Organization

• The children who live here do have parents, but are because of poverty and social problems (often combined with alcohol and domestic violence) not capable to take care of them. There are about 52 boys in the age of 6 – 15 years who live and sleep here .The majority attends school in the morning, the others in the afternoon. These kids have a difficult, often traumatic history in which they have little self esteem and a delay in their social skills. The aim is to put the children back at their families after 3 years. There are 13 employees linked to the institution among which a psychologist, a social worker and attendants.

Project activities

• The activities consist of support of the employees and the establishment of educational and play activities. Helping with homework, teaching English class, teaching computer workshops have the priority. This in consultation with the institute. Working times for the volunteers are from 08:30 – 12:00 hrs. or from 15:00 – 18:00 hrs. It’s important that the children have or get the feeling that there are people who care for them and help them with their problems. Volunteers with different backgrounds can work here, anyone who is concerned with children.
• You have to buy materials yourself for the workshops in order to develop them. The project takes into account a minimal contribution of $50 in goods.

What’s expected of the volunteers?

• 21 years or older
• Independent / pro-active
• Speak Spanish well
• Positive attitude
• Motivated
• Flexible
• Like children and aware of the background of these children

Accommodation and living environment

• Guest family who has experience with long term stay.  Costs $81 per week for SIW volunteers, 3 meals a day included.
• Or you can share an apartment with 1 – 2 other people. You then have your own room and share the shower, toilet and kitchen. Costs $175 per month including guess, water and light.
• Combination of first in a family and later in an apartment is possible.

Period / duration

• Throughout the year with a minimum of three months. You work throughout 5 days a week. The working hours are to be determined, mostly 4 hours a day. In their summer holiday the school is closed from December up until half February.

Local costs

• Cf. Accommodation.

Experiences

‘Further is everyone busy with something else, the teacher doesn’t mind at all when a couple of kids suddenly start to play in the corridor. It’s something to get used to, but I have been warned for unorganised projects! 

Fortunately the behaviour of the children was quite easy, they have very little discipline, but they are a lot of fun in interaction, and also a lot of fun to talk to. That makes the job very pleasant!  When I think up a game, especially the young children like it a lot to participate. In the break I always play soccer with them, very nice. ‘ 

Nathalie