Information for Visitors
Turn your holiday into a rewarding experience. You can make a significant contribution to children’s lives with a visit to our children’s home and other projects. This is your opportunity to have a positive impact on a child’s life and at the same time experience a new culture.
Visitors can assist with a variety of activities, which can be based around your capabilities and experience. The types of activities include:
Day-to-day running of the orphanage
The Children’s Home is situated on a five acre property in rural Hewadiwela. We have chickens, a cow and Kenny the dog.
Helping out with the basics of ensuring the children are fed, washed and dressed, as well as interacting with the children - you can have a very positive impact on their lives!
Teaching and Education
This includes teaching English, reading and writing, which are invaluable skills that will help build the foundations of the children’s education and future. A great focus is placed on teaching the children English. They also love to learn music and acting. There is also the opportunity to teach English to the children at the adjacent primary school and our Montessori kindergarten.
You may also like to get involved with the youth group which meets at the Home.
General Maintenance and Labour
For those able bodied and/or skilled where required, assistance is very much needed to clear land and construct buildings as well as many other tasks. These may include weeding, painting, fencing, installing ceilings, treatment of white ant damage, and plumbing. We still need to setup a library, computer area, upgrade the kitchen facility, and refurbish the classrooms for after school tuition for the children.
Qualifications: There are no specific qualifications or experience required. You need only be willing and able!
Cost: Your accommodation and meals will cost $25 US per day
Medical and Travel Needs: Please contact your travel doctor and travel agent in preparation for the trip to make any necessary arrangements regarding visas and vaccinations, etc.
Testimonials: See the stories in our “Travellers’ Tales” page on our website. Please send us your story and photos when you return.
Where is the Children’s Home:
St Anthony’s Home is located at Hewadiwela which is 95kms from
How to get to the children’s home: If you give us enough notice, we can organise
a 12 seater van to collect you from the city of
The train from
Facilities at St Anthony’s: Accommodation is basic and clean with about 5 rooms available for visitors. Some rooms have fans and bedding is provided. Meals are included in the $10US a day charge and are mainly Sri Lankan vegetarian. The bathroom facilities are shared and there is no hot water for showers and believe us you don’t miss it!! Clothes washing can be done for you at $3US per wash.
Communication: Internet facilities are available at Rambukkana at 50c for an hour. If your mobile is unlocked, you should be able to buy a local sim card for about $1. We have reasonable reception at the Home
What to bring for yourself:
Everything is available in
We boil our water to drink. You may like to purchase a 5 litre bottle of water for just over $1. Powdered cow’s milk, fresh milk and other groceries are available at the local shops in Rambukkana 8 kms away.
Something for the children: New or good second hand books, clothing and toys are always appreciated. Books that help them with their English, maths and music would be useful. Also socks, collared shirts, games and instruments.
Application Process: Please register your interest by completing the attached application form and submit it to us at least one month prior to your anticipated arrival date. We will contact you to discuss your application further. As we have children in our care we require that a Working with Children’s Check be submitted with this application.
Click here to download the application form.
Please Email us the completed application form at kkcf@inbox.com
We thank you for your interest and look forward to welcoming you soon.
