For year 2017 & 2018
Guide prices for per person
Notes :
- The price includes group transportation (10 volunteers minimum), accommodation and all meals.
- Four to five hours of working each day.
- Each day has some new social activity arranged.
- These are guide prices.
Intro
This volunteering project is for anyone who is interested in getting the hands dirty and happy to live very basic lifestyle for a week, at least!
Chaminda's home garden was won the best Student Home Garden Price in his divisional secretariat in 1992. Next year his garden won the Provincial Price from then Sri Lankan President.
Mr. Chaminda, the main farmer and the manager of your volunteering program, comes from a hardworking and innovative farming family. His mother had been handpicked by the Department of Agriculture, when he was 13 years old, to be sent to Thailand to learn more about Gotukola, a local nutritious leave enriched with vitamins and other nutrients, farming. That was her own fascination. Chaminds says ‘his great interest is in Ecological Agriculture’.
Apart from 13 years of working experience in farming, Chaminda has been participating in Permaculture garden in Scargill House North Yorkshire in United kingdom for 05 months; experienced in Biodynamic farm in Isle of Erraid in Scotland for two weeks with WWOOF Community and in Pennine in Camphill in United Kingdom for 05 months and being to South Korea in 2011 to participate in an organic farming workshop for two months. Read about Chaminda.
Since 2010, with financial assistance from few good friends, Chaminda manages this organic farm. Pure organic farming is an uphill struggle in anywhere. However, these guys have put their hearts and minds into this farming project and now it has grown into a large and successful papaya farm. Few vegetables are also grown in the farm. Compost are made from cow manures mainly. It comes from farm's cows. The farm has dozens chickens too. So, you can milk the cows every morning too!
The farm, which sets bordering to a forest reserve, is an ideal place as an eco resort too. The farm already have very rudimentary accommodations for about 15 volunteers. Every year, the farm already receives 2 to 3 Belgium volunteering groups.
Cross Country Travels Sri Lanka have teamed up with these idealists to organise this fun volunteering program. You are welcome in groups. About 10-15 guys are ideal to run this program.
If you happened to be a single individual who is interested in participating in next group, get in touch with us. We will arrange you a place to take part in this program.
A certificate is issued to each volunteer by WWOOF or Cross Country Travels Sri Lanka at successful completion of this program.
Prerequisite to be a Volunteer
1. Willing to get your hands dirty.
2. Happy to live in very rudimentary accommodations.
3. Interested in organic farming activities.
Preparations Needed
1. Introduction of your self
2. If you can, bring a story to tell about your home garden!
What to Bring?
Used boots and some gloves are available in the farm. But you may prefer to purchase them to suite you on the way to the farm in Kurunagale. Pair of boots (1,700-2,000 LKR). Pair of gloves (150-200 LKR). Hat is essential. Sun is very strong so sun cream perhaps. Mosquito repellent. Dirty cloths to wear when you work.
Farm has solar powered electricity. You may able to use your mobile phone and charge it but the internet connection is very weak.
Local Shops and Restaurants
Nearest very basic shop is about 15 minutes Tuk Tuk drive away.
Focus of the Program
Of the farm - to build the farm as an education center.
Of the volunteers - To offer an exposure to organic farming and following subject areas.
Subject Areas - Organic farming (Premaculture, Biodynamic farming, IPM - Integrated Plants Management, Alternative arming), Animal husbandry, Food processing, Sustainable farm management, Compost making, Sri Lankan irrigation system and Natural buildings.
Extra Curricular Activities
Hiking / Wild swimming / Nature trekking / outside barbecues and many more!
Warning!
You will be instructed about the surrounding of the farm at the arrival. Wild animals are roaming in nearby boarding forest reserve. It would be very crucial to follow those given instructions.
Always inform the farm personals if you want to sniff in the forest nearby along. You have been warned to accompany at least one person in the forest area.
Accommodations
Basic clean clay built room, mosquito net, cold well-shower and outside toilets. No fans. Each room may accommodate 2-4 volunteers. Comfortable room space. Photos in the gallery are a true representation of accommodation.
If you want Air-conditioning and some comfort we may able to find some home-stays nearby.
Meals
Sri Lankan meals and barbecues outside. Beers will be available!
80% of ingredients come from the farm.
Want to be helpful?
Farm will welcome your financial and material contributions.
Solar powered equipment are the most handiest in this farm!
Program Collaborators
Saliyagama Farm and Cross Country Travels Sri Lanka