Description

The Philippines, known as a beach sanctuary for renowned people and travel fanatics, distinct 7,107-island geography, makes the destination just as splendid for participants looking for adventure, nature, and culture while in a Kaya program volunteering with street children, helping on health and community development projects and improving lives in a beachfront city with Kaya.

Programs:
1. Teach Out of School Children and Adults
2. Summer Camp for Disadvantaged Children
3. Work with Sexually and Physically Abused Girls
4. Help Improve the Futures of Abused Women
5. Home Building Project
6. Support a Local Community Centre
7. Work in a Rural Health Clinic
8. Improve Nutritional Standards
9. Social Welfare & Education for Deaf Children
10. Teach English in Rural Schools
11. Work in an Orphanage
12. Work with Street Children
13. Work in a Young Offenders Rehabilitation Centre

Included in your placement fee are 2 excursions (organized day trips with the in-country staff). They include an excursion with your home-stay and sponsored kids, and an excursion with fellow volunteers, which may include visiting the beautiful beaches of Samar, visiting some of the orphanage and street children projects in neighboring cities, or venturing to stunning Lake Danao in the mountains.

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your program runs smoothly.

Highlights

Made up of more than 7,000 islands, this Southeast Asian nation is one of the most diverse countries in the world, boasting rain forests, volcanoes, mountains, and coral reefs - as well as what some say are the friendliest people and the most interesting food.

Unfortunately poverty remains a significant problem. Around 1 in 3 Filipinos live below the poverty line and just below 30% of the population live on 2 USD or less a day. With the help of volunteer projects those in greatest need can look forward to a better future.

Climb Mount Mayon:
Mount Mayon last erupted in 2001 and is considered one of the world's most perfectly cone-shaped volcanoes. It stands at 2462m and takes a moderately fit person two days to scale. Between March and April are the best times to climb, as other times of the year are quite hot and rainy.

Canoe the Pangsanjan Rapids:
Riding the rapids of Pangsanjan River during the wet season from August to October, when the water flow is high, is quite exhilarating and not for the faint of heart. Along the 1½-hour route are stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs and superb scenery, some of which was pictured in the film Apocalypse Now.

Swim with Whale Sharks:
Donsol, a village on the Luzon peninsula, is one of the best places in the world to swim with the largest fish in our seas. To swim with these gentle giants, which grow up to 18m in length, is an unbelievable experience and highly recommended if you have time to explore. Peak months to see these great fish are between February and March.

Volunteers are essential for these projects. Some placements give wonderful first-hand insight into the difficulties facing the health-care system in a developing nation and, as a volunteer you may be involved in teaching social education and environmental awareness.

Qualifications

Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single or shared room in a home-stay
* Food: 2 meals per day - Breakfast and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure pack, On-site Orientation and project induction provided
* Support: 24-hour support from on-site coordinators, access to office in Tacloban City (including free WiFi)
* Excursions: 2 field excursions are included in your visit. Including a detailed tour of our ongoing projects in the local area. Staff can also help plan weekend excursions.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be at least 18 years old

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008