Description

Volunteer for the Visayans, a registered Philippine non-profit, non-government organisation places volunteers in a number of orphanages around Tacloban city and surrounding towns. Each orphanage houses between 45 to 100+ abandoned and unwanted children. All these children have come from poor families and many have suffered from malnutrition or neglect.

The children thrive on the attention and love our volunteers can share with them. Living with just the basic necessities, and few toys, these children also only have a limited staff to care for them. The caregivers at the orphanages are very appreciative of the extra help our volunteers can offer them.

Volunteers are free to tutor the children, organize arts and crafts or sports activities, and help out with basic chores such as feeding the kids, and folding laundry. This is a meaningful way to learn first hand the hardship most children in the world face, and give back to the underprivileged children growing up in a Third World country.

Volunteers don't necessarily need care giving experience. All we ask is that you come with energy, enthusiasm, an open mind and an open heart. With little resources at the orphanages, it helps if the volunteer can bring educational resources, art supplies, or tapes with children's songs.

Volunteer for the Visayans is dedicated to promoting international education about the people and culture of the Philippines, as well as the economic hardships they deal with everyday, through volunteerism and cultural immersion. At the same time, Volunteer for the Visayans aims to provide support services to the community through its host of local volunteers.

Highlights

Additional optional activities:-

- Conduct After-School Tutorials with Children on the Volunteer for the Visayans Child Sponsorship Program between 5pm and 7pm.

- Participate with a wide variety of local community based projects such as adolescent youth groups and local mothers groups outside of your regular working hours.

- Assist VFV with outreach projects such as building houses through their build-a-home project, assist with emergency relief and school supply distribution projects on weekends and after regular program hours.

Discover the Community

All volunteers are accommodated within a small close knit Filipino community. All home stays are within 1 minute from each and within 1 minute from VFV's office and community centre - this offers great cultural immersion as well as a great way for volunteers to socialise outside of project hours.

Qualifications

- Volunteers must be independent and open-minded.
- Volunteers must be willing to experience a different culture.
- Volunteers should prepare activities for the kids prior to their arrival.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

$799 for 2 weeks, $80 for each additional week.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• English Teaching
• Nutrition
• Orphans
• Social Services, Social Work
• Street Kids

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers will assist the orphanage staff with day to day chores, organize activities for the kids, conduct tutorials and play with the children in order to encourage positive social and motor skill development.

Age Range

at least 18 years of age and there is no upper age limit

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Resume

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Year Founded

2004