Project Summary

If you have ever wanted to volunteer and reach out to those who’ve had a trouble past by helping them change their attitudes and give them a chance at a new way of life then come work in a young offenders rehabilitation centre in the Philippines. The centre was badly damaged during Typhoon Haiyan resulting in temporary accommodation being needed for some time. This centre cares for and rehabilitates boys between the ages of fourteen and twenty two, who have committed crimes as minors and are waiting for their cases to pend in court which is obviously a very unsettling time for them.

These youths are often victims of circumstance; committing crimes in self defence and out of no other choice. The project aims to offer them hope for the future by involving them in sports, dance, education and skills building so bring your knowledge and experience of working with youths to Tacloban and help those in most need.

Why choose this project?

The centre really lacks strong role models for the children and at times it’s challenging for staff to curb the attitudes of the boys. However when a foreign volunteer arrives, the youths show a special interest and whilst the quality of English is not good, volunteers still find ways to communicate with the youths.

Volunteers are needed to help local staff, whose time is already stretched following Typhoon Haiyan, by engaging in non-formal teaching, organising sports events, teaching music, creating team building exercises, assisting with livelihood projects and sharing any other special skill they may have.

Role of the volunteer

Volunteers will pass on their specialist skills to troubled youths, teaching them a wide variety of topics to help enrich their lives and assist their rehabilitation. They will also offer recreational activities in order to break up their repetitive and mundane daily routines. Throughout their duration at the centre, the volunteer will act as a good role model and through their actions and activities teach good moral values such as honesty and teamwork.

Whatever you may do, the goal still remains the same, to help change the boys attitudes. Help promote honesty through fair play and sports coaching or cooperation through choreographed dance routines; the options are endless, whatever your skill may be; the result will be the same – the boys will greatly benefit from anything that draws their mind away from a life of crime and also the terrible devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

The role of the volunteer will have a long lasting impact on the boys. Previous livelihood programs and skills taught in the past by volunteers still continue to be practised today. You may also assist livelihood projects such as baking and craft making and may also bring their own energy to think up new programs.

Skills Required

Volunteers with former experience in the criminal justice system, working with youth groups or in counselling are sought for this placement. If you have a tattoo you are politely asked to cover them during their time in the centre since tattoos are commonly associated with crime or gangs in the Philippines.

Volunteers must be well motivated and able to show initiative; as some of the time they will be working independently. You will be asked to send your CV/resume and a telephone interview before being accepted onto this project. In addition, this project is subject to government rules and therefore a blood test, urine analysis and chest x-ray are mandatory.

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