Sri Lanka

I had an amazing time taking part in the turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka. Although in my first week there were times when we had completed the tasks quickly so had some idle time with not a lot to do, during my second week I was the only volunteer, which meant I had much more involvement with the turtles and got to spend more time with them. I also got to release hatchlings into the sea, which was the most incredible experience and one I will never forget. It is a very relaxed project but also meaningful and rewarding - definitely something I would recommend!
My hosts were lovely and took amazing care of me, and although being the only volunteer for my second week meant the social scene was not quite what I had expected, I did feel this allowed me to have more interaction with the locals and by the end of my time there felt very welcome and very much part of the local community, which was particularly comforting as I was there during a lot of political and economic uncertainty.

Where to begin! I volunteered for 2 weeks at a Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka. This was my first time traveling abroad and I couldn't have picked a more perfect place. This country has SO much to offer! Beautiful nature, city, food, animals, history, culture, and so much more. The whole experience was wonderful, but it was the people and culture that made the experience special. The Green Lion staff were some of the greatest people I've ever met! So kind, supportive, and full of humor! I cannot wait to go back one day!

My time in Sri Lanka was well spent. Michael was a fantastic host who connected me with a rewarding volunteering experience. This volunteering experience gave me the opportunity to learn and witness the medicine works in Sri Lanka. The hospital is big, all the doctors in there are very helpful and they did let me help them with sutures, surgeries, examine patients.
Highly recommended experience. I will definitely be back

We spent two weeks volunteering at the orphanage in Galle Sri Lanka September 2018. We stayed with Michael and his family in the family home.
Volunteering at the orphanage was challenging but very rewarding, we spent our mornings there from Monday to Friday. We were very aware when we headed off for such a short volunteer stay, that we didn't want to do any harm, but we are confident that we made a difference in that short time {and we certainly left them singing some new English songs}
Throughout the time we stayed in Michaels family home, we were made very welcome and included in his extended family, his wife cooked us beautiful Sri Lankan meals and made us many cups of tea. Michaels home is a short walk into town and to the Galle Forte and you can watch the sunset on the sea from his house each night. The whole family went over and above to ensure our stay was enjoyable.
We enjoyed being with volunteers from other countries in Michaels house and will remember our volunteering experience as something very special.

If wanting to bring things for the children or orphanage speak with Michael first to find out what is suitable as they get such pleasure out of small things and it is best to bring things that are needed. If you are able to do some fundraising before you come and make a donation, there are always things on their wish list to buy and you can make a lasting difference.