Care for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Auckland

  New Zealand

• Auckland: 
Auckland

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description: Assist with severely disabled children and contribute to their overall development. You'll help looking after, caring for and teaching children with Cerebral Palsy in beautiful New Zealand. This is a challenging yet totally rewarding and inspiring project where you can really make a difference. The school you'll work with offers education & therapy for students who are severely disabled with Cerebral Palsy. Some have physical disabilities, but some have cognitive potential comparable to chronological age. Many have hi-tech assistive communication devices.

The school has approximately 63 children in 10 classes, a parent and baby group, plus a preschool class. They provide specialised programmes in classrooms with a high teacher-to-pupil ratio and therapy involvement in all classes. Class teams comprise Teacher, Speech Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Teacher Aides.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

-> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into New Zealand and you'll learn about the Maori culture that makes this country so fascinating!
-> The enormous satisfaction of also helping disabled children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
-> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
-> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
-> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:

You'll be working mainly as a Teaching Aid but also get the opportunity to observe and assist the various therapists as they work with students and the team of staff to facilitate student learning. In the classes much of the day is spent on "caring" activities like:

-> Positioning students in standing frame or appropriate seating in readiness for learning activity
-> Transferring, lifting and supporting students in accordance with their needs.
-> Assisting with meal times
-> Changing nappies (optional for volunteers)

You'll also be involved with some or all of the following:
-> Assisting with classroom preparation as directed by teacher
-> Working in the class with children at allocated time
-> Assisting students in accessing curriculum and therapy programmes as directed by teacher or therapists
-> Maintaining and cleaning equipment and resources as and when necessary.

The main campus looks after the most severely disabled and there are 2 satellite units which are part of "normal" schools - one primary where the students are aged between 5 and 12 years old and one intermediate with children aged between 12 and 15 years.
You do not need any specific qualifications. This is a very challenging and physical placement as well as being very hands-on so you should be willing to work hard and bring the necessary empathy and patience with you.

This project is ideally suited to those who may be considering a career in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy or Speech & Language Therapy with disabled children and for anyone who just wants to give a helping hand.

Working hours are from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.This gives you plenty of time to explore beautiful Auckland and surrounding areas.

PROJECT DATES AND WORKING TIMES:

This project runs during the school terms. The school dates are approximately as follows:
Term 1: 5th Feb - 9th April
Term 2: 27th April - 3rd July
Term 3: 20 July - 25th Sept
Term 4: 13th Oct - 18th Dec
Your project days and times are 8:25 - 3.00 p.m., Monday - Friday

ACCOMMODATION & LOCATION:

You'll live in a centrally located hostel that is friendly and relaxing, making it ideal for long-term stays. You will be sharing a room with other volunteers. There is a communal kitchen and storage area for cooking meals and plenty of space to relax.

Entertainment at your accommodation includes cheap internet access, TV and free pool table. You are literally a stroll from the Sky Tower, harbor and waterfront. Accommodation is very central and close to the main train station and shopping district. Buses are also only a few minutes away to take you to parts of Auckland and New Zealand or to the many other 'things to do'!

The city centre boasts great shopping, restaurants and pubs or head over to the viaduct for more pubs, nightclubs and multicultural cuisine. You'll get to work via bus, which is close to your accommodation.

The city is modern and vibrant - a fun and friendly with beautiful surrounding islands and harbour. Some of its more famous attractions include the sky tower, Rangitoto island, the harbor, the Hauraki gulf islands and the many extinct volcanoes that are in Auckland which provide great views of the city.

For meals in local restaurants, a trip to Auckland's inner city centre is well worth the effort - it bustles with activity and offers a range of choices of restaurants.
You will fly into Auckland where you'll be met by our local organiser. From the airport you'll be taken to your accommodation. Several days later, once you have settled in and recovered from the flight, you will be introduced to the staff on your project.

Highlights: What's included: * Accommodation *Food (excluding lunch) * Meeting you at the Airport * Transfer to your accommodation * Full pre-departure support * Local in-country team support and backup * 24-hr emergency support.

All projects are open to all nationalities. You need to be 18 or over to participate in this project

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Cost in US$: from 2095 USD for 4 weeks

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: yes

No previous experience or qualifications are required, but you must have lots of enthusiasm, patience, adaptability and a sense of adventure!

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 18 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: Wide age range. Everyone welcome from 18 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of varies

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995