Mental Health Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Anna-Marie Pospíšilová Start Date: Oct 4, 2018 - End Date: Nov 12, 2018
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Sri Lanka

My Travel Story

by: Anna-Marie Pospíšilová Start Date: Oct 4, 2018 - End Date: Nov 12, 2018
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
Hello, all you amazing souls in the Universe!

This is Anna, enthusiastic almost-graduated psychologist born and living in Prague, Czech Republic. Couple of months ago I decided to put my knowledge and skills to a good use to help people who need it. As my study and work interest lies in the field of mental health, I applied to go for an Advanced Mental Health Placement in Sri Lanka. I believe that the importance of mental health is worldwide, though countries as Sri Lanka desperately lack the resources to take care of people who need psychological treatment and therefore volunteers are much needed there.

The amazing organization which allows this volunteering experience, SLV.Global (Sri Lanka Volunteers), was founded in 2010 by a group of psychology graduates. Main focus of SLV.Global is to provide the volunteers with as intense working experience in global mental health as possible.

During my 8-week placement, which starts on November 4th, I will volunteer together with other psychology students and graduates from all over the world. From Monday to Friday we will work on different projects, such as Activity Support, during which we will help people with mental illnesses improve their cognitive skills or coping with stress. Other projects include Children’s development, where I will be able to coach swimming thanks to my long-time experience in swimming classes.

Above all this, I would like to mention, that I am sure this experience will help me do better in my future job as a psychologist. Not only due to the fact of experiencing intense psychological work in a different culture, but also thanks to a personal development which I believe, will come throughout all this challenging placement!

The placement fee of 2212 € (57 092CZK) includes mainly homestay accommodation and meal, trainings and teambuilding. Apart from this the expenses for flight tickets, insurance, vaccination and VISA application are 875€ (22 548CZK). This is the time, when I ask you for your financial support (but any kind of support is more than welcome!) and as a little reward I can promise to cook for you the traditional dishes I will be having in my Sri Lanka’s host family and share my experiences after I am back in Prague in January 2019. To all of you I can also promise sharing pictures and stories from my travels during the days off.

For more information about what my placement will look like I encourage you to check this link about Sri Lanka Placements.

Many thanks in advance & take care (and don’t forget about your mental health, too)!

With love,
Anna-Marie Pospíšilová
  • Sri Lanka