Teaching Buddhist Monks (Galle)

Project At A Glance

Location: Galle Arrival point: Colombo End Point: Colombo Duration: 2-12 weeks Hours: 30-40 hours per week Food: Local food (3 times a day) Room: Host family or hostel Date: First and Third Monday of each month

Project Summary

"Pirivena" is traditionally defined as "the temple school where young monks study." This English-teaching project is coordinated, in-part, by a grassroots, partner organization of IFRE which assists to encourage and nurture the self-reliance of the neediest, most humble monks of Sri Lanka .

The daily life of a Buddhist monk is significantly removed from the rushing, hyper-reality of those who live in technologically-advanced areas. This project allows volunteers to be part of a centuries-old, traditionally-rich culture that has captivated and intrigued many a Western imaginations. The "Pirivena" in Sri Lanka is in great need for an increasing number of volunteers to teach English to aspiring, knowledge-hungry monks as the schools have very limited resources and are greatly understaffed.

In this amazingly unique project, volunteers teach monks ranging from 8-21 years of age. Depending on need, volunteers may assist in various extra-curricular activities which could include: sports, arts, music, etc. Teaching English to these eager, young monks will provide volunteers with an epic opportunity to immerse themselves in the ever-fascinating and enlightening Buddhist culture, as well as its teachings and philosophies. Numerous past volunteers constantly state that this particular project is one of their most memorable, engaging and mind-opening experiences.

Skill/Qualification

There are no specific qualifications needed to join the Buddhist Monk-teaching program in Sri Lanka . However, monks are highly respected social figure in Sri Lanka . Monks follow decent and exemplary lives, so a serious discipline is needed to join the project. There are separate temples/schools for male and female monks, so you will be only teaching your specific gender.

Room/Food/Supervision

IFRE arranges room, food, and supervision for volunteers from the beginning to the end of program. During the first week of the language and cultural program, volunteers will stay with a host family in Galle , Sri Lanka (Most likely in the home of our in-country coordinator). IFRE has a small office in Galle (a city boasting a beautiful beach and tourist areas; 4 hours west of Colombo). IFRE manages local food 3 times a day.

During volunteering (for teaching Buddhist monks), you will mostly stay with a host family. Your host family will offer you a separate room where you will (more than likely) share a room, shower, and toilet facilities with said host family

For a small additional fee, IFRE can arrange a stay in a seaside motel. Volunteers interested in this particular accommodation are encouraged to contact IFRE. Volunteers will also have 24/7 access to our office in Sri Lanka as well as the mobile numbers of our in-country coordinators. Also: our staff will visit volunteers in 2-week intervals as a part of the program.