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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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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