Our Study Programs

1. HELP-O International Training Program: A Pathway to Sustainable Development

Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems, presents an ideal setting for immersive learning. The HELP-O International Training Program is a two-week initiative designed for international university students eager to gain hands-on experience in waste management, marine conservation, human rights, and microfinance. This program blends academic knowledge, practical fieldwork, and cultural immersion to foster
cross-cultural learning and global sustainability efforts.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

Provide academic insights and field-based learning in environmental conservation, human rights, and community empowerment.
Facilitate knowledge exchange between local experts and international students.
Introduce participants to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and sustainable development practices.
Create a global network of individuals committed to environmental and social change.

Program Structure

Over two weeks, students will participate in lectures, field visits, group discussions, hands-on training, and cultural experiences.

Lectures & Interactive Sessions

Participants will explore key topics, including:

Waste Management & Sustainable Solutions: Waste segregation, composting, and recycling strategies.
Marine Conservation: Ocean pollution, microplastics, mangrove restoration, and beach clean-ups.
Social Integration & Foreign Relations: The role of diplomacy in sustainability.
Environment & Urban Planning: Sustainable urban development practices.
Forests & Biodiversity Conservation: Addressing deforestation and conservation challenges.
Circular Economy & Sustainable Business Models: Promoting sustainability in economic practices.

Field-Based Learning & Practical Experience

Waste Management Facilities: Visits to recycling plants, composting sites, and community projects.
Coastal and Marine Conservation: Beach clean-ups and volunteering at a turtle hatchery.
Community Engagement: Volunteering in Sri Lankan schools and preschools.
Biodiversity Conservation: Exploring rainforests and conservation sites.
Cultural Heritage & Traditional Skills: Participating in Sri Lankan fishing, Beeralu lace weaving, batik dyeing, and pottery making.

Outbound Training & Team Building

The program incorporates leadership and teamwork exercises through:

Outdoor training sessions.
Problem-solving activities related to sustainability challenges.
Reflection and discussion sessions on global environmental issues.

Cultural Exchange & Recreational Activities

Participants will engage in:

Traditional Sri Lankan music, dance, and culinary experiences.
Heritage site visits, including Galle Fort, Sigiriya, and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth.
Networking with local university students and community members.
Student-led exhibitions showcasing sustainability innovations.

Travel Arrangements & Registration

HELP-O ensures a seamless process for participants, offering:

Online registration assistance.
Airport pickup and arrival support.
Visa application guidance.
Mandatory travel insurance requirement.

Homestay Experience

Students will have the opportunity to live with Sri Lankan host families, allowing them to:

Experience daily life, local cuisine, and traditions.
Engage in household activities such as cooking and farming.
Attend community events and festivals.
Build strong personal and cultural connections.

Program Costs & Benefits

The all-inclusive package covers accommodation, meals, transport, training materials, and facilitation fees. The total cost is USD 950 per student, ensuring affordability while maintaining a high-quality experience.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will:

Develop a deeper understanding of sustainability practices.
Strengthen cross-cultural collaborations and networking opportunities.
Gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation and community development.
Enhance their ability to implement sustainable initiatives in their home countries.

Conclusion

The HELP-O International Training Program is an unparalleled opportunity for students seeking a holistic learning experience in sustainability, conservation, and cultural immersion. With a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and meaningful interactions, this program equips participants with the skills and insights needed to drive global environmental and social change.

For those looking to make a tangible impact while exploring Sri Lanka’s rich culture and biodiversity, this program is the perfect opportunity.

2. Sri Lanka Traditional Livelihood Experience Program: A Unique Cultural Immersion

Sri Lanka, a land of rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes, offers more than just scenic beauty. For those seeking an immersive cultural and educational experience, the Sri Lanka Traditional Livelihood Experience Program, organized by HELP-O, provides a rare opportunity to engage in traditional Sri Lankan occupations while fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

A Hands-On Learning Journey

The program is designed for international university students who wish to explore the essence of Sri Lanka’s heritage through hands-on training in traditional livelihoods. Over the course of two weeks, participants will gain practical insights into various fields, such as tea plucking, fishing, paddy farming, handicrafts, and spice cultivation. The program is structured to offer both theoretical knowledge and field-based learning experiences.

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

Introduce foreign students to Sri Lanka’s traditional occupations and their socio-economic impact.
Provide hands-on experience in local agricultural and fishing practices.
Promote cultural exchange and learning between participants and host communities.
Raise awareness about sustainable and traditional livelihood methods.
Enhance global networking opportunities among students and locals.

Program Structure

The two-week program consists of lectures, field-based learning, and cultural exchange activities.

Lectures & Interactive Sessions

Participants will receive insights into:

The significance of Sri Lanka’s tea, fishing, and paddy farming industries.
Sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices.
The economic and cultural contributions of traditional livelihoods.

Field-Based Learning & Practical Experience

Students will engage in real-world experiences, including:

Tea Plucking & Processing: Visiting a tea plantation to understand the intricacies of Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea industry.
Traditional Fishing Techniques: Learning net fishing, stilt fishing, and boat fishing with local fishermen.
Paddy Cultivation & Harvesting: Participating in rice farming, from planting to harvesting.
Handicrafts & Traditional Industries: Engaging in pottery, weaving, and batik-making workshops.
Spice Cultivation & Processing: Exploring cinnamon peeling and pepper drying methods.
Coconut & Dairy Farming: Learning about coconut plantations and traditional dairy production.

Cultural Exchange & Homestay Experience

A highlight of the program is the homestay experience, where students live with Sri Lankan host families, gaining firsthand exposure to local customs and traditions. This experience includes:

Cooking traditional meals and learning local recipes.
Participating in community celebrations and cultural events.
Visiting temples, rural schools, and local markets.
Engaging in family outings to scenic locations.

Educational & Recreational Trips

Beyond hands-on training, students will visit cultural heritage sites, including:

Galle Fort, Sigiriya, and rural villages
Eco-tourism sites for nature walks and wildlife conservation visits
Traditional markets to understand local trade and commerce

Travel Arrangements & Registration

HELP-O ensures a smooth registration and arrival process, including:

Online registration assistance
Airport pickup & arrival support
Guidance on visa applications
Mandatory travel insurance requirement

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion, students will have:

A deeper appreciation for Sri Lankan culture and livelihoods.
Hands-on skills in agriculture, fishing, and traditional crafts.
Improved cross-cultural communication abilities.
A strong global network of like-minded individuals.
Insights into sustainable practices and rural community life.

Conclusion

For those looking to make a tangible impact while exploring Sri Lanka’s rich culture and biodiversity, this program is the perfect opportunity.