Help on our project with gardening and eco-construction in Pilana, Sri Lanka

  • Favourited 116 times
  • Last activity: 28 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Relocating to Sri Lanka from Sydney Australia was fueled by our passion for restoring the glory of the place in Pilana near Galle, into a luxurious place of rejuvenation.
    The Wallowa gave the local village its name, as it was the second name of each of the construction manager/plantation-owning first owner's nine children who survived to adulthood. Set high on a hillside the property provided the first public well for washing, laundry and fresh water in the area. As Buddhism became the religion of the Singalese people, Uncle Sirisewana, as the owner's youngest son and inheritor of 11,000 acres (5,000 hectares) of plantations built the paddy island upon and laid the temple foundations that give it preeminence over the surrounding paddy fields.
    Great-grandnephews and great-grandchildren today conduct a large local business that still manually collects organic, sundried spices for export through the remanents of the Dutch East India Company and the British interests who took over the spice trade in the 1860s. We invite you into the history of the spice, tropical fruit and jungle vegetable production zone of Sri Lanka.
    Be warned, you will learn 100 ways to use coconuts, cultivation of mango, cinnamon, pineapple, tea, traditional Asian citrus, many endemic plants in Sri Lanka, passionfruit, manioc, banana, jackfruit, black pepper, tea, vanilla and cloves.
    Every day you have the opportunity to experience our journey, swimming in the pool surrounded by a tropical garden and its monkeys, squirrels and birdlife overhead. Our work to date ensures your accommodation is first class, each room suitable for a single or couple with a private bathroom, ceiling fans and a secluded private space.
    As you work alongside Sri Lankan staff, you are afforded the opportunity to understand tropical life, family structures and social bonds on the tropical island, experience rural Sri Lankan life, and take some time out to relax and surround yourself with our Sri Lanka.
    The cinnamon, pineapples, coconuts, black pepper, cloves, sapodilla, mangoes and dozens of edible plants connect to the healthy Ayurveda eating style.
    The tropical, beautiful, Southern Province offers tea and cinnamon plantations, restaurants, shopping in Galle Fort and of course magnificent beaches of Unawatuna, Thalpe and Habaraduwa.
    We share our lives with our 3 rescue dogs who will claim a place in your heart with their unique personalities.
    You will have your own room in the 140-year-old villa that is currently under renovation. We have a trustworthy and kind team of construction workers and gardeners. Our first private room, 9 Provinces Boutique Gatehouse hosts couples in their own unique space. The main villa has 2 completed bedrooms, 2 kitchens and a laundry area.
    The target for the completion of the project is December 2023.
    " Travelling the world one country at a time. Living, Learning, Teaching."

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    SUMMARY
    Regardless of the specific skills, your day to day interactions in English or German will assist your language if you are not yet fluent. Onsite communication between team members is in Singhala and broken English. You will learn a preliminary vocabulary from the team from the day you arrive.

    Interaction with the local community provides insight into the lives, education, health, diet and daily activities of Sri Lankan villagers, in particular those raised in jungle areas. Every Workawayer will experience first-hand the Sri Lankan system of business, religious and political thought and processes. From Ancient laws, local systems of governance and daily life.

    Workawayers engage not only with us as hosts but are encouraged to head to the beaches, cafes and historic venues including the World Heritage Listed Galle Fort whilst in residence. Time off is just as important as work time for our volunteers.

    Gardening in the Tropics

    Since 2015 we have been learning how to design, create, plant and nurture a tropical garden. Our expertise has been developed by Sri Lankan experts, self-study, government and university interaction but most of all, our amazing team of workers oral history and knowledge of plants and animals. Different or traditional use of a plant, flower, fruit, root or leaf is a daily reality. Our journey and written records are based on our own experiences. We welcome you into the traditions of the jungle, it's magic and ecosystems; Sri Lankan style.
    Join us in the privileges afforded Sri Lankans for more than 5,000 years of life on the Spice Isle.

    Workawayers who spend a month at the place, the centrepiece of 9 Provinces Estate can expect to learn some or all of the following on our 3 acre (2-hectare) piece of paradise:
    how to plant, tend coconuts, harvest and the role of the coconut in daily life as a food source,
    o drink,
    o use in cooking
    o oil source
    o traditional medicine and
    o vegan staple
    o uses of coconut husk – compost, fibre, household applications
    the traditional and contemporary uses of jackfruit
    pruning and maintaining citrus, mango, avocado, passion fruit, rambutan, verilo and other jungle fruit
    develop an understanding of edible and non-edible leaves, roots and barks
    explore Sri Lankan spices, including their growth, history, harvesting, packaging and sale or export. 9 Provinces Estate grows cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, lemongrass, and a variety of fresh jungle herbs
    work with Sri Lankan gardeners in the maintenance, design and harvesting of pineapples, papaya, goto kola, manioc, mushrooms and even kithul syrup.

