Volunteer with orphans in the Philippines

Working with underprivileged children south east of Manila, your efforts on this project will go a long way to reassuring these children that they have a future to look forward to, and we think that’s a pretty nice way of spending a holiday. All the projects have an element of English teaching but, knowing kids, a range of arts, crafts, games and songs will no doubt be on the agenda too! With our TEFL training included with the trip we’ll give you enough ideas to use up all their energy, and on an island as fascinating as this you’ll have plenty to spend yours on, with a variety of stunning scenery, excellent diving and beautiful beaches that make this one of the best kept secrets in Asia.

The projects are mainly based in and around Tacloban and also Ormoc city which is situated approximately a 2 hour drive from Tacloban. Tacloban City, located 360 miles southeast of Manila, is the capital of the large island Leyte, in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Ormoc city is the second largest city in Leyte. The island is known for the landing of the American General MacArthur, during World War II, which liberated the Philippines from Japan. With a population of 300,000, the Filipinos in Tacloban speak the Waray-Waray dialect, as well as Tagalog (the national language), English, and Cebuano. Tacloban City is not a tourist destination, so it is a great opportunity for our volunteers to be immersed in a unique Asian culture.

Please book your flight to arrive into Tacloban on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup. There are a number of orphanages around the city and in surrounding towns. Each orphanage houses between 45 to 100+ abandoned and unwanted children. All these children have come from poor families and many have suffered from malnutrition or neglect. The children thrive on the attention and love our volunteers can share with them. Living with just the basic necessities, and few toys, these children also only have a limited staff to care for them. The caregivers at the orphanages are very appreciative of the extra help our volunteers can offer them. Volunteers are free to tutor the children, organize arts and crafts or sports activities, and help out with basic chores such as feeding the kids, and folding laundry. This is a meaningful way to learn first hand the hardship most children in the world face, and give back to the underprivileged children growing up in a Third World country.

The projects that we work with offer valuable support to children or young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are orphans. While many of the young people at the projects have access to education provided by the government, they are usually unable to benefit from it fully due to the many complexities in their lives. The support that our volunteers provide allows many of the young people to improve their English skills, which will create more opportunities for them, and to learn about a new culture. Often, the staff members do not have time to give attention to all of the children, and they will really benefit from spending time and doing creative activities with volunteers. Volunteers at this project should have a genuine love of children and young people. Although you do not require any special skills, any experience working with children or young people would be valuable. Volunteers must be able to use their initiative and be motivated to work without guidance. Volunteers should be patient, compassionate, resourceful and imaginative.

You may become involved in a variety of activities, including homework support, arts and crafts activities, games, songs and social education. All of the projects involve an element of English teaching, but the amount required and the method of teaching will vary from project to project.

Your schedule will be flexible and will depend on the needs of the project. You may be asked to help the staff members improve their English or IT skills, or you may become involved with fundraising or improving the appearance of the project. Oppressive humidity and hellish typhoons are the evils of the Philippines’s tropical climate. To avoid the weather extremes, December to mid-May are good times to visit when the heavy rains are at bay and it’s slightly cooler, but expect hot temperatures around May when highs of 30 degrees are the norm. The wet season prevails from June to October with July and August the most rain-drenched. The crowds are out in full around Christmas and Easter time so it’s best to book accommodation and travel well in advance.