PMGY’s Childcare Programme gives volunteers the opportunity to work with and teach 4-9 year olds and give them an amazing head start before they begin formal schooling. Increased tourism in Bali has meant that those able to converse in English with foreigners have far more prospects than those that can’t. Education at this level will allow them to improve their future and that of their families.
This is a hugely rewarding experience and very enjoyable. We work with a kindergarten at a public school in Tabanan located within 15 minutes of the Volunteer House. There is usually around 15 children aged from 4-6 years old in the kindergarten.
Balinese children are an absolute joy to teach and work with, their enthusiasm for learning is guaranteed to make you smile! Teaching this age group is not as structured as teaching older children, their language can be improved simply through play, just a few words or phrases will stand them in good stead for learning English in the future.
We expect there to be at least 20 children at this programme each day aged from 6 to lower teens. Childcare volunteers will be working with the younger bracket of this age group and need to prepare activities for this accordingly. We generally find that the more volunteers prepare for their day then the more they and the children get from the whole experience. Depending on the number of volunteers at the time, will depend on how we segment the group into smaller class sizes if applicable. We will have local co-ordinators / teachers at the project to assist.
Volunteers should have a genuine passion for working with children. Working with such friendly and excitable children can get overwhelming so it is important to be happy and completely immerse yourself in this once in a lifetime experience!
PMGY’s programme focuses on making learning a fun and enjoyable experience so get creative, there are so many ways to educate these children in a way that will make a huge impact. Our childcare programme is an empowering and rewarding one to really make a difference to those less fortunate. Balinese people are warm and friendly, you can expect the children you teach to welcome you into their community with open arms. They will be excited to get to know you!
With the heat and high temperatures that exist in Bali, shorter sessions split throughout the day are seen as beneficial all round and allows for volunteer energy levels to remain high with positive intensity in each morning and afternoon session. Volunteers are encouraged to use the lunch break in between to relax, refresh or plan future activities to maximise time at the project.
Is it safe to travel to PMGY destinations?
Although our volunteers work in the developing world, we always ensure our host locations are safe. Each program has been extensively researched and has passed our strict vetting process. Our UK team undergo an extensive routine when establishing our in-country infrastructures and we continue to monitor our safety procedures on a regular basis. Furthermore, we monitor the stability of our volunteer destinations on a daily basis. Through our constant contact with consulates and embassies and our reports from our overseas teams, we are able to ensure that our volunteers are never placed in unstable regions.
The PMGY team have visited and participated in every program we offer and verified them based on our own independent criteria. We carefully inspect every little detail of our set-up. From inspecting the living conditions, checking out the neighbourhoods you’ll be staying in, to tasting the food you’ll be eating – each and every program we establish has gone through a lengthy and rigorous vetting process. Risk assessments have been written for all areas in which PMGY operate and our experienced local coordinators are always on-hand to manage any emergencies that may occur. Our UK team are always on the road reviewing our risk management procedures in the field and monitoring local conditions.
In emergency situations we have the necessary protocols and equipment in place and we are able to evacuate our volunteers from potential dangers. Our local coordinators are trained to deal with emergency circumstances.
When you join PMGY we will send you a Volunteer Handbook. This document addresses a range of issues such as health, safety, visa issues etc. Furthermore, our UK team are only ever a phone call away should you wish to discuss any aspect of your upcoming program. When you arrive in-country, you’ll be given a comprehensive safety briefing during your orientation course by our local coordinators. We will go through everything from emergency procedures, how to use local transport and cultural differences. You’ll also be given the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card, something we strongly suggest, so you’re contactable at all times. We will provide you with a full list of the important contact numbers that you’ll need to know.
All our local teams are experienced development professionals who have years of experience in hosting international volunteers. They are our representatives on the ground and will assist you 24/7 throughout your stay. Whether you need to call home, travel at the weekend or require urgent assistance – they are there to support you.
While we cannot guarantee your volunteer experience to be 100% trouble free we have taken all the necessary precautions to make sure each program is as safe as possible.
What date should I arrive and leave?
You should arrive into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (airport code DPS) on the selected Sunday start date. Programmes start on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. You will be met at the airport by one of our local staff or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign. They will take you to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure.
The program ends on the Saturday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day.
5
