Overview
Volunteering at an orphanage in Latvia

Joining the staff of this special orphanage when you choose to volunteer in Latvia, will take you to teach some amazing children and help out on the orphanage farm. From the very young to young adults the 30 or so orphans of the Children’s Village are made to feel part of a family atmosphere, with special emphasis placed on preparing them for adulthood and life beyond the village. Those that go on to further education usually remain in the orphanage’s care until after they have finished – sometimes at 23 or 24 years old.

The weekends will see plenty of trips and outings with the children and, depending upon the time of year, might include swimming, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, hiking, canoeing and even berry and mushroom picking.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

An outstanding chance to see the real Latvia, whilst contributing positively to oprhaned children

Christophe Alexandre, 2007

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Your support, attention and leadership can help the children to realize a better life for themselves and for their communities. The younger ones need love and care to replace the nurturing environment of a proper family. And the older ones benefit from English lessons, which will help them excel in the world of hospitality, while they develop their abilities and learn valuable skills apprenticing at the Village Hotel. Your efforts will go a long way to helping build an infrastructure to both house and teach more children in the future.

Highlights

Gaining practical experience working with children, from the very young to adults, some who have disabilities; learning how to run an orphanage in a sustainable manner alongside a working farm and hotel, using local produce and staff; taking advantage of the local countryside; enjoying weekend trips to the beautiful city of Riga, other picturesque towns or into the local parks; going on trips with the kids to explore this beautiful European country; having the opportunity to experience the Latvian culture first hand and learn basic Latvian.

Location

The village and Manor House are set in beautiful, peaceful countryside about 3 km from Cesvaine, which is about 14 km from Madona, in the hilly northern Latvian region of Vidzeme. Madona is about a 3½ hours bus ride from Riga. Volunteers live in an apartment in Cesvaine. The area is surrounded by nature reserves (Krustkalni and Teièi), and the famous Gauja National Park is nearby as well.

Field Conditions

Accommodation is in a comfortable apartment in Cesvaine, shared with Jean, the farm manager (for male volunteers), or with Sandra, director of the Children’s Village (for female volunteers). Meals, apart from breakfast, will be provided at the village. All mod cons are provided, including laundry facilities and internet access.