Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Portugal
- Poverty Rate: According to recent statistics, Portugal's poverty rate stands at around 21.6%, indicating a significant portion of the population struggling to meet their basic needs.
- Homelessness Increase: Over the past decade, Portugal has experienced a notable increase in homelessness, with reports suggesting a rise of approximately 34% between 2008 and 2019.
- Early School Leaving: Portugal struggles with high rates of early school leaving, with approximately 10% of students dropping out of school before completing compulsory education. This trend disproportionately affects students from low-income families and marginalized communities.
- Housing Affordability: Housing affordability remains a pressing issue in Portugal, with a substantial portion of the population spending more than 40% of their income on housing expenses, exacerbating the risk of homelessness.
HOW can you help?
- Provide education, assistance, and childcare during the day to young children
- Contribute towards the education of kids and help them to build a healthy development
- Work closely with the children and local teachers
- The main objective is to help the children develop their growth in a healthy and balanced way
WHAT you can do?
- Teach socio-emotional abilities such as critical thinking, expressing ideas, how to be grateful, sharing, etc
- Teach using board games, drawing and coloring pictures; physical activities; short stories, poems, and songs
- Interact with the kids who come to the project, and put a smile on their faces!
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Impactful Projects to Choose From in Portugal
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION
LOCATION: LISBON, PORTUGAL
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS), All programs closed from 16th Dec– 5th Jan
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 2 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, Schengen Visa Required
Overview
Joining our kindergarten program in Portugal means embarking on a fulfilling journey of education and care for young children aged 3 to 5. You’ll be part of a community that values social awareness, rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. However, your beliefs don’t need to align perfectly with those of the local community to participate – everyone is welcome!
Your role is pivotal in fostering the healthy and balanced growth of these children. Working alongside dedicated teachers, you’ll provide education and childcare services throughout the day. From assisting with basic routines like nap time and lunch to collaborating on lesson plans and administrative tasks, your contribution matters greatly.
We encourage you to infuse your unique ideas and creativity into our program. Engage the children in fun and stimulating activities to help develop their English skills. Beyond language learning, our kindergarten places emphasis on nurturing socio-emotional abilities such as critical thinking, gratitude, sharing, empathy, and understanding others’ feelings. You can achieve this through a variety of means – whether it’s through board games, art projects, physical activities, or storytelling.
Your involvement will make a difference in shaping these young minds and hearts, fostering a positive learning environment where every child can thrive.
*This program is closed for the summer holidays from 22nd June – 18th September. A summer camp is held in August. Please see holiday info below for more info.
Location
Cascais, located along Portugal’s coastline, enjoys sandy beaches, clear waters, and the rugged cliffs offer a haven for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The town’s vibrant atmosphere is characterised by its charming streets adorned with colourful buildings, bustling cafes, and unique shops, creating a delightful ambiance for visitors to immerse themselves in. For those intrigued by history, Cascais boasts notable landmarks such as the impressive Cascais Citadel and the esteemed Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, providing a glimpse into its storied past.
Project Tasks
- Engage with the local children and teach them basic English.
- Gain practical experience in teaching young children.
- Assist and support the local teachers and staff.
Food & Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a local hostel in Lisbon. Rooms are shared dorm rooms, with 4-10 people per room. Accommodation includes wifi, air-con, laundry at an extra fee, bed linen, and hot showers. You can find anything you require such as ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. close to the accommodation at a walking distance.
You will receive 3 meals a day on weekdays and just breakfast on weekends. The meals are traditional meals served unique to the area. You can also eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Standard
Projects
- Kindergarten Education
- Food Support for the Homeless
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1 Week - $1095
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2 Weeks - $1990
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3 Weeks - $2985
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1 Month - $3980
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2 Months - $7960
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3 Months - $11,940
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! 🙂
FAQ
If you have a caring and patient nature and love working with kids, of course! A great way to gain experience in teaching kids, but also for qualified teachers to educate in a foreign country.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / only breakfast on 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 at the start of your program, you will recive an orientation to the local area.
- Welcome to Portugal! Arrival orientation and introduction to Portuguese traditions and culture, house rules, and code of conduct
- Basic Portuguese Lesson
- Walking tour around local interest spots
- Dinner
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.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Lisbon International Airport (LIS). You must arrive between the hours 06:30 – 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation and for a private transfer.
