We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. We run the Tea Leaf Vision Centre for Professional Development where we provide a high quality education for the 18 to 24 year olds of the deprived tea leaf estates in central Sri Lanka.
The young adults of these disadvantaged communities suffer from a lack of opportunities in education and employment which would allow them to lead better lives. Local established systems ignore basic human rights and take advantage of the intrinsic lack of education to cultivate a dependent workforce.
The Centre provides a number of programmes which deliver high-quality lessons in English Speech and Grammar; Business; I.T.; and Success and Ethics. By improving the employability of the youth we increase their employment prospects outside the tea estates, enabling them to reach their full potential.
We also facilitate the personal development of our students so they can deal with the complex social issues surrounding them. These include: Alcoholism amongst 85% of the adult male tea estate community and domestic violence against 83% of tea estate women (20% sexual violence). Our Emotional Health lessons raise awareness about common problems, such as addiction and depression, with the aim of strengthening positive coping strategies.
These two elements stimulate their social consciences so they can be ‘Change Agents’ within their communities and become the solution to the generational poverty and oppression these estates have grown to accept.
Volunteering with us
As the Centre engages young adults through a variety of programmes and activities, there are many ways you can work to support it, at all levels, whether that’s with the students, staff, management or all three. Some examples of the ways you can help are:
• Teach in the school
• Assist our lively Sri Lankan Staff team in running the various programmes
• Help maintain the standard of English whilst interacting with our students in a friendly environment.
We have had volunteers with varying levels of experience, from diverse backgrounds, many different fields and of all ages. There is no limit to how our volunteers can contribute to the Centre. This is a perfect chance to use your skills, experience and time in a way that’s different and memorable.
As a Tea Leaf Vision volunteer, a homestay with a local family in Maskeliya is made available for a small fee. This provides a great opportunity for you to be immersed in Sri Lankan culture, particularly Indian Tamil culture.
Maskeliya is surrounded by rolling hills of lush green, neatly pruned tea plantations, tree-lined mountains, waterfalls and lakes that are astoundingly beautiful. The town offers all basic amenities and is a mere 15 to 20 minute walk from the Centre with stunning views of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). Sri Lanka is a beautiful island to explore however, the cost of in-country travel can vary according to your travel preferences and your budget.
We will ensure that you are well informed and supported before and during your stay with us.
For more information, please visit the following link: