Volunteer work in Sri Lanka
VSO has volunteers in Sri Lanka working in three main areas - disability, mental health, and participation and governance.
Mental health is a significant problem in Sri Lanka. Two decades of war and the devastating Tsunami in 2004, have left many with mental health problems. VSO volunteers work on several fronts to combat this problem. Based on their skills and experience they may work directly with patients, train mental health workers or work with the government to strengthen the management of their mental health programmes.
VSO volunteers in Sri Lanka also work on behalf of the disabled. They help to develop local programmes for those who are disabled as well as advocating for their rights. As with the mental health programme, volunteering takes place at a community level.
VSO volunteers also undertake voluntary work in Sri Lanka to give Sri Lankans better access to public services and internationally donated money to help them rebuild their lives. Additionally, they work with local NGO’s to strengthen their ability to advocate and influence the government to really bring about changes that make a difference to the lives of the poor.
