What is the Family Volunteering: Community Child Support in the Philippines all about?
Volunteer as a family in the Philippines and work on child support activities in a community that survived 2013 Typhoon Haiyan. Obviously, the community was devastated physically, emotionally and environmentally by the Typhoon but by working together with the support of many others they have managed to rebuild. As a result, the community is very welcoming of volunteers and many NGOs still rely on the support of volunteers. As a family volunteer, you can help support community development projects by assisting overworked staff at local children’s centres based in Tacloban. The children that you encounter will have smiles on their faces whether you are helping with mealtimes, games and stories or homework activities. It will be a rewarding experience to share as a family in Tacloban while making a small contribution to the lives of children who have overcome so much.
Why choose this Community Child Support Family Volunteering project?
The project in the Philippines will welcome you and your family into their community. You will be able to learn about each other’s lives and cultures. Your family will spend time with local children teaching them new games and songs while supporting local staff with their efforts to provide a safe and happy life for the children.
Role of the Family as Community Volunteers in the Philippines
Families will be involved in a variety of activities, which will be largely determined by the needs of the project at the time. Typically, you can look forward to taking a hands-on role in childcare activities at a local children’s centre. You may get involved in helping with special events (the locals have many holidays and love to celebrate!) or assisting with children’s activities.
What skills do the Family need to be a Community Child Support Volunteer in the Philippines?
There are no skills required to participate in this project. Bring an open heart and an open mind and you will have a fantastic time. Parents will be responsible for their children but the whole family will be able to get involved. If you have games and stories you would like to share, bring them with you, as you are sure to have an eager audience.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in the Philippines?
About the Location
Tacloban is a city with a population of over 300,000 and is located on the island of Leyte, about an hour by air southeast of Manila. Tacloban is a historic site, the beachfront city liberated the Philippines in 1944 from Japan. The local language is called Waray-Waray, but English is widely spoken making your placement very easy! Tacloban City is not a popular tourist destination and is a city for everyday life in the Philippines. Following Typhoon Haiyan, when there was widespread devastation, there was an influx of visitors helping with the recovery process. Many things have returned to normal but there is still evidence of the Typhoon and peoples lives are still impacted as they may have lost loved ones. Here you and your family can gain an insight into the realities of living and working in a location that has recovered from nature’s wrath. If you want to travel further afield, there are many islands offering beautiful beaches and diving opportunities, and flights to neighbouring destinations in South East Asia are very cheap making it an attractive destination to begin your travels.
Accommodation
All volunteers stay with local families in the same small community on the outskirts of Tacloban City. Since the families are all used to receiving volunteers, they are very welcoming and really try to make each volunteer feel like part of their family. The fact that all volunteers live within 2 minutes walking distance of each other makes it really easy to meet up with fellow volunteers in the evening. The homestays are also a short walk away from the local community centre, which doubles as a base for volunteers. Although the homestays are generally quite basic, all have electricity and running water.
What to do in your spare time
Aside from spending your free time playing basketball in your homestay community, there’s plenty more to keep you active in the area. You might want to join the local gym (which has hot showers!) at the Astrodome, there’s also a climbing wall and a badminton court in the downtown area. If you like surfing, one of the Philippines best-surfing destinations is just 2-3 hours away in the town of Guiuan.
If you just want to relax, The Philippines is famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. There are a number of beaches close by to choose from, including Tadjow Beach and Tanauan Beach.
You can even go on a long weekend trip to the stunning island of Bohol and Malapascua. These are popular trips to go on and many volunteers tend to group together and arrange a trip which is a great way to make friends whilst you are away.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 2+ weeks
- Cost: 16 and Above: £953 / $1488
Children 8-15: £666 / $1040
Children 5-7: £615 / $960. Additional weeks available on request - Requirements: Minimum age 5 yrs
- Location: Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines
- Working hours: Monday - Friday, times vary
- Project availability: All year round, apart from the Christmas to New Year period and for a few days over Easter.
- Arrival day: Saturday
What is included
- Accommodation: Room with a homestay family
- Food: 2 meals per day – Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pickup and drop off from Tacloban Airport
- Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction provided
- Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number for volunteers and families
- Fundraising guide
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Daily transport to your project on public transport
- Police/Government Background Check US and UK citizens processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check – Required for over 18 years of age
Pictures from our Family Volunteering: Community Child Support in the Philippines project
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.