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).
Monday
- Welcome to Portugal! Arrival orientation and introduction to Portuguese traditions and culture, house rules, and code of conduct
- Basic Portuguese Lesson
- Walking tour around local interest spots
- Dinner
Tuesday to Friday
- Breakfast
- Caretaking/ Teaching Activities at the kindergarten
- Lunch
- Caretaking/ Teaching Activities at the kindergarten
- Assist the class teacher in planning the next lesson and preparing the materials.
- Dinner
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Places to see in Portugal:
Explore the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, and visit iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens.
Wander through the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley and enjoy wine tastings at local wineries.
Relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve, known for their stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Embark on a culinary journey through Portugal, sampling traditional dishes like bacalhau, pastéis de nata, and grilled sardines.
In or Near Cascais:
Visit the Cascais Citadel, a historic fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and explore its maritime museum.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Cascais Promenade, lined with palm trees and offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Spend a day at Guincho Beach, known for its strong winds and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Explore the charming village of Sintra, just a short drive from Cascais, and marvel at its palaces, gardens, and winding streets.
Play a round of golf at one of Cascais’ world-class golf courses, such as Oitavos Dunes or Quinta da Marinha.
Discover the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation where the waves crash against the rocks, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Take a day trip to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline.
Type of visa required
Additional Requirements
- 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 in the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.
- Genuine interest and passion for childcare and kids;
- Since you are working with students with so much energy and different personalities, a decent level of energy and patience is required
Additional Equipment
Teaching Materials (optional)
- No specific equipment is required for this project. However, you are more welcome to bring with you some educational materials to be used for learning activities such as game cards, coloring books, pencils, balls, musical instruments, worksheets, books/comics, cultural items, and many more meaningful learning resources.
Dress Code
- 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.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: PT – Holidays – All Programs
Portugal, situated on the western edge of Europe, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its ancient cities steeped in maritime heritage to its golden beaches along the Atlantic coastline, Portugal offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. The country’s warm Mediterranean climate, renowned cuisine, and friendly locals create an inviting atmosphere for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the Portuguese way of life. With its centuries-old monuments, charming villages, and vibrant festivals, Portugal captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing its wonders.
Furthermore, Portugal has emerged as a modern and progressive nation, known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social progress. In recent years, Portugal has made significant strides in areas such as renewable energy, environmental conservation, and social welfare, earning accolades and recognition on the global stage. As a member of the European Union, Portugal actively participates in international cooperation efforts, fostering partnerships and initiatives to address shared challenges and promote peace and prosperity. With its blend of tradition and modernity, Portugal stands as a beacon of resilience and optimism, inviting visitors to discover the boundless possibilities that await in this captivating country.
Portugal enjoys a diverse climate that varies across its regions due to its geographical location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the coastline, particularly in the southern and western regions, Portugal experiences a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer months typically span from June to September, with temperatures often reaching highs in the mid to upper 20s Celsius (70s to 80s Fahrenheit). Winters, on the other hand, generally occur from December to February, with temperatures cooling down and occasional rainfall.
Inland areas, such as the interior regions and mountainous areas, have a more continental climate with hotter summers and colder winters. The northern regions tend to be cooler and wetter throughout the year, experiencing more rainfall than the southern areas. Overall, Portugal’s climate is generally temperate, offering pleasant weather for much of the year and making it a popular destination for tourists seeking sunshine, outdoor activities, and relaxation along its beautiful beaches.
Portugal’s culture is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, history, and creativity. From the haunting melodies of fado to the mouthwatering flavours of traditional cuisine, every aspect reflects the nation’s rich heritage. Festivals and celebrations dot the calendar, filling the streets with music, dance, and joyous revelry. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, invited to immerse themselves in a culture that is both timeless and ever-evolving.
At the heart of Portuguese culture lies a deep sense of community and hospitality. Whether exploring historic landmarks, dining at local taverns, or simply strolling through charming villages, visitors are greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality at every turn. The Portuguese people take pride in sharing their traditions and customs, inviting travellers to experience the unique charm and beauty of their homeland.
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