Volunteering

Volunteers can contribute their skills and time to any of our projects. Enthusiasm and patience are amongst the greatest skills needed when working with disadvantaged children. Read more about examples of volunteer work and some experiences from existing volunteers.

Type of children we work with

         Children with disabilities (mental & physical)

         Children with behavioral and emotional problems

         Orphans

         Children from poor families unable to afford expensive treatment

         Children whose parents do not know how to treat their child or where to apply for help

Effects of institutionalization on children

-depression, often crying

-loneliness and loss of freedom

-passiveness

-developmental delay

- Limitation of sensory opportunities

What we expect volunteers to do with children

-To work according to a plan of play activities

-To ensure safety

- To adequately supervise all the children and always engage in activities suitable for them

-To have a number of alternative activities planned in case unpredictable circumstances occur, e.g. bad weather

-To share the responsibility for a child with another adult for child’s enhanced safety

-To constantly watch children with a purpose of not allowing dangerous behavior

-To know all the responsibilities and how to fulfill them

Why we expect this - what are the benefits for children?

-a child gains a feeling that he/she is loved and cared for

-a chance to develop their skills is given

-safety is being provided

How we expect them to behave with the children AND the staff

Not to:

-do things of a personal nature for children that they can do themselves

-allow children to use inappropriate language

-allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind

Volunteers should be:

-respectful

-reliable

-patient

-responsible

-full of energy

-punctual