Hello Everyone I hope that someone might be able to help me with a personal request. I am a 46 year old UK citizen who has visited the Philippines on a number of occasions in recent years. Having seen first hand some of the problems in the Philippines I would really like to work over there as a volunteer helping in social or in educational projects. I have extensive work experience in commercial management gained over 25 years with blue chip companies in the UK. Additionally I also have a CELTA teaching qualification and have recently taught English as a second language in China for some eighteen months. I am now looking to find a voluntary position in the Philippines and wish to commence with this in September 2012. Of course I am financially independent and self sufficient, and therefore expect to pay for my own accommodation and living expenses. There are many organisations advertising placements on the internet but from what I can determine it seems that most of these are geared towards casual volunteers who wish to take a short career break for just a few weeks. I wish to volunteer for 3-6 months. I am therefore asking whether you can advise me of any possible organisations, or contacts based in the Philippines who might be seeking volunteers. I really thank you for your consideration and hope that you are able to help me in my search. Sincerely Philip
Philip, Welcome to the forum. I'm sure other members will be along shortly to help out, but I know of one organisation called Dropinn http://www.dropinn.net/ who do work in the Philippines. I know of one guy who has worked for them for many years, his name is John and lives in Northern Ireland, but I've lost touch with him.
Thanks for the info and for trying to help me. I've just checked this website and at the moment they don't have any missions in the Philippines.
Hi Aromulus Thanks for the suggestion. I have seen this website and others like it but really they specialise in short term volunteer programs and can be quite expensive. This organisation charger 2,400 dollars for 8 weeks. As I am looking to work for a longer period I want to try and find a less expensive option.
Hi FlorgeW Really I am happy to consider different options. I spent a year in China teaching English to children (3-12 years) so something similar might be appropiate. However I am not so definite as to disregard other possibilities. Really what's important is for me to feel that I am doing something worthwhile. Perhaps at this stage I would ideally prefer something ouside of Manila. Thanks
Hi Philip, welcome to the forum. I wish you good luck in your quest. If you use a non-mainstream organisation please be careful. There are myriad regulations in the Philippines just waiting to trap the foreigner.
Thanks Micawber I am sure you are right about the many dubious operators over there. To be honest there are also a lot of US based organizations advertising on the internet who offer placements (usually homestays). However they tend to be quite expensive and even though they say that all of their fees (less their operating costs) are given to charitable causes you can never be too sure. If I don't get anything definite from this thread I will most likely contact the Red Cross in Manila.
Well Philip, I'm sure you already did a lot of research, so you've probably found all the ones listed below. But I did enjoy researching and seeking these out and and hope you will find something. Maybe there's one here that you finally end up with. That would be nice to know Voluntary Service Overseas Vso Philippines The Philippine Community Fund Bantay Bata 163 Tiwala Kids And Communities Merlin Red Cross Gawad Kalinga Don Bosco School (Salesian Sisters) Inc. - Manila The Family International Philippines SOS Children's Villages Philippines CARE International Volunteer For The Visayans Harvest Christian School International Franknet Foundation Heifer International Mindanao Tuloy Foundation Save Nature Society Cerv Philippines Hands On Manila Ayala Foundation Tspi Development Youth For Sustainable Development Assembly- Pilipinas World Vision Philippines Tao-pilipinas Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement Prrm Philippine Aid Society
Wow! Thanks so much Micawber for these leads. I know of some of these organizations but most of the ones you've mentioned are new to me. I will certainly check these out and I hope that I will be able to find a suitable posting with one of them. Of course I will keep you informed of my progress. Once again thanks for your help. I really appreciate you giving me your time and effort.
Excuse my ignorance..... I understand very well that by volunteering to do something abroad, one doesn't get paid for services rendered..... Which is ok by me. Very commendable indeed.... But what I cannot put my teeth around is that the volunteer has to actually pay for the privilege.... That is, in my books, a bit cheesy.... Someone, somewhere is making lots of money out of misery......
Dom, I understand what you're saying. It's just that many small charities don't have money to provide even basic lodging...
