Care for Mentally Challenged Children in Kerala, India

  India

Kerala

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

Description: Take a leap outside your comfort zone and land in beautiful Kerala where you are sure to be overwhelmed by the natural beauty and warmth of both the people and the environment. By volunteering at a home for mentally challenged children in Kerala, you will be surrounded by children bursting with unique perspectives and traditions that they would love to share with you. You will spend your days singing songs, telling stories, teaching arts and crafts and caring for the children. Aside from impacting the lives of the children, your efforts will also be greatly appreciated by the small staff of nuns who struggle to keep over 70 children educated, entertained and safe.

*What the project does and why it needs you!
The fifteen nuns at the Cottolengo Special School help educate over 70 mentally challenged children in the Kochi area. The aim of the school is to give these marginalized children a chance at an independence by teaching them basic life skills. The nuns work tirelessly to give the children the best care possible, however the small staff is often overwhelmed by the high demands of the children. Volunteers are a huge help and play an active role in taking care of the children.

Highlights:
* Giving your all to help look after children in this stunning setting
* Exploring Fort Cochi - full of character and a get place to escape the hurried pace of the 'West'
* Meeting and making friends with the local community, and learning a totally different way of life

Qualifications: Who is it for?
This project is ideal for anyone interested in children and special education.

What you'll be doing:
Each day will be an adventure filled with new songs, games, arts and crafts and music. Your main task will be to keep the children happy, healthy and learning. Your typical day will be working from 9.30am to3.30pm.

Project resources and advice:
The project is not well-resourced so any teaching aids (including puppets!) you could bring from home will be greatly appreciated.

Please dress modestly i.e. no shorts or revealing clothing.

Cost in US$: USD 1645.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
* Food: All meals
* 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 24 hour emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994