Orphanage & Childcare Facility Helper

Have you been thinking about what it would be like to volunteer in an Orphange or Childcare facility? If yes, then Volunteering at an Orphanage in Jamaica is a great opportunity to do that and much more!

You'll have opportunities to make a difference, experience life changing experiences, and thrilling adventures. 

This experience could allow you to reflect on your life and might leave you feeling humbled. Jamaicans are said to be some of the friendliest people in the world and your most special moments will be those when you meet these ‘little people.’

Jamaica is often associated with crystal clear water and stunning beaches, but the island is much more than great beaches - most of the Orphanages are located in areas with huge communities of poor people. A large number of the communties are children, who are in need. 

Help is needed to support the local staff running orphanages and childcare centres. You'll be working alongside them providing the support needed. Often times they are unable to give the one-on-one interaction and the invidualized attention needed for the emotional growth and development of the orphans

You'll also have opportunities to teach the children some basic life skills and also ply with them. The orphanages we work with are mostly located in St. Andrew, outside of the city of Kingston. They house boys and girls from ages 3–14 years. In some special childcare centers in poor communities, there are babies and children below three years..

When working with childcare orphanage volunteering programs, you can work solo or with a group of volunteers. No prior experience is needed to volunteer. However, flexibility, compassion and a natural love for working with children is required.

You might've heard about, read about, maybe even dreamed about the beautiful sialnd of Jamaica, so why not experience it by joining one of our orphanage volunteering abroad programs. It is your chance to touch, feel and see the real Jamaica.

Explore this exotic island and learn about its culture but most importantly change other people’s lives and your own!

Essential Program Information

Program Times

Our programs are usually run Mondays – Fridays from 9am – 4pm. However, we can arrange shorter days for those who require. Some programsƒ might have activities on Saturdays which are normally pre-planned. We will help you to make the necessary arrangements.

Safety

Our number one priority is your safety - our job is not completed until you arrive home safely. When you are in Jamaica you will never be alone, help is always available.

Like most other countries, Jamaica does have crime. However, we avoid areas that have unrest or high crime - our volunteer home and program partners are located in St. Andrew and not in the city of Kingston. 

Home away from home 

We provide 24/7 in-country support where our dedicated team members are always there to support you with any emergencies or other needs.

This means that when you book with us you will be treated as if you are a relative visiting from overseas and provided with a safe home away from home. 

Mentorship 

While volunteering, interning or studying, you will be placed with a local mentor who will give you tips and support.  

Extra Protection 

We offer full medical insurance protection through our partners for any unexpected illness or accident. In addition to this, on your arrival, we'll give you safety tips and strategies to use during your orientation. 

Therefore, at all times you'll be surrounded by caring and trusted people to keep you safe.

Application

You can apply at any time for all of our programs. However, we advise you apply as soon as you can to ensure that you lock up your space. Why wait, apply now and get started on your way to the time of your life.

Once you have paid your deposit and confirmed your place on the programme. We will send you an email confirming your payment. This email will also include a link where you can download our Registration Handbook that will provide you with pre-departure reference and support information.

If you require any further information not covered in the handbook our staff is always on-hand to assist you.

Volunteer Experience Value

If you are wondering if you can use your volunteer experience to boost your professional profile, yes you can. At your request, we can provide you with a letter or certificate of completion detailing your volunteer activities and accomplishments.

A volunteer experience abroad is a great resume booster and can be of great value when applying for college or a job. We’ll be glad to assist you to make it happen. 

As a volunteer, you’ll have an opportunity to work alongside the local staff but there are several activities you can do with the kids on a daily basis at the orphanage: 

• Play with the children, talk to them and show them you care
  
• Do art & craft
  
• Teach a child to read or just read a story
  
• Teach a general introduction to computing
  
• Introduce children to word processing and work with Ms Word
  
• Do video games and have fun
  
• Play outdoor games
  
• Listen to Reggae music, and dance with the children
  
• Teach them a simple skill. Example how to make an a craft item
  
• Take them outdoors and play a local sport or teach one of your own
  
• Help with homework – this is one of the greatest needs
  
• Just listen to their problems and show them you care
  

Our orphanage volunteering programs are available all year- round allowing you to take part when you can, so on your application you’ll indicate your start and end dates. 

Although we are flexible, we encourage volunteers to arrive on weekends so you'll have a full week to volunteer. There are times during the year when Jamaica has major holidays and celebration, so it is advisable to plan your trip that your dates do not coincide with these major events. 

Most evenings you’ll go back to your volunteer home to hang out and plan for the next day.

Outside of arranged cultural immersion trips and excursions where you’ll have opportunities to experience some of Jamaica’s most amazing attractions, we continually look for eye-opening cultural activities for you to do in your free time.

Because of this we sometime offer you opportunities to attend local events in the afternoons organized by our cultural ambassador/Project coordinator.

Activities such as Jamaican dancing lessons, patois classes, Jamaican story telling are designed to keep you entertained, but more importantly, to further help you learn the Jamaican culture.

On the last Friday night before your departure we have ‘Jamaica Night’ – where we will display some of Jamaica’s most popular food, play popular Jamaican music and also give volunteers the opportunity showcase what they’ve learned about the Jamaican culture as well as showcase their own culture.