What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Volunteering on the Women’s Education project means working alongside women who are motivated to learn skills that can help support their families. Many of the participants are interested in creating products they can sell locally or developing services they can offer within their communities.

Sessions usually take place in small group workshops where volunteers demonstrate techniques and then guide participants as they try the activities themselves. It is a relaxed learning environment where everyone shares ideas and learns from one another.

The types of skills volunteers may help teach vary depending on their experience and interests. Popular areas of learning often include craft production, small business skills, and practical trades that can be done from home.

Some examples include:

Sewing and Textile Skills

Women often want to learn sewing techniques that allow them to produce items they can sell, such as clothing, reusable bags, or children’s garments. Volunteers with sewing experience may demonstrate pattern making, garment construction, or simple textile upcycling methods that turn leftover fabric into useful products.

Handmade Crafts and Creative Products

Handmade crafts are another popular focus. Volunteers sometimes share techniques for creating jewelry, decorative items, or home décor products. Items made from recycled materials are particularly valuable because they keep costs low while allowing women to produce unique products for local markets.

Food Production and Small Home Businesses

Food products can be an effective way for women to start small businesses. Volunteers may demonstrate how to make jams, chutneys, or dried fruit products while also sharing ideas for packaging and presentation that make products more appealing to customers.

Agriculture and Sustainable Livelihoods

Some women are interested in growing food or producing natural products that can be sold locally. Volunteers may introduce simple techniques such as small-space gardening, mushroom cultivation, or preparing herbal products.

Beauty and Personal Care Skills

Beauty services can also provide reliable income opportunities. Volunteers with experience in beauty or personal care may demonstrate hairstyling techniques, bridal preparation, or natural cosmetic products.

Business and Entrepreneurship Skills

Beyond practical skills, volunteers may also share knowledge about running a small business. This might include simple budgeting, calculating product costs, pricing items for sale, or thinking about how to present products attractively.

Digital Skills for Selling Products

In recent years, digital tools have become increasingly useful for small businesses. Volunteers may help women learn how to photograph products using their phones, promote items on social media, or communicate with customers using messaging platforms.

Preparing to Volunteer

Before arriving, volunteers are asked to contact the local team about two weeks before their start date to discuss the skills they plan to share. The team can then help organize materials and ensure the workshops align with the interests of the women participating.

During school holidays, some women may not be able to attend classes because they are caring for their children. When this happens, volunteers may instead help organize educational or creative activities for the children of the participating families.

Female medical professionals joining either the Medical or Women’s Education projects may also contribute by supporting women’s health education or basic screenings. In Sri Lanka, many women feel more comfortable discussing sensitive health concerns with female doctors, so volunteers can provide a supportive and welcoming environment for these conversations. It is important to note during school holidays the women may be busy with their families to attend classes so instead volunteers will be able to teach the local children of the women.