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Volunteering at an orphanage in the Philippines
Anyone who decides to volunteer in the Philippines usually wants one thing: to play an active part and, for a certain period of time, become part of a project that really makes a difference. Working in a children’s home is one of the most popular, but also one of the most demanding, forms of voluntary work in the Philippines. It brings a great deal of joy, but also a great deal of responsibility, as the focus is on children who have often already been through difficult experiences and are dependent on reliable caregivers.
What makes this kind of placement special
A placement in a children’s home is very different from a typical travel or holiday experience. Those who choose this path usually spend their time on-site at a facility, supporting the children in their daily lives and taking on various tasks depending on their previous experience. These often include helping with homework, playing games together, simple educational activities or assisting with organisational tasks at the home.
It is important to understand that such a placement is not primarily about one’s own experience, but about the children’s needs. Reputable organisations therefore place great emphasis on ensuring that volunteers are well prepared and aware of the responsibility that comes with working with children. Becoming a volunteer in the Philippines therefore means not only giving your time, but also showing patience, empathy and a willingness to adhere to set rules and procedures.
Requirements and child protection
Anyone wishing to work in a children’s home must generally meet certain requirements. These often include:
- A minimum age, usually 18 years or over
- A current police certificate
- A minimum length of stay, so that children do not have to constantly get used to new faces
- A willingness to take part in an induction on child protection guidelines
- A basic knowledge of English to be able to communicate with the local team
These requirements are primarily designed to protect the children. As many of them have already been through traumatic experiences, it is particularly important to treat them responsibly. Reputable organisations therefore carefully assess who is suitable to volunteer and lay down clear rules for interacting with the children, for example regarding photographs, personal contact or communication after the placement. This ensures that the protection of the children always comes first, even before the volunteers’ own personal experience.
Duration and structure of a placement
The length of a volunteering placement can vary considerably. Some people opt for a shorter period of a few weeks, whilst others take up the opportunity of a Voluntary Social Year or a longer period of voluntary service in the Philippines, which often lasts from several months up to a year. As a general rule, the longer the stay, the more stable the relationship with the children and the local team can become.
A longer placement also has the advantage that you become more deeply involved in the day-to-day work and can witness real progress, such as when a child learns to read or visibly feels more at ease within the group. Shorter placements, on the other hand, are a good way to gain an initial insight before committing to a longer period. Anyone who is still unsure whether such a placement is right for them can use this route to gain some initial experience without committing to a long-term role straight away.
How to prepare effectively
Good preparation is crucial to ensuring the placement is a success for everyone involved, both the volunteers and the children in the care home. This involves both organisational matters in the run-up to the placement and adopting the right mindset during the placement itself.
Asking the organisation the right questions
Before the actual assignment begins, thorough preparation is crucial – both in organisational and mental terms. Anyone deciding to volunteer abroad should familiarise themselves thoroughly in advance with the organisation they wish to work for. Questions that can help with this include, for example: “How does the induction process work on the ground? Is there a designated contact person to turn to if problems arise? And how is it ensured that the children are not put under additional strain by the constant turnover of volunteers?” Asking yourself these questions in advance will help you feel much more confident when you start your placement.
Practical preparation and the right mindset
Practical considerations also play a part, such as accommodation, meals and the question of whether part of the costs goes towards the project as a donation. Many organisations charge a participation fee, which is not intended as payment for the volunteer’s own work, but serves to fund the programme and the children’s home’s running costs.
Equally important is one’s mindset: anyone who arrives expecting to be able to solve every problem will quickly reach their limits. It makes more sense to see oneself as supporting an existing team, which usually knows the children and the local circumstances far better. Anyone who adopts this attitude will fit in well and quickly realise how valuable even small, ongoing contributions are to the children’s daily lives, without disrupting the home’s existing routines.
Volunteering at a children’s home in the Philippines is therefore far more than just a special experience to add to one’s personal history. It requires a sense of responsibility, patience and a willingness to fit into existing structures and rules. Anyone who brings this basic attitude to the role and prepares thoroughly can make a real contribution whilst also gaining a great deal themselves, without the children suffering from the constant arrival and departure of new faces.