Care and Community

We cannot pretend to remedy the serious social and economic conditions in the countries where we work and send volunteers. But the care work placements we arrange - in orphanages, day care centres, hospital wards and homes for the elderly - make a difference to children and older people who would otherwise lack oppportunities for one-on-one social interaction. Children particularly benefit.

As a Care and Community volunteer working with children in orphanages, you would be helping the kids to learn life-skills that parents would normally teach. By getting involved in the day-to-day running of a care centre - making sure children are fed, washed and dressed, and paying them personal attention - you are helping to shape the lives of young people, preparing them better for life.

Sport, art, music and drama are always popular on these placements. Start a choir, put on a play or organise general fun activities!

You might like to be part of a team working on community projects such as building classrooms, community centres, or playgrounds, painting and decorating children's wards or orphanage dining rooms, and generally lending a hand where it's needed. Community projects are typically under-funded and under-resourced, so volunteers, and our resources, are always welcome.

Care and Community volunteers don't need to be qualified or have previous experience - enthusiasm, a willingness to get involved and patience are the vital ingredients. Let us know if you'd like to work with children or on a practical placement. You could even do a bit of both!

To read some stories from volunteers who have joined us on a Care and Community Project click here.