OUR ANNUAL YOUTH INITIATIVE
Volunteer in Jaffna 2027
This program is centered around an existing children's home in Sri Lanka. OneHome Global coordinates and is on the ground with youth who wish to take a life changing trip to volunteer and explore Sri Lanka. Your day is structured around a meaningful exchange of memories, knowledge and fun with the children.
Itinerary
July 22
Fly Toronto to Colombo
July 26 – August 4
Visit Jaffna homes and service activities
August 5 – 7
Travel back to Colombo
August 8
Return to Toronto
TENTATIVE DATES
July 22 – August 8, 2027
ALL-INCLUSIVE
$1,500
Tamil Roots
Structured Program
Ensured Safety
Affordable Cost
All-inclusive Trip
Cultural Immersion
PAST TRIPS
Past trips
Recaps and volunteer stories from every Youth Initiative trip so far.
Sri Lanka 2026
July 28 to August 15, 2026, Jaffna
“The OneHome Youth Trip was a transformative experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence, leadership, and connection. Through working with youth in Sri Lanka, I discovered a deeper passion for education, community, and culture while building relationships that felt more like family. The experience strengthened my connection to my roots and left me with memories, friendships, and lessons that I will carry with me for years to come.”
Prathiksha M.
“Before coming on the trip, I was a little nervous about being around so many new people and thought the experience might be very structured or strict. It ended up being the complete opposite. Everyone became close so quickly, and the entire experience was genuinely fun and comfortable.”
Sadhvi T.
“Before the trip, I thought language might be a barrier when connecting with the kids. But once we started spending time together, I realized that we always found a way to communicate—through laughter, activities, gestures, and simply being present with one another. The language barrier quickly became something I barely noticed.”
Ajayan V.
Sri Lanka 2025
Second annual trip, Jaffna
Our second year trip was met with a lot of excitement and anticipation from the children in Sri Lanka. Having been engaged with the OneHome team throughout the year via online mentorship and tutoring, it was a heart warming homecoming for us. This year our trip was slightly shorter but we still were able to impact over 180 youth in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. We were able to launch some new initiatives with the VTC program as well as bringing some new activities to the children in the afternoons. Not only were we able to spend quality time with the kids, we were able to do something special for the moms this year as well! It was a great wrap for our second annual trip.
“Going to Jaffna with the 2025 Youth Initiative was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It wasn't just about seeing the land my family came from — it was about truly connecting with it. Visiting the orphanages and spending time with the kids reminded me how important it is to give back, and how much strength and resilience lives in our people. I left with a fuller heart and a stronger sense of purpose.”
Sevanthi R.
“This trip gave me the opportunity to bridge the gap between my life abroad and my roots in Sri Lanka. Working directly with children in the orphanages — playing, learning, just being present — made me feel part of something bigger. OneHome created a space for us to give back with compassion while learning more about our heritage, and I'll carry that with me forever.”
Vayis G.
“Being part of the 2025 Youth Initiative was eye-opening. I always heard stories about Jaffna from my parents, but seeing it with my own eyes, meeting the children, and contributing in a hands-on way changed everything. It made my identity feel real and grounded. I'm grateful to OneHome for creating this journey — it deepened my connection to my roots and showed me the power of community.”
Thuvaa K.
Sri Lanka 2024
Pilot program, August 5 to 12, 2024
The intent of this Youth Initiative was to start a multi year program that would create a connection with not just SOS Children's Village Jaffna, but also other homes that would benefit from such programs. This program was specifically curated in line with the mission and vision of OneHome Global Foundation, USA to help bridge the gap between the next generation of Tamil Diaspora kids growing up abroad, empower and collaborate with youth in Sri Lanka and help build connections and motivation to give back and help each other for generations to come.
“This experience with One Home Global, is truly something that can only be experienced rather than explained. The impact it leaves on the SOS students can only be understood in the smiles of the kids. The leadership and communication skills developed/discovered as a volunteer can only be felt from the response of the kids we interacted with.”
Jathush V.
“Joining OneHome's Sri Lanka Youth Initiative trip was a transformative experience, enriched by my time volunteering with SOS Children's Village in Jaffna. Connecting with my roots and culture was great but it was the children who left the deepest impact on me. Their resilience and positivity were inspiring, and our days together, filled with teaching, games, crafts, and dancing, created lasting connections and a strong community.”
Myuri A.
WEEKLY, ONLINE
Mentorship Program
Education is a large component of OneHome Global's mission. In an attempt to bridge the gap between the global community, we are proud to announce our learning program. This program will be customized based on the needs of the kids in South Asia that we will be partnering with. The aim is to spend at least 1 hour a week and help kids understand some concepts better. Some such topics include but are not limited to:
English
Technology
Science
Accounting
Other
This partnership will really help children who may not have the means to get special tutoring or clarification with their assignments/work.
What our program offers to students
Eligible school credit
The hours you volunteer will transfer over to eligible school credit.
Mentorship
You will essentially be serving as a mentor for students abroad.
Flexibility
This program allows you to volunteer on weekends or whenever you are free.
Volunteer checklist
Make sure to take a look at the following checklist for required items to participate!
Computer
Age 18-24
Excited to meet kids
Volunteer forms
TAMIL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
The Aram Scholarship
அறம் கல்வி உதவித்தொகை
The Aram Scholarship was established to support Tamil youth pursuing higher education while encouraging a lifelong commitment to community, culture, and service.
The word "Aram" (அறம்) holds deep meaning in Tamil philosophy. Found prominently in classical Tamil literature such as the Tirukkural, Aram represents virtue, moral responsibility, compassion, and the duty one carries toward others and society.
AWARD AMOUNT
$2,000 USD
Funds will be disbursed to be used directly towards tuition or school supplies.
2026 applications closed on April 14, 2026.
Eligibility criteria
- Be of Tamil heritage
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident as of application date
- Be enrolled in or accepted to a recognized post-secondary institution (college, university, or accredited vocational program)
- Demonstrate academic commitment and strong character
- Show involvement in or commitment to serving the Tamil community
- Demonstrate dedication to preserving and promoting Tamil culture, language, and values
Financial need may be considered as part of the selection process at the discretion of the scholarship committee.
THE 2026 SCHOLARSHIP
In memory of Mrs. Padmavathy Balasingam
The 2026 Scholarship is dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Padmavathy Balasingam, a remarkable Tamil mother and immigrant whose life reflected resilience, humility, and deep cultural pride.