Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in the Philippines
- Poverty is widespread, with 21.6% of the population in the Philippines living below the poverty line
- Malnutrition is evident, with 1 in 3 children under five having stunted growth, due to lack of a nutritional diet
- The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, which can affect farming and agriculture, one of the main sources of food for many families
- Many poor families have little education and limited access to health services
HOW can you help?
- Bring your energy, creativity and encouraging nature to assist local kindergarten teachers
- Teach at local kindergartens in El Nido, Palawan and assist teachers that are over-run
- Increase your skills as a teacher by teaching the children on your own or with another volunteer
- Install confidence, creativity and individuality within the students as they practice their new skills
WHAT you can do?
- Teach English conversational skills, writing, reading, drawing, through fun activities
- Get creative through painting, drawing, crafts and anything else you can think of!
- Teach and play through games, singing, art, painting, sport, playground games and music
- Teach basic English in a fun and informal way that the kids will enjoy
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: KINDERGARTEN TEACHING
LOCATION: EL NIDO, PALAWAN
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS), Not running mid-June to August
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
As a teacher on this program, your primary task is to engage and communicate with the children using English in a fun and interactive manner. The curriculum focuses on essential skills like numbers, colouring, singing, dancing, alphabets, shapes, and basic writing. Additionally, you will assist the local coordinator and staff in caring for children aged 3 to 5 years.
This hands-on involvement will give you valuable insights into the centres’ daily functioning, the educational systems and approaches in the Philippines, and offer you the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the teaching and learning processes. The Kindergarten is situated in Nacpan Village, 17km north of El Nido town.
Moreover, Filipino children are curious and eager to learn about foreign lands, cultures, places, costumes, and historic festivals. Therefore, you are encouraged to bring pictures, visuals, or objects from your own country, showcasing your culture, to promote intercultural exchange.
Ultimately, the program’s greatest aspiration is for the children to learn from you and for you to have a life-changing experience through your interactions with them. Your positive impact will leave a lasting impression on the hearts and lives of these children.
Your Roles – General Information
Notably, teaching is a noble profession that comes with so much responsibility and duty towards students/learners. Thus, at some point, you will not only teach and impart knowledge but inspire and motivate students/learners for life and take important steps in life.
On the other hand, the main focus of our Kindergarten program will depend upon the needs of the Kindergarten at that particular point in time. Your main roles will be, but are not limited to:
- Care Taking of Children such as preparing their food and feeding them.
- Help in the children’s basic hygiene and sanitation routines such as cutting nails, combing hair, hand washing, teeth brushing and so on.
- Help them in cleaning their eating utensils.
- Help them put down in their nap.
- Teaching basic English alongside the local teachers.
- Help them with basic writings in their notepads.
- Prepares and organizes lessons and meaningful learning activities.
- Facilitate children songs, dances and storytelling activities.
- Facilitate learning activities such as playing fun games, coloring and other related activities.
- Join other activities conducted at the Kindergarten.
- Prepare assessment exercises.
- Mark the monthly examinations or assessment.
Location
El Nido, located in the province of Palawan, is renowned as one of the world’s top tourist destinations due to its mesmerising lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islets, towering limestone cliffs, and diverse marine life. Despite its popularity among tourists, there are overlooked communities living in impoverished conditions, particularly Nacpan Village, situated 17 kilometers north of El Nido town.
Project Tasks
- Widen the Island children’s multi – cultural interactions.
- Improve the children’s educational prospects particularly in improving English Communication skills;
- Assist the local staff and teachers by providing an extra hand.
- Develop your teamwork and creativity skills through practical work.
- Reciprocal Learning Experiences.
- Give you invaluable and practical experience in teaching.
Food & Accommodation
The volunteer centre provides rooms shared with 4 people per room, with the houses complete with either a fan or air con, T.V, kitchen, wifi (this can be limited sometimes), mosquito protection, bed linen, cold showers and lockable rooms. Limited laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand, unless you’d like to use the laundry service for a small fee.
We have two accommodation houses. The first is located in the small Village of Nacpan, El Nido, Palawan, which is about 20 mins to town. It’s close to the beach where you can relax, chill and swim on the beach during your spare time. You can also get to your placement via walking or riding a tricycle for nearby Barangays or other areas. This accommodation is mostly for those doing the construction, kindergarten and teaching programs.
The Second Accommodation is located at Barangay Buena Suerte, located at the very heart of the El nido Town. This accommodation is for those doing the El Nido culture week and Beach week programs. You can roam around the town’ centre during your spare time. El Nido town is a 5 hour drive from the City of Puerto Princesa.
*Private rooms may be available for a small upgrade, please ask us in advance.
3 meals per day are provided each day (2 on weekends). Food will be mainly of typical local and western dishes. We serve rice but not everyday. We also serve pasta, noodles, sea foods, most of the time chicken and pork, vegetables and fruits. For breakfast, we may have eggs, sausages, oatmeal, bread, pancakes, coffee and tea. However, meals will also be served based on your dietary requirements, but you need to inform us in advance.