    Every day provides the opportunity to learn new manual skills, long forgotten in the 1st world. We guide and encourage you to explore the fusion or inclusion of homegrown Sri Lankan food and plants into your meal choices. At the conclusion of your Workaway experience, you will have an appreciation of the use and blending of spices in everyday meal choices. Workawayers legacy at 9 Provinces Estate will allow future guests to experience a piece of paradise reserved for those who seek tourism options with smaller environmental footprints and a short pathway from paddock to plate. Your role in preserving the jungle ecosystems is a vital part of the gardening Workawayer's role.

    Painting and Decorating
    The historic villa is being completely restored. For the past 5 years, every room and square centimetre has been lovingly updated. As we seek to better utilise natural light, and flow-through ventilation and reduce the environmental impact the “heavy construction” aspects have been completed.
    As we enter the exciting final phase Workawayers who enjoy accommodation in a completed suite have the opportunity to participate in creating the next unique space – whether that is a guest suite, bathroom, courtyard or public area – within the confines of the historic Villa. The challenge for us is to use limited available products to create contemporary designs whilst retaining the Villa’s history.
    Workawayers who volunteered for a month should expect to learn some or all of the following aspects of tropical construction from the Dutch/British colonial era:
    the methods of restoring traditional rubble, mud and concrete blended walls using modern products
    the application of Sri Lankan plaster and paint including
    o preparation of surfaces
    o sealing or waterproofing as necessary
    o undercoat application
    o painting techniques using a range of products
    o final finishes
    o clean up
    assisting in the hanging/fixing of artwork
    applying wax or other finishes
    various cleaning methods for the finished surfaces
    working with our designer to create and install artistic features

    Carpentry
    The historic place dates from an era where timber products were sourced as close to the building site as possible. Hardwood timbers such as Mahogany, Jackwood, white Antonia, Coconut, Naidong and Teak are all readily available onsite. The plantation and construction company owner who built the Villa, many local roads, and village structures and established the Paddy Island on which the Pilana Temple has situated imported steel bearers from the UK and antique teak from Burma. Brass door and window fittings originated in both India and Sri Lanka.
    140 years of use forces us to replace hinges and locks and restore timber doors, shutters and even window or door frames. We have worked with our local carpenter and used our Australian renovation experience to restore, rebuild and replace structures that were ruined by harsh tropical conditions. The 70 doors and 50 shutters and their frames have all been renewed. Each piece of original timber has been sanded or completely rebuilt.
    Working alongside us or our Sri Lankan experts, Workawayers who volunteered for up to a month should expect to learn some or all of the following Sri Lankan carpentry or woodwork skills
    using manual tools and processes – often adapted by tradespeople to allow for unavailable goods, services or products
    learn how to apply specialist skills to protect old timber, screws, hinges and locks
    assist tradespeople in carpentry or woodworking tasks
    learn and apply quality control, including but not limited to
    o finishes
    o measurements, geometrically aligned and square fitting
    o ensure old doors, shutters and windows fasten securely and open freely
    o locks, keys and closures functioning smoothly
    connect to tradespeople in their daily work and lives including meals and systems of operation

    Cooking, cleaning and general home help for Workaways and the On-site team only.
    The place contains 2 kitchens. Obviously, food, eating and meal fusion are vital in a space that will host guests from around the world. Explore the use of traditional heritage rice (there are 37 varieties) pulses, local fruit and vegetables, leaves and roots in your style of cooking.
    We will provide guidance and connect you with team members raised in the jungle areas, whose practical knowledge will guide you in raw and blended styles that include the food of the Portuguese, Dutch and English influences.

    You may depart after a short (or longer) stay and you will take the influence and dietary modifications you have made, including the spices, from curry to cardamon, pepper to nutmeg, chilli, vanilla, cloves, mace and cinnamon.

    We are always monitoring, working alongside and providing guidance to our Workawayers. We are trained teachers, who have worked in the private sector leading teams and developing young people’s talents. We value the importance of joy in everyday life: with our Sri Lankan co-workers, our guests and visitors into the eco-friendly environment we are developing. Workawayers should expect to relax, explore and participate in all aspects of life in the Tropical Paradise of the Island of Spices.

    Work remotely, relax on or off-site at the beaches, cafes and surfing venues, and explore the history and cultural traditions whilst helping us establish a place of rejuvenation, far from the bustle of corporate life.

    It is highly likely that you enjoy yoga, swimming, cooking or have IT skills that can assist us to establish a marketing system for 9 Provinces Estate. Please let us know how we can help you or provide experiences of value for our Workawayers.

  • Help

    Help

    What we need.
    We are a super busy operation, really needing help from committed helpers with practical skills such as:
    Landscaping and garden maintenance - tropical gardening is hectic and difficult to keep on top of...
    Assist with carpentry, stone masonry, rendering, plastering and maintenance
    Our street dogs need daily love and attention, so you should love animals
    General handyman and maintenance work
    Cooking, cleaning and maintaining the completed rooms would suit people who want lighter duties

    Filming, promotion, social media and marketing skills would also assist the development of the 9 Provinces Estate Brand.

