Work with Street Children in the Philippines

  Philippines

• Visayas: 
Tacloban City

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: throughout the year

Description: Neglected, abandoned, or run-away children on the streets in Tacloban City, Philippines live a life that is often without love, warmth, safety, protection, and parental care. Most of the children who have settled on the streets have families of their own but turn to the streets for food. Glue-sniffing, known as "rugby," is a common addiction among the street children who turn to this drug to suppress their hunger pains. Volunteers help to change this reality through their involvement in after-school programs that focus on providing the children basic daily care. Volunteers work directly with a social worker from the Department of Social Welfare and may help to administer programs such as English language training, computer training, and medical care.

Highlights: The Philippines has been described as one of the world's best-kept secrets: this nation of 7,000 tropical islands offers pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, ancient rice terraces, virgin rainforests, volcanoes and some of the friendliest people in Asia. Explore this magical place and its diverse culture through an ELI volunteer placement on the historic island of Leyte.

All ELI Programs are set up on a completely individual basis according to the interests and skills of each participant and the current needs of the local organizations we work with.

Participants in the ELI programs experience the famous hospitality of the Philippines through staying with a local host family.

Cost in US$: Costs vary, please contact us for details

Airport Pickup: Participants are met when they arrive at the airport in Tacloban and brought to their homestay

In-Country Orientation: Each program starts with a 2-3 day orientation to help participants get their feet on the ground and able to navigate the island.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's coordinator in the Philippines has years of experience working with Volunteers She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay in with local host families and experience the warm hospitality of the Philippines and are provided with home cooked meals.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Philippines Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001