Involvement Volunteers International Street Children Dump Site Program
Project TypeHome Stay Placement | Childcare, homeless support and assistance Duration2 Weeks+ Start DatesAll year round. Programs start weekly on Monday’s LocationLeyte, Phlippines |
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Background Information
Sadly, it is not uncommon in the Philippines to see children begging for food and sleeping on the sidewalk. Scavenging for plastics and other recyclable items at the city dump is a grim reality of life for many children which come from the very poorest of backgrounds with very little hope.
The children, some as young as five, work at the city dump to help supplement their parents incomes. In these areas, $1 p/day is a typical daily earning which is just enough to provide a second meal that day for the family. This is a startling reflection of social and severe financial issues facing developing countries.
The primary aim of the project is to counsel these children and their families to convince them of the value of going to school to break the cycle of poverty. The project collaborates with local government and councils providing incentives like food subsidies, school supplies, clothing and weekly meals to help serve the needs of the families so the children can take part in the education system.
Unfortunately, there is no government funding available so the project operates from donations received through various organisations. As a volunteer, a part of your program fees will go directly to this project as a donation.
Who Can Participate
Anyone with a compassionate heart and desire to help those less fortunate. This placement is particularily confronting, so volunteers must have a strong fortitude. You will quite possibly be witness to the most graphic view of poverty you have seen. Social workers and counselors are particularly encouraged to apply.
Accommodation
At the core of your experience is the friendly and warm accommodating local homestays who have been accepting volunteers for over a decade. Life inside a homestay is not only safe and cost effective, but is also a great way to contribute to the local economy and to experience the true nature and culture of the Philippines. All homestays have electricity and running water.
You will have a private room by yourself or shared with a fellow volunteer. Mosquito net, electric fan, bed linens and door lock are also provided. The bathroom will be shared with the family and will be basic with cold, bucket baths (hot running showers are uncommon in Philippines) as it’s so tropical and warm! All homestays are English speaking. The homestays have been thoroughly evaluated before being accepted into the program and have been in operation for several years. You will be able to experience the Filipino culture and participate in the daily life of a local.
Volunteers will end their time in the Philippines with a farewell dinner, consisting of traditional Filipino dishes prepared by the host family. This is often one of the highlights of the volunteer’s time in the Philippines because it can be an endless night of eating, singing, and cultural dancing!
Meals
Breakfast and Dinner is provided but volunteers will need to buy their own lunch which costs approx 50-80 pesos. Access to filtered drinking water will also be provided by your homestay. All meals will be served with rice and typically include fish, chicken or pork. Homestays can cater for special dietary restrictions, however we require advance notice so we can place you accordingly.
Volunteer Hub
A dedicated community center is open to all participants and serves as a home base for volunteers from all over the world as well as local residents in need of care and support. Here you will have access to a wide range of local knowledge and social opportunities. The center offers empowerment programs and social welfare services as well as being a hang out spot.
Included Excursions
An organised excursion is included in the volunteer program costs. Places that may be visited include the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Center, the palatial residence and guest house of Imelda Marcos and MacArthur Park in Palo. Other weekend excursions may include visiting local cultural parades and fiestas, a trip to a rural village, a visit to a nearby beach resort and visits to other scenic areas in the region.
Visa Requirements
It is the responsibility of all participants to obtain any necessary visas.
