This humanitarian organization is dedicated to improving the status of women in Sri Lankan society, which is influenced by traditional culture, colonial history, and post-independence politics.

Unfortunately, women in rural areas of developing countries like Sri Lanka are often disadvantaged by historical stereotypes. They are still seen as “dependent wives” or at best “additional income generators.” Traditional family responsibilities limit their employment choices, and societal attitudes restrict certain types of jobs for women.

In Sri Lanka, most women can read and speak Sinhala and/or Tamil. Free education was introduced in the 1950s, with a shift from English to local languages as the medium of instruction. This opened up educational opportunities for women, as parents no longer had to choose between investing in the education of their sons or daughters. Female literacy rates increased rapidly, and gender disparity significantly decreased since the 1960s. However, dropout rates among girls, especially those from disadvantaged neighborhoods and remote villages, remain high, particularly among rural Muslim communities.

The Sri Lankan civil war in 1983 caused significant social upheaval and trauma. Social sector funding decreased, leading to a decline in public health and education. Many women were marginalized and engaged in precarious and informal employment. Studies have shown that the situation of women in rural areas has deteriorated over the past 30 years. Women have been pushed into unemployment and low-skilled jobs. The 2004 tsunami further worsened the employment market and quality of life for women and their families.

The empowerment of women takes various forms. We have chosen to focus on “English language teaching” to boost women’s confidence and enhance their employability. The women participating in this project come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including Muslim communities that have faced significant challenges during the turbulent period. Many of them were married at a young age, sacrificing their dream careers for early family life. They are eager to learn English to ensure personal development, enhance self-esteem, and acquire marketable skills. Interacting with our volunteers provides a valuable opportunity for them to break free from their daily routines.

PROJECT TASKS

In the afternoons, basic English classes are conducted for women in small to medium-sized groups. The sessions take place from Monday to Friday, lasting for 2 hours each afternoon. Volunteers are expected to spend 1-2 hours per day preparing for these classes. While our team can assist with class preparation and presentation techniques, volunteers are responsible for planning the sessions. The classes are held in our dedicated teaching center, equipped with tables, chairs, whiteboards, books, and other teaching resources.

The English classes focus on oral communication and basic grammar, utilizing techniques such as role-playing to emphasize practical application. Ideally, we prefer candidates with teaching experience for this project. However, individuals who are willing to help and have a good command of English can receive training from our team.

In addition, volunteers can participate in additional teaching sessions in the morning if available. This may include classes for kindergarten students or Buddhist monks. The coordinator of this women’s rights humanitarian organization will discuss these opportunities with volunteers during the introduction phase.