Orphanage Volunteering in the Philippines

It's hard to imagine a volunteer experience more fulfilling than working at an orphanage in the Philippines. The basics are usually taken care of for the children, like their meals and a place to stay. But, with limited local staff available, there is only so much love and caring available for the children. That's why the children so eagerly await the arrival of volunteers, who can give the kids more attention and love.

The volunteers' activities at the orphanages depend both on the needs of the individual orphanage, as well as the skiils and interests of the volunteers themselves. Many volunteers begin by teaching English to the kids. Then, as volunteers become more comfortable, they can share their interests and experience in a particular discipline, like art, music, dance, sports, etc. With the help of the staff, volunteers can also arrange daytrips for the kids.

The locations of the orphanages are in the Visayas region, in both rural and urban locations. Volunteers can either live at the orphanage or stay with a local host family and commute everyday. The schedule is generally Monday-Friday 8-5. However, most volunteers end up staying with the children much more than this. You'll share some meals with the children, especially if you live at the orphanage.