Standard
Projects (Palawan)
- Kindergarten Teaching, Aborlan
- Primary School Teaching, Aborlan
- Mangrove Conservation, Aborlan
- *Community Construction, Aborlan
- *Kindergarten Teaching, El Nido
- *Primary School Teaching, El Nido
- *Community Construction, El Nido
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1 Week - $370
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2 Weeks - $465
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3 Weeks - $695
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1 Month - $865
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2 Months - $1595
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3 Months - $2390
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the furture generation, then yes absolutely! This is a great chance to get creative, have some fun, all whilst gaining valuable childcare experience. The children here greatly value the help you give, making this a rewarding project with lasting impacts.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.
Schedule
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour around the compound and local area; and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observations, Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner
Activities & Events
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
You have 2 options for arrival:
1st option: A free airport pickup is included when arriving to El Nido Airport (Lio). You must arrive between 08:00 – 17:00 on Sunday. The fastest way to go to El Nido is to fly directly to Lio Airport from Manila. Currently, AirSwift is the only airline that services the Manila to El Nido route. AirSwift operates up to four direct flights per day from Manila.The travel time is 1 hour & 30 minutes.
2nd option: A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). You must arrive between 08:00 – 15:00 on Sunday. Upon pick up at the airport, you will then transfer to the bus station on your way to El Nido or to the accommodation. The trip takes around 6 to 7 hours from the city of Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra nights accommodation for an additional charge.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the El Nido airport the Nacpan Village accommodation, it takes 20 mins by road. To the Barangay Buena Suerte accommodation it takes 30 mins by road.
From Puerto Princesa International Airport, to both accommodation centres, it will take approx 6-7 hours by road.
First Monday
Breakfast
Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
Filipino Do’s and Don’ts, Dress Codes, Filipino Culture Lessons and Basic Filipino Language Lessons.
Tour Around Town’s center and Local Area, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
Lunch
Project Meetings, Observation and Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
Welcome Dinner
Tuesday to Friday
Breakfast
Teaching Sessions and Activities at the Kindergarten. Arrange activities with the children (game, song, coloring, writing, basic English teaching) and support the local kindergarten staff with disciplining, managing and care taking
Lunch
Rest
Teaching First Grade or 6 years old children about Basic English.
Preparations of Lessons/Topics/Activities for the next day.
Dinner
Beaches of Boracay
This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.
Bohol Chocolate Hills
Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.
Diving
The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.
Twin Lagoon on Coron Island
You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.
Ziplining
For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.
Kayaking
There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.
Vigan Town
This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.
Underground River, Palawan
Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.
Manila
The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.
The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyones involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe community program.
Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities.
Participants below 18 years old need a signed parental consent as proof of involvement of their children for the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.
Have a genuine interest and passion in teaching children.
High level of efficiency, accuracy and responsibility and can work under pressure and is a team player.
Excellent time management and self – organizing and a strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.
Additional Equipment
Teaching Materials (Optional):
No specific equipment required for this project. However, you are more welcome to bring with you some educational materials to be used for learning activities such as games cards, coloring books, pencils, ball, musical instruments, worksheet, books/comics,cultural items and many more meaningful learning resources.
Dress Code:
The Philippines is a Conservative Country, please wear modest clothing covering knees and shoulders. Loose and long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates. Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
Dress professionally since you will be working in a professional environment while teaching the children.
It is completely fine to wear western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate particularly inside the school premises.
Others:
An environmentally friendly sunscreen or lotion is also advised to protect you from the heat of the sun and please carry with you preventive agents during outdoor activities, such as mosquito repellents for insect bites as Malaria is at high risks.
Moreover, bring Medicines with you especially if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis as well as other medicines for headaches and stomach aches.
Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day particularly during class.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: PH – Holidays – All Programs
The Philippines consists of more than 7000 islands and is a land apart from the mainland of Southeast Asia. The people are, simply, Filipinos – and proud of it. Welcoming, warm and relentlessly upbeat, it is they who captivate and ultimately ensnare visitors.
Islands are jungle-clad, mountainous and flanked by aquamarine waters and a world renowned coral reef. But you’ll find plenty of variations on this theme, from marooned slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean to sprawling, overpopulated mega-islands like Luzon and Mindanao.
About half of the Philippines’ 88 million people live in rural areas. Poverty is most severe and most widespread in these areas and almost 80 per cent of the country’s poor people live there. Agriculture is the primary and often only source of income for poor rural people.
Overall, more than a third of the people in the Philippines live in poverty. There are substantial differences in the level of poverty between the regions and provinces and the poverty gap between urban and rural areas is widening.
November to April is the most popular time to visit the Philippines, as this is when there is the least rainfall.
June to October is wet season and November to May is usally dry. Shoulder months can be a great time to travel as you can still get some good weather but there are less crowds. The island weather can vary, so it’s worth checking the weather for which islands you will be visiting at which time of year.
The Philppines has a big Latin and Spanish influence, due to the previous Spanish rule. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the Philippines. The Filipino people are very welcoming, like to have close family bonds, and getting together with friends and family to eat, sing and dance. They are also very religious and most go to church at least every Sunday.
Filipino people have a great respect for thier elders, saying the phrases ‘po’ and ‘opo’, when speaking with thier elders. They love a good party and festival, particually Christmas which they can celebrate right into the second week of January!
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