Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, Yellow Fever, Tetanus and Polio and Japanese B Encephalitis.  Consult your Doctor for up to date advice.

What to Bring and Additional Information

• We recommend that you buy a Sinhala Phrasebook.  All young Sri Lankans study English in school but they often do not speak or understand English very well in the village (they are normally able to read and write better than they can speak).
• It would be of great benefit if you are able to bring a laptop with you.
• Pack lightly – the climate is tropical and if you forget anything you can buy clothes cheaply in Colombo, Galle and Hikkaduwa.  Most things that you will need during your stay, including toiletries, can be bought locally. 
• When staying in the village, please be aware of cultural sensitivities.  For example, women should wear long skirts or trousers that are at least knee length and sleeveless shirts are not recommended.  Please also note that if you wish to use the Bryan Adams pool women are required to wear full swimming costumes and a swimming cap.  Smoking and drinking alcohol is not permitted anywhere within the Foundation of Goodness.
• Cell phones – a local mobile is essential for ease of communication.  The cheapest option is to bring your own phone and purchase a local SIM card.  Local SIM cards can be purchased for approximately Rs 200-600 and you can then buy pre-paid top-up cards in pharmacies, mobile phone stores as well as many grocery stores.  It is very cheap to text and make local and international calls on a local SIM card. 

Past Voluteers

Vani Govindarajan, Canada
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Sajeev De Silva, England
Read Volunteer Story

Faye Ruck-Nightingale, England
Read Volunteer Story

Cynthia Palormo, USA
Read Volunteer Story

Nick Kreider, USA
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Mark Reynolds, Scotland
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Other Volunteers
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Jo Dury, UK
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Graham Hardman, UK
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Gill Lowy, UK
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Volunteer Groups
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