Street Children Support Philippines

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

Poverty is widespread, with 21.6% of the population in the Philippines living below the poverty line
Malnutrition is evident, with 1 in 3 children under five having stunted growth, due to lack of a nutritional diet
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, which can affect farming and agriculture, one of the main sources of food for many families
Many poor families have little education and limited access to health services
Living conditions for the poor in urban areas have a lack of proper facilites, with many living in slum towns

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Why Involvement Volunteers International?

Project Description

PROJECT NAME: STREET CHILDREN SUPPORT
LOCATION: TACLOBAN, LEYTE
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY (PRIVATE OR TWIN SHARE)

MIN DURATION: 2 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
PROJECT COSTS: From US$595 + APPLICATION FEE

Overview

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.

Location

Tacloban is approximately 360 miles from Manila. It’s the capital of the Province of Leyte and has a population of 275,000 people. The city offers international volunteers an opportunity to be immersed in a unique Asian culture, which is at least partially left untouched by Western Culture, especially in the rural areas. In November 2013, Tacloban was one of the most devastated areas of the Philippines when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hayian) ravaged through the Philippines; therefore, the city and surrounding areas now present an even greater range of opportunities for international volunteers. Tacloban is easily accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through daily flights offered by Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air.

Project Tasks

Provide assistence and counselling for poor families
Help to educate them into going to school and gaining an education
Work with the program, that provides meals and clothing to the families

Food & Accommodation

At the core of your experience is the friendly and warm accommodating local home stay, 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 home stays are English speaking. The home stays 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.

Breakfast and dinner are 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 home stay. All meals will be served with rice and typically include fish, chicken or pork. Home stays can cater for special dietary restrictions, however we require advance notice so we can place you accordingly.

Testimonials...

"I can’t put into words how rewarding it was working with the children. Teaching was a challenge but the feeling of contributing for their education and just being part of their everyday life, either in the classroom or just laying outside, is more than fulfilling."

"I was assigned to a community-feeing project at Cangumbang; and this experience was incredible from the beginning till the end — from planning, forecasting ingredients, buying extra things out of my own expense, cooking to serving there weren’t moments I didn’t enjoy. I really looked forward to each day visiting the community there and feeding the sponsored children of up to 35."

"Our project were fantastic to, the kids were so sweet and I really felt that we were needed there and that we made a difference. So all in all a beautiful and amazing experience at the Philippines."

"The construction projects I worked on were both fun and rewarding. Myself and another volunteer called April worked alongside local people, it was physical but fun. The local guys were keen to get to know us and teach us about them and their language – we had plenty of laughs. It was also amazing meeting the families that you were helping and seeing the happiness and appreciation in their eyes."

"There are different nutrition issues in the Philippines to be dealt with which aren’t something we get to see here back home. We have learnt a lot from this placement and I recommend anyone who is doing nutrition and health-related degree to come over. The experience is unforgettable."

FAQ...

Is Street Children Support in the Philippines the Right Project for Me?

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.

Project Fees


Philippines Program Fees USD
Projects	1 week	2 weeks	3 weeks	1 month	2 months	3 months
Home Stay Placements (Leyte) -Nutrition & Public Health Apply now -Medical Clinic Internship Apply now *Community Construction Apply now -Primary School English Teaching Apply now -Street Children Support Apply now	N/A	595	695	795	1220	1620
Standard Volunteer Centers (Palawan) -Fishing & Agriculture Apply now -Kindergarten Teaching Apply now -Primary School Teaching Apply now -Mangrove Environment Conservation Apply now -Community Construction Apply now	270	435	585	725	1795	2650
Specialty Volunteer Centers (Palawan) -Rural Healthcare Internship Apply now -Cultural Orientation Week Apply now	395	760	1100	1475	2950	4350
-One off application fee of US$275 applies in addition to the above program fees -Application fee covers unlimited placements or countries at time of booking!! (maximum 12 week period) *Please note community construction projects cost an additional $30 p/week to cover materials Click Here to convert the above prices to your local currency -We DO NOT charge any credit card fees! (unlike some of our competitors)

What's Included in the Volunteer Fees

Accommodation
3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
1 day orientation
Daily transportation to project
In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion

What's Not Included

Airfares
Travel Insurance
Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Is there an Orientation?

Your first day will consist of comprehensive overview of the program including what to expect, health and safety, introduction to Filipino culture and introduction to staff and fellow volunteers. A guided city tour is also included for Tacloban placements.

What About Transportation?

An arrival airport transfer from either Tacloban or Davao airport is included in the cost. Volunteers must arrive on the weekend for a Monday start.

Public transport can at times seem chaotic to outsiders, however after orientation our staff will familiarize you on how to get too and from your volunteer placement. The common method of transport in and outside of Tacloban City is by Jeepney. Most fares range from 8 to 25 Philippine Pesos ($0.20 – $0.50). For shorter distance, tricycles (motorcycle with sidecart) and pedicabs (rickshaws) can be hailed from the curbside for small fares.

For long distances outside of town; buses and vans can be caught from the bus terminal in Abucay, Tacloban City. Fares range from around 100 to 300 Philippine Pesos depending on your location. Should you require any assistance with transportation during your time as a volunteer, you may always seek advice from your volunteer coordinator.

What does a Typical Day Involve?

Each day can vary due to the needs at the time. You will be working for a few hours each day, assisting with the goverment and council programs, helping provide meals and other supplies to the families.

What Happens on Weekends?

Beaches of Boracay

This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.

Bohol Chocolate Hills

Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.

Diving

The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.

Twin Lagoon on Coron Island

You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.

Ziplining

For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.

Kayaking

There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Vigan Town

This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.

Underground River, Palawan

Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.

Manila

The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.

Are There Any Special Requirements?

*No extra requirements

Country Information

The Philippines consists of more than 7000 islands and is a land apart from the mainland of Southeast Asia. The people are, simply, Filipinos – and proud of it. Welcoming, warm and relentlessly upbeat, it is they who captivate and ultimately ensnare visitors.

Islands are jungle-clad, mountainous and flanked by aquamarine waters and a world renowned coral reef. But you’ll find plenty of variations on this theme, from marooned slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean to sprawling, overpopulated mega-islands like Luzon and Mindanao.

About half of the Philippines’ 88 million people live in rural areas. Poverty is most severe and most widespread in these areas and almost 80 per cent of the country’s poor people live there. Agriculture is the primary and often only source of income for poor rural people.

Overall, more than a third of the people in the Philippines live in poverty. There are substantial differences in the level of poverty between the regions and provinces and the poverty gap between urban and rural areas is widening.

Climate

November to April is the most popular time to visit the Philippines, as this is when there is the least rainfall.

June to October is wet season and November to May is usally dry. Shoulder months can be a great time to travel as you can still get some good weather but there are less crowds. The island weather can vary, so it’s worth checking the weather for which islands you will be visiting at which time of year.

What's the Culture Like in the Philippines?

The Philppines has a big Latin and Spanish influence, due to the previous Spanish rule. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the Philippines. The Filipino people are very welcoming, like to have close family bonds, and getting together with friends and family to eat, sing and dance. They are also very religious and most go to church at least every Sunday.

Filipino people have a great respect for thier elders, saying the phrases ‘po’ and ‘opo’, when speaking with thier elders. They love a good party and festival, particually Christmas which they can celebrate right into the second week of January!

About Involvement Volunteers International

30 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

See More

How Can I Raise Funds for my Trip?

Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising

Weekends & Extra Tours

The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven.

This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit.

There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.