Description

Volunteers working in this program get an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children suffering from mental disabilities. Volunteers work in a charity for Mentally challenged children in Beijing. They mainly provide services and help for mentally disabled children and adults in the community. The mission of the charity is to spread the model of community based services and improve the quality of the lives of people with mental disabilities.

Volunteers mainly help in teaching as well as activities such as handicrafts, arts and crafts and music lessons. Volunteers also help the charity staff in different administrative tasks.

There are two project centers in Beijing.

A. Rainbow Team (12 - 15 students)
At this center, the students are in the age group of 8-16 yrs. Some students are orphans while some come from a poor family. But all of the students suffer from different mental disabilities. They have outside activities in the morning and inside team work in the afternoon. The volunteers can help to take care of the student safety when they are taken for outdoor activities such as shopping, going to a park, going to the library. Playing and communicating with students, Teaching music and painting, doing some computer work are some of the activities involved at the center. It's located in a residential building in Tiantongyuan community. The volunteers can take subway to the charity easily from the accommodations.

B. Three-color Workshop (17-20 students)
At this placement, students are adults from different age groups. The students learn how to make handicrafts and paintings. The training helps them in providing with an employment opportunity. There are also some other activities such as hutong tour, painting exhibition and dance or song performance for visitors from all over the world. The volunteers can help with wide variety of tasks such as helping or teaching making handicrafts, English and music teaching, marketing promotion, and website construction for the charity, help to organize some sponsor activities. The volunteers can take subway to the charity easily from the accommodations.

Highlights

Project Location
The project placement is located in the capital city of Beijing. The city is the political, educational and cultural centre of the country and as such it is rich in historical sites and important government and cultural institutions. Having hosted the Olympics in 2008, the city now boasts of great infrastructure and is now one of the most visited tourist locations in China.

During your Free Time
Volunteers are free on weekends and have time to explore the city and its tourist areas. Beijing has an efficient public transportation system which includes the subway, buses and taxis. The most popular tourist spots are Tianamen Square, Great Wall of China (1.5 hour bus ride from the city), Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, National Museum, Summer Palace and Silk Market.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers should be open to working in a new culture and environment and should love working with kids.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starting USD 450

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are picked up from the Beijing Capital International Airport by the local coordinator.

Orientation: All volunteers are provided with an orientation by the local coordinator before starting their project work. The Orientation session covers areas like local transportation, volunteer safety, project introduction, and local markets.

Lodging: Volunteers are provided accommodation in a youth hostel within the heart of Beijing. The youth hostel has a very convenient location and is located just outside the Tuanjiehu Station Subway Line 10, which is very convenient for the volunteers for going to the projects. The hostel has facilities such as air conditioning, dining area, kitchen area to cook your own meals, internet facility and hot showers. Accommodation is provided on a sharing basis with other volunteers. Individual room can also be arranged at extra charges. Please visit the Photo Gallery to view the Accommodation photos.

Project Drop: All volunteers are dropped to their projects on the first day of the program. After that, volunteers need to commute in between their project and accommodation.

Insurance: All participants are covered for full comprehensive Travel and Medical insurance for their time of stay in our project. To view a copy of the Insurance Coverage provided.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Disability Issues
• English Teaching
• Orphans
• Volunteering

Age Range

16 +

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
• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-8 weeks

Volunteering Solutions's Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide Meaningful and fully researched volunteer programs abroad. Benefit local communities by providing volunteer support. To strengthen the travel experience by providing cross cultural experiences to our volunteers. Use the funds and develop the communities and people we work with.

Year Founded

2006