Empowering Buddhist Monks by Developing Their Conversational English
Are you passionate about gaining insight into Buddhism, Buddhist culture and practices?
Are you interested in learning first-hand the spiritual beliefs, centuries-old traditions, and practices related to Buddhism?
Volunteering in Sri Lanka and teaching English to young Buddhist monks while immersing in centuries-old traditions and practices of Buddhism will be the best way to achieve this dream.
The programs offered by 'Nagenahiru Volunteers - Sri Lanka' provides a unique opportunity to experience all the basic teachings and practices of Buddhism while improving the conversational English skills of young Buddhist monks.
Why it’s important?
In Sri Lanka, Buddhist Monks live in traditional temples or monasteries. During your volunteering experience with Buddhist monks, you will be fortunate to participate in centuries-old rituals while gaining rare and invaluable insight into the spiritual life of Buddhist monks immersing in ancient Buddhist practices.
While teaching English to Buddhist monks, you can learn about Buddhist Philosophy by reading the ancient Buddhist texts and scripture translated into English, which are available in temples. During your stay in a monastery, you will also interact with hundreds of Buddhist devotees visiting the monastery to practice their religion.
Highlights
The volunteers can:- Learn spiritual beliefs, practices, and traditions of Buddhism that focus on personal spiritual development and give deep insight into the reality of life.
- Experience the Monastery Life in Sri Lanka, one of the world's most famous Buddhist countries.
- Engage in positive cultural exchange with young Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka.
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
The main task of this program is to improve the conversational English skills of the young Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka.
As far as possible, the volunteers are expected to speak in simple English with small to medium-sized groups of young Buddhist monks to practice and improve their communication skills in English.
Volunteers must initially prepare a Teaching Plan for the volunteer period and submit the prepared lesson plan for recommendation and guidance of the experts through the placement organization.
The volunteers should pre-prepare for each class focusing on the specific needs of the group.
Volunteers should cooperate with the monastery staff and share skills and knowledge in designing creative strategies and lesson plans for teaching English to Buddhist Monks.
The basic speaking, reading, listening and writing skills in English and some introductory grammar sessions are to be improved. The volunteers should be able to facilitate the Transformational Leadership Change of the young Buddhist monks, help them know more about the outer world, and satiate their thirst for knowledge.
Skills and Requirements
Specific qualifications are not required to join as a volunteer, teaching English to Buddhist Monks at a Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka.
However, your interest in understanding the Sri Lankan traditional culture and language can be helpful.
Your fluency in the English language and your qualifications or experience in teaching English will be helpful but optional. Your desire to communicate in English, learn about Buddhist Culture and ability to be flexible will be sufficient for this placement.
All volunteers should be 18+ in age to offer themselves as volunteers.
In your leisure time, you can:
Develop friendships and mutual understanding among educated young Buddhist Devotees and youth leaders in Sri Lanka.
Visit close by interesting natural and cultural heritage sites with your local friends or as you are interested.
Participate in village functions and ceremonies as International Friends of the village.
Visit religious and Cultural Heritage sites on the Island of Sri Lanka and experience the history of Buddhism.
Introduce and organize educational games, painting, drawing, and other creative activities.
As a unique facet of this placement, you will experience and participate in traditional Buddhist rituals and cooperate with the local village leaders in organizing village functions and ceremonies.
Meals, Accommodation and Local Transport.
During your volunteer period, volunteers will live at the monastery or be provided homestay accommodation in a nearby host family. The experience should be a total immersion in Sri Lankan traditions and Buddhist culture, immaterial of where you stay.
During your stay in Sri Lanka, we arrange three delicious home-cooked meals for you.
Private, air-conditioned vehicles will be provided by 'Nagenahiru Volunteers' to and from project-related activities, including your arrival and departure.
Coordination and support
A representative of 'Nagenahiru Volunteers' will meet you at the arrival terminal of the Colombo International airport and accompany you to the 'Nagenahiru Home' for a short orientation program.
During your volunteer period, 'Nagenahiru' will assign a coordinator to you in all volunteer placement locations in Sri Lanka who will coordinate and assist you during your volunteer period.