Street Children and Orphan Schools in Vietnam

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: inquire for dates

Description: Volunteers are needed to help at street children and orphan schools in Hanoi, working together with a team of Vietnamese volunteers.

* About the Schools

- Street children school

The school is a center for poor children who are forced at a young age to earn a living by collecting rubbish, begging, polishing shoes and working in handicraft factories.

At the school, the children can study, play games, meet other children and be loved and respected. The main objective is to give them the opportunity for a better life and equip them with skills to be integrated into the community.

The school currently has approximately 80 students but only 2 teachers. As a result, the students are not receiving a full curriculum and the staff are over worked. Volunteers are desperately needed to help the teachers and the running of the school.

- Orphan school

In 1969, the orphan school was founded to house orphaned military children. In 1993 its mission changed to take care of orphaned and disadvantaged children from the general population.

The school currently looks after more than 100 orphaned children; from parents with HIV, parents who are in prison and children orphaned by conflict.

Currently, the orphanage is facing serious problems. They only receive very limited funding for each child's housing, welfare and education, not even covering each child's nutritional needs. The school's facilities have also suffered from the lack of funding. As a result the children have little chance to participate and integrate in social activities or improve their knowledge due to lack of reference books and resources.

* A Typical Day

Each day will differ but volunteer tasks include: teaching English; organizing educational games and activities; teaching and playing sports; helping with maintenance and enhancement of the schools e.g. painting, cleaning. As important as the lessons you will get involved in, is the interaction with the children and showing them love and care.

At the orphan school there is also a need for volunteers to help teach IT as this is a skill that can really help the children's opportunities.

You will be working with a group of Vietnamese volunteers on this project which means that it is possible to teach the children in both Vietnamese and English subjects, a real advantage. It also adds a fascinating dimension to your volunteering.

The Vietnamese volunteers are mostly university students wanting to contribute to something worthwhile, while developing their skills and experience. You will have great fun getting to know them and it's a brilliant way to learn about Vietnamese culture.

* About the Vietnamese organization you will be working with

You will be working through our partner organization in Vietnam, a non-government, non-profit organization based in Hanoi. Its mission is to develop communities and promote conservation, through meaningful voluntary projects that have a real and sustainable impact.

The organization supports a number of projects in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam, providing Vietnamese and International volunteers and, where possible, funding and resources. The organization works in close partnership with UNESCO Vietnam.

There is a strong belief in the benefit of an exchange between Vietnamese Volunteers and International Volunteers, to explore cultures, broaden experiences and develop skills.

Highlights: Lifestyle:
You will be accommodated in private volunteer house in the city of Hanoi in Northern Vietnam, a traditional, safe and attractive city.

When you are not working, you can explore the city by foot or bicycle, including the lakes, museums, pagodas, temples and of course the great shopping! There are also many street cafes, bars and restaurants to enjoy, especially in the Old Quarter where most tourists stay.

You will be well looked after and you will find the Vietnamese volunteers are very keen to get to know you and show you around. It's a great way to experience Hanoi and Vietnamese life.

Hanoi is also well positioned for 1-2 day trips, such as visiting Vietnam's World Heritage site at Halong Bay - more than 3000 islands positioned in stunning emerald waters.

* Benefits
By volunteering at either of the schools you will help children who have an incredibly tough life. It is hoped that through an education, these students can lead better lives and be integrated into the community.

Part of the fee you pay goes to the Vietnamese organization you will work with and they in turn provide funding and resources to help the schools.

* Challenges
As this is a short project it's important to be open minded and flexible. Like in many developing countries, plans can change regularly and it can seem disorganized at times! The day to day nature of the schools can also be a bit chaotic, so we encourage volunteers to just get stuck in and enjoy it!

It is not the type of environment where you will be given direction all the time so this placement suits volunteers who have lots of initiative, drive and creativity.

It's important to be realistic how much benefit you can bring in a short period, but recognize that you are part of a bigger picture of ongoing volunteer support and development.

Finally, you may well find it emotional as you form friendships with the children and learn about their lives. It is likely this will leave a lasting impression on you.

Qualifications: No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to get involved.

Cost in US$: Euro 349 for the first week, then Euro 150 per extra week

Experience Required: no

Age Range: must be at least 18 years old.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of Normally 1-2 international volunteers

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement: PoD provides the opportunity for people to volunteer and make a difference overseas, while experiencing incredible parts of the world that are rich in culture, variety and natural beauty. We also arrange placements and courses for people wanting to develop their skills in amazing locations. We aim to provide a framework for development and education through placements in less economically developed countries. Our placements are for people from all walks of life from the UK and other more economically developed countries. All of our placements by their nature are educational and the majority are for volunteers working in schools, care homes, disadvantaged communities, conservation and animal care. We currently offer gap year, career break, working holiday and volunteer projects in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam. We also organize school expeditions. We are a personal non-profit organization that focuses on quality and safety rather than quantity.

Year Founded: 2001