The Foundation of Goodness is a holistic rural development model that seeks to bridge the urban-rural divide in Sri Lanka via 10 empowerment divisions across 850+ villages island-wide, and reached over 135,000+ beneficiaries in 2023 alone by way of 20 Empowerment Centres, free of cost.
Rules of Conduct for Volunteers
Seenigama is a rural, traditional community. As volunteers, you are here as guests of the village and should respect its culture at all times. If you are not sure what to do in a certain situation please ask a member of staff or the volunteer coordinator.
ACCOMMODATION:
It is mandatory for all volunteers to stay at the Foundation of Goodness accommodation centres as part of the volunteer experience offered by us and as we can not take responsibility for your safety at external premises.
The accommodation centres used by volunteers must be kept clean & tidy at all times.
Clean up thoroughly after cooking meals to prevent animal infestations.
Cooking is STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED at the Villa Accommodations.
Clean up thoroughly after cooking meals to prevent animal infestations at the Sports, Udumulla and Rathgama Accommodation Centres.
Be mindful of usage of water, electricity & gas. Turn of A/C’s, fans and lights when not needed.
ALCOHOL AND SMOKING ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED at the premises of Foundation of Goodness. However, whilst consuming alcohol outside is at your discretion you will NOT be admitted into the premises if your behaviour is not in accordance with our Code of Conduct
The Foundation of Goodness will not be responsible for the loss of any valuables and as such the volunteers are requested to keep all belongings under lock & key at all times.
The stipulated working hours of the Seenigama Centres are; 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM Tuesday to Saturday. The Seenigama Centre is closed on Sunday & Monday.
You are kindly expected NOT to return LATER THAN 11:00 PM, please. A grace period of ½ an hour will be granted. Please note that you will not be admitted into the premises after the set time.
You will be allowed to stay out until 1:30 am on Saturdays & Sundays ONLY. Please note that you will not be admitted into the premises after the set time.
Volunteers should notify the Volunteer Coordinators & the Sector Managers IN WRITING if they intend to be away from FoG on holidays/weekends with specific dates of departure & return. In case this is not complied with, and any incident takes place FOG will not be held responsible.
DO NOT ENTERTAIN OUTSIDERS. Entertaining staff, villagers, tourists or local friends in the accommodation centres is NOT PERMITTED at all times. Prior permission is to be obtained from the Management in case you are expecting visitors.
Don’t feed the animals such as birds, cats, dogs, etc. as they can become a nuisance.
Breakages should be paid for or replaced if possible – discuss with the volunteer coordinator.
Payments for accommodation/meals are to be made on a WEEKLY BASIS IN CASH (USD or LKR). The exchange rates will be calculated as per the currency rate on the day of payment.
DRESS CODE:
Volunteers are required to be properly attired in a very decent and respectful manner at all times. Deep necklines, mini dresses, micro shorts, skinnies and tank tops, transparent material and revealing clothes are strictly prohibited.
Please ensure that you are appropriately attired for formal occasions such as graduation ceremonies and opening ceremonies. (Long pants or skirts, modest tops)
Wear white clothes that cover shoulders and knees if visiting the temple.
Wear modest one-piece swimming costumes/ swimming shorts in the pool.
TRANSPORT:
Please note that FoG provides bicycles at the MCC Centre of Excellence for our convenience to travel to programmes at the Sports Academy and Village Heartbeat Centres. As such, the bikes should be used with care and respect. You will be held responsible for any damages to the bikes.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Out-going International calls are not permitted. However, if a volunteer needs to make IDD calls, they must obtain prior permission from the volunteer coordinator, enter details in the log book and reimburse the Foundation for the call.
Internet and computer use for personal purposes should be restricted to non-office hours from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, at the computer rooms at MCC COE, in consultation with the Volunteer Co-ordinator or from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM at the Sports Academy with agreement from the Sports staff.
Inappropriate use of Wi-Fi Internet is not allowed at the MCC or Sports Accommodation Centres. Usage is monitored, please clarify details with the Volunteer Co-ordinator.
A local mobile is essential for ease of communication. Please bring your mobile as a local sim card could be purchased easily.
It would be of great benefit if you are able to bring a laptop with you which will help in facilitating & planning the operations.
Please make sure to use mosquito repellent during your time volunteering as mosquito bites can spread tropical illnesses such as Dengue Fever. Mosquito repellent can be brought with you or purchased locally from pharmacies or supermarkets. Bottles will also be available at the MCC Centre of Excellence.
We value the quality of honesty being upfront and straightforward. This being the case, in the event a mistake is made please communicate the truth where we can then resolve it amicably.
Please note that if you do not comply with the above mentioned compulsory requirements of the Foundation of Goodness it is at our discretion to discontinue the volunteer placement without notice.
A local mobile is essential for ease of communication. Please bring your mobile as a local sim card could be purchased easily.
It would be of great benefit if you are able to bring a laptop with you which will help in facilitating & planning the operations.
We value the quality of honesty being upfront and straightforward. This being the case, in the event a mistake is made please communicate the truth where we can then resolve it amicably