An insight into Volunteering with AIESEC in Sri Lanka

Has traveling and exploring different cultures created a deep rooted fire within you? AIESEC’s incoming Global Volunteers (iGV) program in Sri Lanka may be just what you’re looking for.

The iGV program is an initiative of AIESEC that aims to provide young people with the opportunity to volunteer abroad and make a positive impact on communities around the world. The program is open to all individuals aged 18 to 30 who are passionate about making a difference and are willing to contribute their skills and time to a worthy cause.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka works in collaboration with local organizations and communities to identify projects that require volunteer support. These projects can range from education and youth development to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Once a project has been identified, AIESEC Sri Lanka recruits and selects volunteers who are best suited for the project based on their skills, experience, and interests.

Before departing for their international placement, iGV volunteers undergo a comprehensive training program to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of volunteering abroad. The training covers topics such as cultural awareness, team building, project management, and leadership development. The volunteers are then provided with ongoing support throughout their placement, including regular check-ins with AIESEC Sri Lanka staff and access to resources and tools to help them succeed.

The iGV program in Sri Lanka has had a significant impact on both the volunteers and the communities they serve. For volunteers, the program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. For communities, the program brings much-needed support and resources to help address critical social and environmental challenges.

One example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the collaboration between AIESEC and the Lanka Social Ventures Foundation (LSVF). The LSVF is a non-profit organization that works to support social enterprises in Sri Lanka that address poverty and unemployment. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the LSVF on various projects, including the development of a waste management system for a local community and the implementation of a digital literacy program for women in rural areas.

Another example of a successful iGV project in Sri Lanka is the partnership between AIESEC and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS). The SLWCS is a non-profit organization that works to protect the wildlife and ecosystems of Sri Lanka through education and conservation programs. Through the iGV program, AIESEC Sri Lanka has sent volunteers to work with the SLWCS on various projects, including the construction of a wildlife education center and the implementation of a sustainable tourism program in a local community.

Overall, the iGV program of AIESEC Sri Lanka is a valuable initiative that provides young people with the opportunity to make a positive impact on communities around the world. Through the program, volunteers gain valuable skills and experience, develop their leadership potential, and broaden their cultural understanding. Communities benefit from the support and resources provided by volunteers, helping to address critical social and environmental challenges. As AIESEC Sri Lanka continues to expand its iGV program, we can expect to see even more positive impact on both volunteers and communities in the years to come.

Yohan Wickramasinghe Content Writer – DXP & IM