Project Overview
Got a lot of heart and even more wanderlust?
Don’t let Vietnam’s relaxed attitude to life fool you; there’s so much here to see, visit, and taste! And as if the floating markets, bustling streets and emerald paddy fields aren’t enough you will also experience the famous Vietnamese hospitality as you get involved with playing games, singing songs and planning arts projects in one of a number of local orphanages. You’ll play a valuable role in the overall development of the children and your efforts will last long after the sun tan fades! If you enjoy a challenge this project is the perfect way to discover why Vietnam is becoming one of the hottest destinations in Asia and have lots of fun while you do it.
You will be working at one of a number of orphanages located in Ho Chi Minh City. Two of these orphanages were established in 1998 to provide care and an education for disadvantaged children and orphans, another orphanage was established in 1875. There are both male and female children at the orphanages aged between 1 and 18 years. The children live in the orphanages and the older ones attend school during the day. Many of the male children love football and are keen to take part in outdoor activities. One of the orphanages is run by Buddhist nuns but rely on the donations of sponsors. The orphanages do have a large proportion of disabled children that you will be helping with as well as able bodied children.
While volunteering in Vietnam on these projects, youll find they offer valuable support to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are orphans. While the children 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 children to improve their English skills, which will create more opportunities for them, and 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. The aim of working with the mentally and physically impaired childen is to help rehabilitate them into society when they get older.
Volunteers at these projects 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. You should be patient, compassionate, resourceful and imaginative.
Take the leap and join in volunteer work in Vietnam on these projects. You will be providing essential support to the staff by assisting with daily activities at the orphanages and by offering a positive role model for the children. You may become involved in a variety of activities, including teaching English, outdoor activities, arts and crafts activities, games, songs and social education and helping with disabled children. Volunteers will be teaching life skills and helping with domestic duties. 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.
The orphanages are located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnams largest city. Here you will find traditional street markets and pagodas alongside modern architecture, international cuisine and American cultural influences. Motorbikes are everywhere, and you will find plenty of places to go silk shopping or have clothes tailor-made at bargain prices. You will be staying in a local guesthouse in a residential area of the city, so you will have easy access to local amenities. Transport to the projects is normally by motorbike taxi.
Fast Facts
Project Information
- Project Duration: Min 1 week - Max 12 weeks
- Project Costs: £595.00 for 1 week, £100.00 for every week thereafter
- Location of project:Various locations within Ho Chi Minh City
- Arrival Airport:Ho Chi Minh City (airport code SGN)
- Activities:Providing general care and assistance in looking after the children, some of which have special needs. This will involve playing games, teaching English & basic life skills
- Working Hours:Flexible; usually Monday to Friday, up to 8 hours a day, all other time is free.
- Getting to the project:Dependent on location; 30 minutes -1 hour motorbike taxi ride (please budget approximately US$25 per week)
- Requirements:Minimum Age 17
- Other:Vietnamese New Year (Tet) will be 26th January 2009 and 14th February 2010. There is a 7 day public holiday around this time which will affect projects. Final dates for this festival are confirmed at very short notice. Dates have been closed for a week either side of Tet but please be aware that you may have some disruptions to your placement around this time (TET in 2011 is February 03, 2012 is January 23)
Whats Included
- Accommodation:Shared room in guesthouse
- Food:Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately $50 per week)
- Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if youre arriving early!
- Training:In-country orientation
- Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
Whats not included
- Flights, Insurance, Visas, Return Airport transfer, Local Transport, Food
Here is what Jane had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldnt wait to tell your friends about?
The amazing, spectacular culture, the friendliness of the people and the wonderful, open welcome from the orphanage.