Care Work in Mongolia with Projects Abroad

  Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All Year Round (you set the start and end dates)

Description: Mongolia is a fascinating destination to spend time volunteering with orphans and children and adults with special needs. High levels of unemployment over a protracted period of time have left much of the Mongolian population living below the poverty line. Many families struggle just to get by and, especially in the capital Ulaanbaatar, it is quite common to see children who have been abandoned. These kids live their lives on the streets and even, during the coldest months, under them, in the sewers and heating vents. You may remember seeing this in a recent documentary - Long Way Round - starring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

The children in Mongolias orphanages might therefore be seen as the lucky ones, but these institutions are often desperately overstretched and sometimes cannot offer even the most basic resources to the children in their care. Staff all too often simply doesnt have the time to provide the individual love and attention that all children require. This is where you can help when you volunteer on a Mongolian Care project.

Care volunteers in Mongolia work to relieve the workload of the local staff, while also adding to the childrens quality of life in many different ways. You do not require any qualifications to volunteer and you do not need to have had previous experience. If you have energy, enthusiasm and compassion then it does not matter whether you are 17 or 76; college or gap year students, career breakers or retired volunteers are all welcome.

Volunteering in Community Development and Orphanages with Projects Abroad

There are around twenty orphanages in Ulaanbaatar where our placements are based. You can either work in a large orphanage, which houses up to 120 children, or you can be involved with a smaller care center which may house only 15 children at a time.

Many of these placements are located in very poor areas, usually in the middle of tented 'Ger districts'. A lot of the work involves playing with the children who range in age from babies to teenage street-children. You may also be working with children who have learning disabilities and would really benefit from the individual attention you can focus on them. You will be working alongside committed local staff to provide practical help and friendship to the many children who are in need of support.

One such placement is with the State Clinical Orphanage for Infants in the Bayangol District. This is home to around a hundred children between the ages of 0 and 3. There are two staff teams here who alternate between an early and a late shift, although volunteers will often work the early shift. The children here can be incredibly demanding, and some of them require extra attention as they have physical or mental disabilities. However the difference our volunteers make is truly inspiring and greatly appreciated by the Mongolian staff that is eager to learn English from you and teach you some Mongolian at the same time!

Volunteering Abroad with Children on a Care Project in Mongolia

The actual work depends a lot on the ages of the children that you are working with. While working with younger children you'll play games but you might also be asked to ensure that they are washed and dressed for the day and you'll then help at their meal and bed times.

The older children often require help with homework, personal and social education or support, and it would also be helpful if you can provide them with informal English classes, as well as some form of vocational teaching; to help them make a living once they have to leave the orphanage.

Volunteer work in Mongolia is a chance to make a really positive difference to childrens lives. You are unlikely to find it easy but, if you are prepared to accept a challenge, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience and many new friends, who have taken you to their hearts.

Highlights: Home of one of the last truly nomadic peoples, Mongolia is a land of wide open spaces unbounded by fences with barren desert, wild fertile steppe and imposing mountains. Mongolia's ancient history dates back to the once great empire of Chinggis Khaan and you may even find relics of a prehistoric nature in the great expanse of the Gobi!

All accommodation and food you receive is arranged and monitored by Projects Abroad. All projects placements are regularly visited and checked.

In addition, this project offers you the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: No experience or qualifications.

Cost in US$: From US$1,795 up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range: 16-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mongolia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992