Hello Everyone!

We are showcasing a beautiful tropical island this month that needs the assistance of medical volunteers and medical elective students are very welcome. With a troublesome history this destination is still feared by

We are showcasing a beautiful tropical island this month that needs the assistance of medical volunteers and medical elective students are very welcome. With a troublesome history this destination is still feared by some however the people are warm and welcoming and there is so much to offer.

Please remember to contact AirborneAid.org.au before you travel to developing countries if you wish to take medical supplies with you. Finally, we are pleased to announce a partnership with STA Travel who offer flexible and affordable airfares for all of our volunteers. A huge welcome to spring! Happy reading and warm regards, Karin and Derek.

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Volunteering on a Tropical Island! What’s not to like?

The Galle area of Sri Lanka is a dream destination for visiting for your volunteer program. Surrounded by lush green hills, beautiful beaches, world heritage sites and national parks where you can track elephants, leopards, wild buffalo, deer, jackal, sloth bears, crocodiles, snakes and a vast variety of bird life! Following the lengthy civil work and the devastating tsunami in December 2004, Sri Lanka is on a journey of recovery. There is mass investment in roads and airports, the restoration of historic buildings and development of boutique hotels and restaurants. Relax afterwards with a cup of Ceylon tea and an ayurveda day spa.

Community Projects

A home for the elderly; where the residents are thin, lonely, toothless and smiling. Volunteers visit them to play cards, read, sew and talk with them. They rarely receive healthcare due to massive overcrowding at the government hospitals and therefore a visit by medical staff, dentist, and physio would be really appreciated.

A proliferation of orphanages from unwanted teen pregnancies (sex education is not embraced yet in the local culture) means that there are many young children who also need plenty of love, care and attention.

A special needs centre for 390 disabled children appreciates the assistance of volunteers who can provide healthcare and physical therapy at the centre as well as on their outreach projects. Non-medical volunteers join the many activities with the children including art and crafts. The centre is focused on encouraging the inclusion, education and training of disabled people to help them to integrate and develop some independence. Some of the handicrafts made at the centre are sold which builds their sustainability – and confidence.
The local nursing school is the home to 40 students who grew up in rural and remote areas of the country. They need to be fluent in English in order to graduate and converse with other hospital staff.

Therefore, our international volunteers visit the nursing school to help them improve their English – particularly with the use of medical terminology. Volunteers may also deliver a lesson in a specialist area to young nurses to enhance their training. Nurses are always in demand in Sri Lanka and this vocation is relatively well paid!

Hospital Placements

Medical students and electives are ideal at this large, busy teaching hospital. You will have the opportunity to observe and assist in the busy emergency unit and in two surgical areas. Spend time in the operating theatres, participate in ward rounds and learn from the local doctors. The consultants are keen to teach and challenge younger staff.

Diabetes and oncology are common here and are frequently detected and treated at an advanced stage. Trauma (road accidents and falls) are also common with devastating consequences.

Partnership with STA Travel

STA Travel is a well-known name and we are therefore pleased that they can offer a high level of service with flexible tickets for volunteers (and their partners and friends) travelling to DocTours destinations. For dedicated support please phone them on 1300 675 435 or email: doctours.au@statravel.com