Description

Give abandoned and abused children an opportunity to rebuild their lives by helping them develop self esteem and trusting relationships! This community-based organization provides a safe, secure environment to approximately 80 children sent to them by the Chilean court system. Whenever possible, counseling is provided to the child's biological family in order to reestablish a healthy relationship and assess the feasibility of returning the child to his or her natural parents. Despite such efforts, many children remain at the center for years waiting for adoption or some other alternative. While in the center, they are under the care of a surrogate parent and share daily life with other kids creating a family atmosphere. A family based environment full of love, respect and shared responsibilities is fostered among the children in every possible way through counseling, school support, sports and recreational activities. The volunteer's challenge is to provide the children not only with basic needs, but also the necessary support and tools to face the future with hope and dignity.

Highlights

Volunteers will work directly with the children in the center by organizing games, recreational activities, arts and handicrafts, acting classes, summer camps and academic tutoring sessions. Volunteers are also encouraged to be creative and to bring any of their own personal skills to work with the children.

Qualifications

Intermediate Spanish skills are required. Experience or education in counseling, and/or teaching is helpful, but not required. Volunteers must love children and enjoy working with them. Spanish lessons are available for an additional fee prior to beginning the project.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 1,250 for a 2-week program

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

What's Included?

* Accommodation in a volunteer guest house
* 3 meals per day (no meals on day of arrival)
* 1 night stay in a hostel in Santiago upon arrival
* Emergency medical insurance for the duration of your program
* Arrival transfer service from the airport to hostel in Santiago
* Transfer from Santiago to Malloco volunteer house
* Program coordinator and emergency staff available 24/7
* Orientation pre-departure and upon arrival
* Culture & Etiquette guide book

Experience Required

yes

Teaching or counseling experience, as well as experience with abused youth is helpful, but not required.

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Orphans
• Street Kids

Age Range

Ages 18 and over

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement

Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded

1985