Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
19 Apr 2024
Reply rate
56.3 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
6
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hi there!! I am Heenkenda. I am from Sri Lanka, country of the tea and elephants. Anuradhapura is my home town, right now I live in the village nearby - Gewalseeya.
I have a family with two sons. My wife is an amazing cook. I teach English to children in the surrounding villages. I started as a volunteer, when I used to work in a hotel. After sixteen years teaching became my primary occupation. I cover all aspects: grammar, vocabulary, speaking and writing.
There is a reason why I help those children. They are taught English at school but they can hardly speak even a word. I had the same problem before I went to work at the hotel. Now my English is at a professional level and that's something I can pass on the next generation.
In Sri Lanka everybody should learn English, because without good knowledge of this language it is nearly impossible to study at the university and later to get a great job.
There are about 50 children in my English classes. I work with small groups and I give one on one teaching. This will help to bring them a bright future.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Teaching
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
As a volunteer you will learn about our culture and lifestyle. In our village we live a typical Sri Lankan lifestyle. We cook traditional dishes and we have our traditional Sri Lankan rituals. You can also visit our Buddhist temple, which is 10 minutes walking from my home. My neighbors are curious about foreigners and they like to talk a few words, in English or Sinhalese. Their smile will definitely make you happy.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
As volunteer you will be assisting during my classes. Your main focus will be on having conversations with the children. This will improve their confidence in speaking with others.
I do not expect you to prepare a class, but any experience you may have regarding speaking exercises are appreciated. Class hours vary. We can discuss together which classes you can join.
You will also get the opportunity to speak to my sons and neighbors. We live here as a big community and visit each other all the time.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Sinhalese: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Our house is in the countryside. You will be staying in a spacious room in the garden, detached from the main house.
I can provide you meals and the room.
I'm sure that you can have an unforgettable experience here with me, my family and with my neighbors.
What else ...
Gewalseeya, my village, is about 13 kilometres away from Anuradhapura and has around 500 hundred habitants. It takes just 20 minutes by bus to Anuradhapura. In your free time you can go there and visit ancient ruins. And while you will stay here you can explore the surrounding area on our bicycle. There is a lot of nice nature around.
We don't have WiFi here, but it is very easy and affordable to get a prepaid SIM card. The village has good 4G coverage.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (5)
You do not need to have experience in teaching as long as you like to interact with children, most of them… read more
To assist him during the class, my part consisted basically in talking with the kids so they get progressively less shy about it, and to make up some games for them so they can practice while having fun.
On the last lesson, I played a song for the kids in class… read more
Feedback
You do not need to have experience in teaching as long as you like to interact with children, most of them… read more
To assist him during the class, my part consisted basically in talking with the kids so they get progressively less shy about it, and to make up some games for them so they can practice while having fun.
On the last lesson, I played a song for the kids in class… read more
I joined him at his lessons and was able to give the students an opportunity to practice speaking with a foreigner and also teach them some useful English lessons. It was great to meet and help the kids who were eager to learn.
The accommodation… read more
