Description

Opportunities exist to make a difference to the lives of children living on the street in Mongolia. Compelled by their families' dire state of poverty, children leave rural areas and congregate in cities where they are exploited for their labour or become destitute. The Government has introduced some provision for these homeless children, including centres that offer primary medical care. Basic educational programs prepare the children for re-introduction into schools or into further education institutions which provide vocational training.

For volunteers in Mongolia, this is a challenging option to sign up for; there are often behavioral difficulties which present significant hurdles. But for those with the determination to forge bonds with the young people, the rewards are immense.

Volunteers in Mongolia assist by educating the young people at centres in Ulaanbaatar, primarily by giving English lessons. Equally valuable is participation in extra-curricular activities, including health education, games and art.

The program embraces other aspects of community support, such as assisting the elderly who live in 'ger' areas (encampments comprising traditional yurt homes, called 'gers'). The tasks assigned are often practical ones, for example, chopping wood or fetching water.

Highlights

* Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world.

* Since Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organization, it is one of the most affordable ways to help out in a developing country while being immersed in the local culture.

* Volunteers are accommodated with a host family. 2-3 meals are provided daily.

* A one-day culture orientation and language course then follows. The morning is devoted to intensive language and cultural training, held in the capital city Ulaanbaatar. During the afternoon, the volunteer visits an ethnic minority community and participates in various cultural activities.

* In Mongolia, the volunteer working week lasts from Monday to Friday, with 25 hours typically worked in total. Weekends are free to experience in Mongolia. These include: a visit to a 'ger' (tent-house) district, hiking through Mongolia's highly distinctive landscape, watching and taking part in cultural dance, a trip to Terelj National Park (well-known for its rock formations, camels and horse-riding), as well as visits to the Gandan Monastery and Natural History Museum or Museum of Fine Arts.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Prices as low was USD 385 for 2 weeks.

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Includes accommodation, three meals a day, an airport pick-up (if required), orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

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

• Other
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Love Volunteers's Mission Statement

We are a not-for-profit organization that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world. Whether you're planning a week helping a local community as you travel around a country, six months learning the local language, or putting your gap year to good use, Love Volunteers has a program that will give you the best possible experience.

Year Founded

2009