First Week and First Thoughts

Volunteer's thoughts of different placements after the first week:

Papiliana's Boys Orphanage:

'I thought the first few days were quite hard as the children didn't seem to have much discipline, therefore were hard to control and keep their attention. Once the children were more used to us they were more receptive. Next week i hope to advance on what we have been teaching them and i look forward to establishing more of a relationship with the children'

Dehiwala's Boys Orphanage:

'When i first got there i found the conditions in which the boys were living in quite shocking. Teaching the children was quite challenging as they were so naughty!  However, after getting to know their names and playing with them for a few days, i felt more of a bond with the children and they were more responsive towards us. One thing i found that helped was leaving your inhibitions behind which helps the children open up' 

Maharagama's Disabled Centre:

'Having had no experience working with people with physical or mental disabilities, i felt quite nervous and scared the first time i visited the Centre. The conditions they live in are horrible and my first thoughts of the centre was that it was a big cage where the disabled were trapped and left with nothing to do. Everyday. However,  the second time i went, i lost all my nervousness and throughly enjoyed playing with them. They are all so friendly and just want to have fun, and it makes me very happy knowing im a part of their smiles and laughter'

Camilla School (Special Needs Children and Adults):

'On my first visit I could not help but be shocked at the conditions of the school and by how severely disabled the majority of the school are. I initially found Camilla School to be very depressing and very hard to spend time in. I had to take a step back and think; if i am finding this situation hard, how are the people who spend the majority of there time here feeling? At the end of the day I am here to try and help these people and bring a bit more happiness to their lives, If i can successfully do this in my stay in Sri Lanka then all the hard times are not in vain.'

Haripitia Boys Orphanage:

'Haripitia is such an amazing orphanage, the boys are always so happy to see you and so willing to learn, they are typical young lads and have a lot of energy which is very uplifting if your in a bad mood - because they have all this energy i tend to try and incorporate teaching and games.'