Community Work with Children around Xi'an, China

  China

• Xi'an: 
Xi'an

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: China is definitely the place to be at the moment. It's hard for a country of over a billion people to sneak up on anyone but it has suddenly become the subject of fevered conversation and interest, and the next 100 years has already been christened China's century. This is your chance to separate the myth from the fact and see for yourself what the future looks like. If you're a natural with children and exploring countries off-the-beaten-track, here's your adventure! You'll make a huge difference to the lives of orphaned and underprivileged children at a number of venues in the stunning rural area of Xi'an, playing an integral part of community development in China. You'll be responsible for giving general care, playing games, singing songs and taking simple lessons.

*What does this community project do?
We work with a number of different projects which you can volunteer at in Xi'an. These are at two orphanages, a municipal orphanage and a small one organized by a South African lady called Amanda. There is also a centre for mentally disabled children, aimed at educating the children and providing assistance to their parents. There is also the opportunity to work in the kindergarten associated with the university of XiDian University.

The municipal orphanage is a large, government run centre. There are currently 110 staff and 470 orphans. Since 1994, this orphanage has helped to re-home almost 300 orphans to both Chinese and foreign families. This orphanage looks after babies to children aged up to 16. Once the children turn 16, many start to work at the orphanage and look after younger children. Children who do not have special needs go to local schools during the day. Volunteers are required to look after babies aged 0 to 3 years. During the summer you may also have chance to teach English to the older children who are on their summer holidays.

The other orphanage, called Starfish, is organized by a South African lady called Amanda. It is located in a nice complex with two large flats. The very ill babies (aged 0 to 3 years) are collected from the city orphanage and Starfish helps to organise the necessary surgery in bigger cities like Shanghai or Hangzhou. You will be required to help look after the children.

Finally the centre for disabled children - Heart to Heart Kindergarten; was set up by parents whose children are mentally disabled. The organization has helped 168 disabled children since 2001. There are 13 trained teachers, two social workers, six part-time workers and some volunteer groups. Most of the children are autistic at this centre. The caring and interaction with the kids offered by western volunteers is very helpful to the children.

XiDian kindergarten is a normal kindergarten, there are over 500 children and 60 staff and the school itself resembles a fairy castle. Set up in 1958 it has a good reputation in Xian. The work mainly includes teaching English, singing, and dancing with the children.

Volunteers who book this project will be placed at one of the above projects, based on their background and previous experience. Preferences can be stated but this is not guaranteed.

*Why does this project need volunteers?
Volunteers are needed at all of these projects to help care for the disadvantaged children. Although there are full time members of staff, they are over stretched and under-resourced, so your help is desperately needed.

At the XiDian Kindergarten a bilingual scheme has been introduced but many of the teachers do not have the English skills to be able to give the lessons. Some of the English Major students volunteer but also need assistance in improving their language skills.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Getting under the skin of a small part of this fascination country
* Making a real difference to the lives disadvantaged children in Xi'an
* Exploring the historic city of Xi'an and developing a taste for 'real' Chinese food - yum yum

With world-famous spectacular sights such as the treasured Terracotta Warriors on your doorstep, you'll get involved with various activities, with projects ranging from working with disabled children to assisting in a local orphanage.

Qualifications: The skills you need

You need to love working with children, three of the projects are working with children with special needs so you may also find this challenging. The kindergarten will also be challenging as you will need to be prepared to teach English, sing songs and dance! You also need to be aware of the language barrier and cultural differences, it is important to go to the project with lots of enthusiasm and an open mind.

Your role as a volunteer

The work at these projects will be a general care role. You will be playing with the kids and helping with games, songs and simple lessons. You can also help with meal times and day-to-day routines, such as nappy changing and bathing. Sometimes you may also take the children out into the community to get them used to doing everyday activities, allowing them to get to know their surroundings and society.

Cost in US$: USD 1755.00 for 2 weeks, USD 330.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared dormitory room in volunteer apartment.
* Food: 3 meals per day, breakfast and dinner at the volunteer apartment and lunch either at the project or volunteer apartment
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

When you go on an i-to-i project we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family
- i-to-i TEFL certification

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 17-80 years old

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

Participants Travel to China Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994