    It would be a bonus if you also have practical experience over theoretical knowledge, but it is not strictly necessary.

    WHAT WE EXPECT
    We are looking for easy-going, flexible and committed people with skills and a good work ethic who are not frightened to work or get their hands dirty. Many tasks are manual with limited machinery or power tools. Expect to learn forgotten trades skills or other skills that are automated at home to be completed manually in Sri Lanka. English communication will be the management team, most other communication will be in Singhalese. You will learn the most necessary words very quickly.

    Workawayers should expect to help out for 20 to 25 hours per week, excluding tea breaks and meals, the exact hours determined by the choice of heavy work (building and construction work, fencing, stonework, cementing, landscaping and so on) and light work (gardening, domestic work, animal care, garden and grounds maintenance, carpentry and so on).
    We realise that some prefer heavy, some light, and some a mix. The hours can be distributed against the days of the week and times of day in any suitable pattern.

    You need to self-start and complete your projects and be able to work alone on some occasions. You need to be fairly fit and drug-free.

    Apart from your committed projects here, we expect you to share some common everyday tasks such as setting the table for dinner, laundry or washing dishes, clearing the table after dinner and cleaning up after yourself.

    We also expect you to thoroughly clean your room before you leave us.

  • Languages spoken

    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Recently completed 5* private bedroom with own bath and relaxation area. During non-work hours, enjoy the onsite pool, expansive verandahs or the space you have just created.
    All rooms offer ceiling fans, secluded areas and chill-out zones for Volunteers.
    We deeply value your contribution, respect your dedication and ensure that your work time is balanced with beach time, dining out in beachside cafes, and experiencing local (and not so-local) highlights of the Tropical Paradise of Sri Lanka.

    All food is provided.

    Life in Sri Lanka starts early when the day is cool. You may wish to swim, do yoga, meditate or grab a fresh spicy herbal tea or the perfect espresso before you find your wake-up place. The birds, squirrels, monkeys and peacocks will want to gain your attention at the same time.

    BREAKFAST 07:00 - 08:00 - self serve or serve everyone!
    Provided is porridge, muslie, roti, bread or toast, seasonal fresh fruit (you may wish to create your own special start of day booster) buffalo curd or yogurt and of course fresh Tambili, the King of Coconuts for drinking.

    Your own breakfast speciality would be a welcome change!

    MORNING TEA 10:30 - 10:45
    Tea and biscuits or a banana

    LUNCH 13:00 - 14:00 Self-serve
    Sandwiches, wraps, salad, fresh fruit or even leftovers You are welcome to join the construction team eating traditional rice and curry.

    We anticipate lunch marks the end of the Workawayers working day, so you may head to the beach, go to a Cafe, or visit Galle town or the historic Galle Fort.

    Working hours are negotiable, you may wish to start at 10 and finish at 17:00 for example.

    DINNER 18:30 - 20:00 [currently dependent on the electricity cut schedule.]

    The evening meal is generally a cooked meal. We eat a wide variety of food; from traditional European to Asian style meals and Australian salad and meat/fish.

    Should you have a meal that we haven't yet experienced please spoil us - there are only 3 - 4 people to cook for so it is not a big task.

    We generally provide some form of sweets, from cooked desserts to ice cream, fresh fruit or one of my childhood favourite puddings.

    ALCOHOL
    We drink in moderation being considerate of the fact that Sri Lanka has an enormous alcohol problem. We do not have a liquor licence, so cannot provide alcohol to others legally. You are welcome to purchase your own and drink on-site, considering the population.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We deeply value your contribution, respect your dedication and ensure that your work time is balanced with beach time, dining out in beachside cafes, and experiencing local (and not-so-local) highlights of the Tropical Paradise of Sri Lanka.
    Our background in business, employment and customer relations ensures you are provided with clear guidelines for your Volunteering Experience.
    1. Daily work hours - Maximum 5 hours
    2. Morning tea and lunch break
    3. Maximum 5 days per week
    4. All meals except one to allow cafe/restaurant dining if desired
    5. Encouragement to maintain a regular movement/fitness/activity routine (weights, pool and yoga mats provided
    6. Local busses to Galle [1Million inhabitants] cost LKR 300, Tuk Tuks 1,000.
    7. Historic sights, beaches, and parties/events are easily located online using search phrases such as Galle, Unawatuna, Galle Fort, Ahangama, and Weligama.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    The main villa and your own room have dedicated spaces for you to work. WiFi is everywhere that you are. Although we have electricity cuts, our backup battery packs ensure uninterrupted WiFi. Of course, it is a good idea to have a data pack on your smartphone so you can travel around with online maps and WiFi. You can lounge around, choose one of the many tables, or enjoy a standing desk in the Cafe zone.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week. We encourage 1 - 3 day trips to explore Sri Lanka. Flexibile hours can accommodate this.

Host ref number: 815423662743

Feedback (1)


Photos

Feedback



Help with our health and wellness projects in Neboda, Sri Lanka
Join our farming community and help develop our eco project in Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka