Assistant for Disabled Children
Coordinator | Nicole
Coordinator | Nicole
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Give the children a chance to enjoy their time and create fun activities and games with them. Assist the specialists and provide much needed companionship.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
The program
Volunteers are urgently needed to contribute their time and energy at a day-care centre for children and young adults with disabilities. This specialist centre is located in the village of Prush, in the suburbs of Tirana City and provides psycho-socio-educative services for 50 children and young adults ranging from 6 – 25 years of age. With three floors which include rooms for rest and play, a gym and computer area, as well as physiotherapy, speech therapy, medical and dentistry services, purpose built ramps and equipment that meets international standards, the centre is well resourced. The garden, with its many flowerbeds and trees is a treasured part of the centre as it provides a beautiful outlook and gives the children the chance to enjoy the fresh air as well as the quiet and calm surroundings. The centre also raises rabbits which make great companions for the children and help with therapy sessions. For volunteers who truly want to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, this wonderful program serves to protect and care for those who need it most.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential companionship to vulnerable children and young people in Albania
- Improve the future prospects of disabled children and young people in Albania
- Give vulnerable children and young people quality care, compassion and a sense of hope
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How you can help
This program provides an essential need to the lives of children and young people living with disabilities – the need for companionship and hope. Volunteers on this program spend their time interacting with the children, playing games and activities with them and stimulating their minds. This is an essential element to their care and provides stimulation, interaction and fun for those in the day care environment. Volunteers are needed to work one-on-one with the children, and to arrange small group activities. Activities could include working on the art therapy program which encourages the children to use their imagination and teaches them to make arts and crafts, or work with the staff on awareness campaigns in order to improve the rights of children and youth living with disabilities. The specialists at the centre will provide training and support, and will be available to assist where necessary. The job of a volunteer is not to substitute the specialists, but to provide much needed companionship for the children and youth.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Organize games and activities for the children - sports, music, songs, dance, games etc
- Create activities and entertain the children
- Assist the fundraising department and help with updates to their website
- Work with the staff on awareness campaigns
Typical day
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast at the volunteer house
7:30am Bus to project site
8:00am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
4:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
4:15pm Debrief with project supervisor
4:30pm Bus back to accommodation
Evenings Volunteers are welcome to explore the local area or simply relax with the other volunteers.
Free-time activities
Tirana is a fast-developing city, shaking off its communist past and acquiring a western feel. It is small and manageable for traversing on foot. There are several new shopping malls, cinemas, concert halls and theatres with programs of a high standard and many bars, some providing live music. Tirana is a growing tourist destination.
Concert/
Music
Music
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
required
at High School, University level
Emergency Contact, Passport and Resume
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
A volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic an understanding of Albanian in order to communicate effectively with the children and local staff members. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive, initiative and compassion, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Registration Fee included
Volunteers are met on arrival into Tirana and taken to the Volunteer House to meet with the hosts and settle in to the new environment. An orientation session will take place, normally on the Monday, which covers the local area, public transport, amenities, customs, rules and recommendations and, of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This provides a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and ask any last questions you may have.
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a comfortable Volunteer House in central Tirana. Each room accommodates up to 4 with shared bathroom and communal facilities. The house is equipped with a tidy kitchen and dining area where volunteers can prepare meals and snacks in a homely environment.
All standard amenities are available in the Volunteer House, including hot showers, Western style bathrooms, bed linen, a functional kitchen and Wi-Fi. An Albanian expression sums up the hospitality you can expect during your stay in Tirana - “Buke, kripe dhe zemer” (Bread, Salt and a warm heart).
Accommodation in Tirana is self-catered and food is not included in the program fees. Volunteers can opt to make use of the kitchen facilities to prepare meals or dine out at one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes within easy reach of the Volunteer House. Lunch options are varied and affordable at cafes and markets situated close to the program site.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA) in Tirana. We assist you to find cheap flights to Albania.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Albania provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Albania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Albania.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
4 - 12 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$791
5 weeks
$860
6 weeks
$918
7 weeks
$987
8 weeks
$1,044
9 weeks
$1,113
10 weeks
$1,171
11 weeks
$1,240
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,297
Average fees
$153
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Assistant for Disabled Children
Give the children a chance to enjoy their time and create fun activities and games with them. Assist the specialists and provide much needed companionship.
$153/week
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