Community Work With Youths In Kuala Lumpur

  Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Numerous

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400 years of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325 years which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centers
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Have you got the energy to see a different side of Kuala Lumpur?

The youthful energy of the kids on this project is rivaled only by that of Kuala Lumpur itself. The city is unlike any other in Asia and some parts look so new they've still got the labels on! A rigorous army of cleaners (as well as a huge fine for littering) keep the city in good shape, but no city is perfect and there are plenty of disadvantaged people here. We work with a number of key projects in and around Kuala Lumpur that offer shelter, support, and basic education to disadvantaged youngsters. The overriding aim is to produce a safe and stable environment so that these young people can concentrate on building bright futures for themselves. We will provide a free TEFL course when you sign up, so you can hit the ground running.

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

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"I couldn't wait to tell lots of stories about some of the fantastic girls we were looking after at the project, and the amazing feeling when you connected with even just one single girl and knew you were making a small difference in their life. The feeling of really getting to know a place and some of its people walking through nearby Chinatown and the streets of KL every day feeling like a local and not just a tourist! The fabulous, cheap and multi-cultural food available in KL, even for someone not keen on the local mainstay of rice and curry! From Malay favourites of satay, spicy laksa and char kway teow flat noodles, to Thai beef salad and Vietnamese spring rolls. The food on project was very basic but we did look forward every day to our sweet milky tea and afternoon treat we often dreamed of the doughy banana balls!" (Jennifer Frame)

By volunteering on this project you will help disadvantaged young people develop key skills which will open important doors and career options, helping them to build brighter futures.

Qualifications: Volunteers must have an interest in youth development and be committed to the project. You will need to be flexible and be willing to get involved in as much as possible. The project encourages vocational skills such as printing, motor mechanics, carpentry and baking as well as IT computing skills. However, there is plenty of scope to be involved in other activities such as music, agriculture and recycling initiatives. To ensure that you get the most out of - and contribute fully to - your placement, a pro-active attitude is essential.

Cost in US$: US$ 1390.00 for 4 weeks, US$ 200.00 for every week thereafter

* Food: Breakfast and dinner

* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!

* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course

* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The projects appreciate volunteers who can 'connect' with the young people and introduce them to new ideas, ways of thinking and seeing the world through 'sharing' rather than 'telling'. The projects also want to support their young people in speaking English. English is fundamental to opening the door to advanced educational opportunities and career choices.

Age Range: 18-80 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Malaysia Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994