Work in a Centre for Blind, Mute and Deaf Children

Volunteer abroad Vietnam childcare

  • The Project

    Volunteer in Asia and work in a disadvantaged child education centre in Vietnam. The Thai Nguyen Disadvantaged Child Education Centre is located right in the centre of Thai Nguyen city. There are about 200 kids aged 6 to 18 studying here. Of these children, 120 stay at the Centre and 80 kids come for the day. Their disabilities include being blind, mute or deaf, however with some basic sign language; visitors can easily communicate with these smart and friendly children. There are 16 classrooms divided by disabilities. However the Centre is severely lacking in amenities to care for the children, who must share beds (3 children to a bed) and only 5 squat toilets and one small water tank.

  • Why the project needs you

    The children here do not receive many visitors and the attention of a volunteer brings a lot of joy. The centre receives a small amount of funding from the government, but this is not enough to look after the children properly. The centre is understaffed and underfunded and any assistance is warmly welcomed.

    Project Location

    The centre is located right in the centre of Thai Nguyen city 80km outside of Hanoi. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam, where every dynasty has left behind their imprint with Chinese influence and French colonial design. Now becoming a major city in South East Asia it has internationally recognised universities, many cultural museums, theatres, fantastic restaurants and some superb inner city parks. For adventure lovers too Hanoi has something on offer. The tourism of Hanoi has taken measures to develop adventure sports like kayaking, rock climbing and trekking. The colourful festivals of Hanoi is yet another reason to attract tourists to this South East Asian country. The festivals are a great time to learn about the local customs and beliefs.

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 2 - 26 weeks
    • Cost: £1049 ($1836) for 2 weeks and £195 (341) for each week thereafter
    • Requirements: age 17+
    • Location: Thai Nguyen, outside Hanoi, Vietnam
    • Project activities: Teaching and interacting with blind, deaf and mute children. Leading extracurricular activities.
    • Working hours: Mon-Fri 8.00-16.00
    • Project Availability: Project start every Monday. Project closed 1st June-1st September 2011 for school holidays.

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Single or shared room in a guesthouse
    • Airport pick up
    • Transfer to the project site and return to Hanoi city on completion
    • Training: Pre-departure packs, on-site orientation, a basic language class and a local phrase book for the remainder of your stay
    • Support: 24 hour support including a local guide for the first 3 days.
    • Excursions: Staff will help plan cultural visits to temples and archeological sites, local hikes, and cultural outings (activity prices may be extra)
    • CRB- Criminal background check for UK residents. Other nationalities will need to supply police check forms

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas
    • Meals: Volunteers must buy their own food
    • Airport drop-off

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