Description

This volunteer project in Malaysia truly makes a difference in both the lives of the women and children who are at the center as well the volunteers who help out. If you have a desire to dedicate yourself to helping those in need of a smile, a hug, and positive reinforcement, this is the project for you. The intense experience that you will have helping this individuals and living at the project site will allow for a truly memorable and worthwhile experience.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This is deserving and very worthwhile live-in residential care project where you'll help children with mental, physical and emotional disabilities as well as some young adults and abused women/children.

The place where you'll assist is a publicly funded residential home near Kota Kinabalu offering care for the underprivileged and helpless community. It serves as a shelter to abused women and children, victims of rape and children with mental and physical disabilities. Some of the children have multiple disabilities and need close attention most of the time. There is a varied range of disabilities including; Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning difficulties, Paralysis and Deafness.

Disability Friendly: This challenging yet rewarding project can accept volunteers with most types of disabilities as the buildings are wheelchair friendly and accessible.

The children are given the necessary care and love (some on a one-to-one basis) according to their physical and emotional needs - bathing/washing them, feeding and general care (e.g washing of clothes, room cleaning and sweeping, cooking and playing). The home is constantly alive with the caregivers tending to the needs of the 48 residents, 33 of whom are either orphaned, abandoned or have no proper home.

Each child is given an Individual Education Plan (IEP) according to his or her needs. They then follow a special educational programme that is modified or particularized for those students with special needs, such as learning differences, mental health problems, or specific disabilities (physical or developmental). Modifications can consist of changes in curriculum, supplementary aides or equipment, and the provision of specialized facilities that allow students to participate in the educational environment to the fullest extent possible. Students may need this help to access subject matter, to physically gain access to the school, or to meet their emotional needs. Support is targeted to the needs of the individual student and can be short or long term.

The home is also engaged in some outreach work to remote communities and a Rural Youth programme to help support individuals in the area and provide them with the skills required to care for those with disabilities.

YOUR WORK

Only 5 of the 48 residents go to normal schools so one of your main responsibilities will be to provide additional support and care for the children during the day. You'll help by talking, playing and reading with them. You will also assist with mealtimes and some times cleaning up after them.

The main mode of communication is Bahasa Malaysia but English is widely spoken and used amongst the staff.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into oriental Malaysian Borneo.
--> A wide variety of new skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, and invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged women and children and knowing that you made a difference to them
--> And best of all.. an unforgettable experience!

Highlights

ACCOMMODATION

This is a live-in volunteer programme, so you'll be accommodated on site and will live, eat and sleep at the Home. In this way you'll get to know the staff and children and will quickly become part of the community at the Home. You'll be encouraged to join in with all activities and will be fully immersed into Malaysian culture in a very unique environment.

This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding placement to take part in.

OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...

"It feels so unique to be helping people with a bad start to life, and all this experience is done in a culture I knew nothing about ... By living in this environment I have learned how the Malaysians care more about the group than the individual. Also, I have learned how fortunate us Westerners really are, and I hope I will use this information to fully appreciate everything.

There are 46 children here, all with a sad story, so it really opens your eyes. It is good because you do not have to be able to speak much of the language with the children, you just need the able to make them laugh and play games. Imagine walking into a room with lots of children running at you all incredibly happy to see you. For example, with me they scream 'Brother' when I walk into a room. They are all happy which is rewarding.

This is a worthwhile placement in which you generally make a difference not just to the children but to yourself. You make other people happy, and in return learn a lot about the culture and how fortunate we are in the Western World. I will never forget it and have no regrets."

WHAT TO DO NEXT

--> Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
--> If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
--> It's as easy as that.

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Someone who has some specific skills in nursing, physiotherapy, IT or has an arts & crafts background would be a perfect fit for this project as well. However, if you don't have any of these skills but you're very enthusiastic about getting involved, we can probably assist you. You're very welcome on this project if you are disabled.Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varis on length of stay. Start at 1,795 for four weeks

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

Everyone welcome from 17 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995