Work or volunteer abroad on your gap year - programs organised by The Leap UK [ Ссылка ]

Our first stop was those aged under 1. In their own beds, in two rows, the kids looked fascinated by all the faces at the window. Whilst we could look at the young babies, only the nuns are allowed into this section. The babies need to establish healthy stable relationships and this can only be done by permanent staff.

We then head around the corner. There are two classrooms that are full of excitable kids. Just like any other nursery and primary school, it’s manic. The kids are messing around, being taught basic concepts and skills and extremely interested in where you’re from and what you’re doing.

Downstairs has a large dining area and a playroom. Young children that don’t attend school yet spend their days here. The other children come down to join them in the afternoon. The room is sparse and the children are sat often all alone. The two women caring for the group are helping change one of the girls and tend to another boy.

A boy leant towards the window and pushed his head out. They have bars on them to ensure the children can’t fall out and so he pushes his small hand through the bars to touch mine. Whilst he looks at me, I am struck by the love these children have in a desperate situation, all he wanted was to hold my hand…

It was heartbreaking and I couldn’t help but be aware that whilst I was walking around another child’s future was being decided. You can’t fault the work of the incredible nuns that dedicate their days to helping these children. They give you the motivation and determination to get involved and work alongside them to give these kids the best start in life you can.

Our volunteer’s work

This is exactly where our volunteers step in. From working in the classrooms, painting timelines, maps and other stimulating aids, to helping downstairs with the disabled children and to playing with the kids. They offer an extra pair of hands that helps all of the 52 children to get the attention that they need and want.

One of the volunteers working at Prem Nivasa, was Sri Lankan by birth and had been put into the home at a young age. Adopted from the home, she grew up in the Netherlands. She returned aged 18 to the care home as a volunteer to give back to the place that had helped her so dramatically in the beginning.

It is stories like this that made me realise just how fundamental these homes are to children (and their parents) that need to use them. They offer a vital support to children that would otherwise have nowhere else to turn.

Get Involved, Volunteer, Make a difference

This is the story of just one of our projects – the care program in Sri Lanka. All our projects each have their own story and background. Keep your eyes out for another “Project in the Spotlight” to read more about the incredible work that you can contribute towards.

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