Community
Teaching
Volunteer with Children

Four places where you can volunteer with children

Petrina Darrah

Posted: April 17, 2023

Volunteering with children can be an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to make a positive impact on their lives while also gaining valuable personal benefits. In this article, we’ll explore international opportunities for volunteering with children, offer tips for choosing a volunteer program, discuss why you should consider volunteering with children, and highlight the importance of child safety and ethics in volunteering.

Where can you volunteer abroad with children?

One of the benefits of volunteering with children abroad is the opportunity to experience different cultures and ways of life. Many organisations around the world offer volunteer opportunities with children, such as GVI.

GVI offers a variety of programs that allow volunteers to work with children in areas such as education, health, and community development.

Fiji

This program focuses on providing education and support to young children in rural communities in Fiji. Volunteers work with local teachers to develop lesson plans, teach classes, and provide one-on-one support to children who are struggling.

Thailand

Volunteer in Phang Nga, Thailand and help teach English to students from kindergarten to senior school level. TEFL trained staff provide you with the necessary support to plan and deliver lessons, while also helping you develop valuable skills in leadership, teamwork and classroom management.

South Africa

This program supports children and youth in disadvantaged communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Volunteers work with local organisations to provide education, health, and social support to children and their families.

Costa Rica

This program supports children in communities in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Volunteers assist with teaching English, developing lesson plans, and providing after-school support and activities for the children.

These programs, and many others offered by GVI, prioritise responsible volunteering with children and sustainable and ethical practices that contribute to the long-term well-being of the community. Volunteers work alongside local staff and community members, building meaningful relationships and contributing to positive change. By volunteering with GVI, you can make a positive impact on the lives of children while also gaining valuable personal benefits.

Tips for Choosing a Volunteer Program

When choosing a volunteer program, it is important to consider the ethics of volunteering with children. As mentioned earlier, GVI follows strict Child Protection Policies and Procedures, which includes background checks, training for staff and volunteers, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that the children are not placed in unsafe situations. They also prioritise sustainable and ethical practices that contribute to the long-term well-being of the community.

When researching volunteer programs, look for those that prioritise child protection and ethical practices. It is also important to ask questions and read reviews from past volunteers to ensure that the program is reputable and responsible. By choosing an ethical program, you can make a positive impact while also ensuring that you are not contributing to any harm to the children or community.

Why Should You Volunteer with Children?

Volunteering with children offers many personal benefits, such as developing empathy, gaining new perspectives, making a difference, and personal growth. By working with children, you can develop empathy by allowing you to see the world through their eyes. This can help you become more compassionate and understanding, which can benefit all areas of your life.

Volunteering with children can also broaden your perspective by exposing you to different cultures, languages, and ways of life. This can help you see the world in new ways and appreciate the diversity that exists.

By providing education, care, and support, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of children and their communities. This can help improve their future and the future of their communities. Additionally, volunteering with children can help you grow as a person by pushing you out of your comfort zone and challenging you to learn new skills and adapt to new situations.

Volunteering with children can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both the volunteers and the children they work with. Through responsible volunteering programs such as those offered by GVI, volunteers can contribute to positive change in the lives of children while also gaining valuable personal benefits such as personal growth, cultural exchange, and the development of new skills.

However, it is important to always prioritise the safety and well-being of children and to ensure that all volunteer programs are ethical, sustainable, and community-led. With a focus on responsible volunteering and community development, GVI’s programs offer a great opportunity for individuals to make a positive impact in the lives of children and contribute to the development of sustainable communities around the world.

So, if you are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the world, consider volunteering with children with GVI, and take the first step towards a life-changing experience.

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.