Center for Abused and Abandoned Children (Ages 18+)

Project Details
This community-based organization gives abandoned, psychologically and physically abused children an opportunity to rebuild their lives by developing self esteem and trusting relationships in a safe and secure environment. The organization provides a home to approximately 80 children sent to them by the Chilean court system. Whenever possible, counseling is provided to the child's biological family in order to reestablish a healthy relationship and assess the feasibility of returning the child to his or her natural parents. Despite such efforts, many children remain at the center for years waiting for adoption or some other alternative. While in the center, they are under the care of a surrogate parent, and share daily life with other kids creating a family atmosphere. A family based environment full of love, respect and shared responsibilities is fostered among the children in every possible way through counseling, school support, sports and recreational activities. The volunteer's challenge is to provide the children not only with basic needs, but also the necessary support and tools to face the future with hope and dignity.

Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers will work directly with the children in the center by organizing games, recreational activities, arts and handicrafts, acting classes, summer camps and academic tutoring sessions. Volunteers are also encouraged to be creative and to bring any of their own personal skills to work with the children.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel will provide you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time in Chile. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your local coordinator, host family, and volunteer site supervisor are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program. Upon arrival in Chile, you will be provided with an in country orientation by your local coordinator.

Location
The project is located at about 1 hour southwest of Santiago city center by bus in Malloco, a quiet town with a mix of rural and urban characteristics.

Accommodations and Meals
Volunteers will stay at the host project's volunteer guest house which is equipped with single and double rooms, a dining room, hot water, washing machine, bathroom, refrigerator and a kitchen. Three meals per day are included in your stay. You are expected to eat with the children on a daily basis as part of the bonding experience.

Upon arrival, a one night hostel accommodation in Santiago is included (no meals).

Travel Arrangements and Transportation
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. You will fly into the airport in Santiago city where a transfer service will be waiting for you to take you to your hostel on the first night. The day after arrival you will be transferred to the host site by a staff member.

Buses and colectivos (shared cabs) are the main forms of transportation in Chile and are quite inexpensive. Should you wish to travel on the weekends or during your free time, buses are available every day with regular schedules. Bicycles are available at the center for the volunteers to use while in Malloco.

Dates, Duration and Application Deadline
The project runs year-round for 4-12 weeks in length and volunteers may choose their own start dates, depending upon availability. Applications are due at least 8 weeks prior to departure.

Requirements
Experience or education in counseling, and/or teaching is helpful, but not required. Volunteers must love children and enjoy working with them.

Intermediate Spanish skills are required. All applicants must take a short placement test to determine their language level as part of the application process. If you need additional language practice, you can choose to participate in Spanish classes prior to beginning the volunteer program for an additional fee.

 

Included	Not Included
Lodging with full board	Airfare
Full assistance of project staff	In country transportation
Medical/Accident Insurance	Phone cards
24 Emergency Staff
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation
Arrival airport pick-up