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Childcare Volunteer Project in the Philippines - Palawan

Childcare Volunteer Project in the Philippines - Palawan

Excited to be a Childcare volunteer in the Philippines? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to help young children begin their education. Volunteers will gain teaching experience by assisting local staff to lead curriculum-based lessons in school subjects like English, math, science and arts. Children benefit from the enthusiasm, energy and fun volunteers can bring to these lessons which helps engage them in education and fosters a love of learning.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Affordable fees from AU$609 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Help give pre-schoolers a great start to their education

  • Explore the Philippines’ incredible natural environment

  • Stay with other volunteers near the beach in Tigman Village, Palawan

Key information

Provide a safe space for children to learn
Based in kindergartens in Palawan
Dormitory-style hostel accommodation
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$609 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 24 weeks
Introduction Week orientation available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who are interested in teaching at the kindergarten level and enjoy working with young children. It’s especially suited to volunteers with no experience of teaching or lesson planning as plenty of support and structure is provided by the local team.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In the Philippines many young children are missing out on early childhood education. Kindergartens and schools are often under-resourced and struggle to provide quality care and teaching to their students. Volunteers can help local teachers give their students the kind of lessons and attention they need to develop and thrive.

While other childcare volunteer projects involve general care and playing games, as a Childcare volunteer in the Philippines you’ll be more focused on working in the classroom. You’ll follow the government curriculum, but lessons are conducted in an exciting and practical way through basic drawing, painting and playing – with an essential focus on having fun. Volunteer duties can vary but usually include teaching:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • Arts and crafts

During the holiday periods, volunteers can conduct special classes in the community. These classes allow volunteers to be more creative and flexible and host lessons that are outside the usual curriculum.

School holiday dates:

  • 1st July 2024 to 16th September 2024

During holiday periods, the local team organize holiday classes which run at the same times and structure as normal classes. These holiday programs often have a bigger turnout than normal school lessons as children from further afield travel to participate in these lessons also as they are very well regarded by the locals. Volunteers can do different activities with the help of the coordinators and teach something different from the given school curriculum, for example, teach kids about sports, about your country, teach how to dance or sing, arts and crafts or painting.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Childcare volunteering in Palawan with IVHQ?

As a Childcare volunteer in the Philippines you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving early childhood education
  • Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining childcare experience
  • Immersing yourself in Filipino culture
  • Exploring the beautiful island of Palawan

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • To respect the local culture and customs in Philippines, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

CT
Cheryl Tay
22 Dec 2023

I’ve gained a lot! I feel I’ve gained more than given this volunteering trip as I immersed so much in the Philippines culture, made many friends and bonded with the locals. The hospitality and warmth of the locals is something I’ll never forget, thank you for having me on the programme! Will be back on the same trip next year!!

...
AB
Archie Butterworth
22 Dec 2023

The main thing I learnt was just getting to experience first hand how others live. If you’re hesitant my advise to just do it as you won’t regret it. If you are nervous, find a friend to go with you!

...
KG
Keira Gaceta
04 Sep 2023

I’ve gained experience of travelling alone to a foreign country and living there, as well as a new perspective on the way I live. I would tell someone that it’s scary at first, but it’ll be the best decision of your life to join.

...
MF
Morgan Flanagan
15 Aug 2023

IVHQ were super helpful and responsive when I had questions regarding the program before I departed.

The local team in the Philippines were all INCREDIBLE. Super friendly and helpful. Very welcoming and made me feel at home and did an amazing job keeping our rooms all clean.

I learnt so much about the culture in the Philippines and opened my eyes to so much. I learnt so much about myself and life while doing this project. Truly life changing. Made me feel like I was making a difference in the kids lives.

The local team were so helpful and catered for my dietary needs with incredible food. The cook made amazing food, both western and local.

Overall, I think this program is so worth the money. It was the most amazing experience. I learnt and experienced so much in the 8 weeks I was in Palawan. Everyone was super helpful and helped us with everything I needed. I loved the kindergarten program with the kids, and spending time with them as well as the co-ordinators. I made some unforgettable memories. The endless efforts the staff went to to keep us comfortable. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone that is wanting to make a positive difference and learn so much about the world!

...
EM
Emma Melton
08 Aug 2023

IVHQ was very helpful and answered all of our questions prior to starting the program which made it very easy to volunteer. The local team were amazing, we grew very close over the 2 months and they were so helpful. The accommodation was very good and fully what we expected and what was described by IVHQ. The meals were also amazing, so yummy and plenty of food always. I learnt more than I ever have volunteering in the Philippines for 2 months. The kids taught me way more than I ever could have taught them. I learnt so much about the culture and loved meeting everyone in the community. I would recommend doing a volunteering program through IVHQ to everyone, It was so worth it and I will definitely be doing one again!

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NM
Nyomi Mejia
13 Jul 2023

The local team were very welcoming and exceeded my expectation of attending to volunteers needs! Seeing the kids faces light up when you walk into the room and while you taught was so touching to my heart because it helped me see the difference volunteers made for them. The kids were so excited to learn from foreigners and loved school.

The meals were some of the best I’ve ever ate in my life, they also made great accommodations for those with allergies or vegetarians.

My favorite moment from volunteering was building relationships with people in a new country and teaching the kids who were so interested in school. In addition to seeing a new way of life and introducing myself to a new world. Being in a new country helped me see the difference in value of life compared to my home country. It helped me realize how much people take for granted and how much more people should value life.

If your interested in volunteering, go for it, do your research about programs and the country before you do them but don’t hesitate any longer because the experiences you receive while on your trip are incredibly life changing.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines with IVHQ

Location

Set in the western Pacific ocean, the Philippines is a collection of incredible islands that are home to nearly 110 million people known for their friendly smiles. With a multicultural population and a newly industrialized economy, cities in the Philippines have been making great strides towards reducing poverty. However, in the country’s more remote areas low-income communities still struggle to access basic necessities like healthcare and education. Volunteers are valued in these areas for the help they provide to local schools, community services and initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for those outside the main centres.

IVHQ’s Philippines program is set in the Arborlan District on Palawan - an island often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With turquoise waters lapping at the edges of white sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class diving spots, it’s a coastal paradise to rival any place you could dream of. Volunteers will stay near the remote Tigman Village on the east coast of Palawan.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation is held every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Palawan on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) between 10am and 5pm. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Tigman Village. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are travelling in the Philippines prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Puerto Princesa on the day before your program orientation.

There are two options for orientation in the Philippines, a One-Day Orientation and an Introduction Week.

The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in the Philippines, including an introduction to the IVHQ Philippines program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the projects, take a walking tour of the local area and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Introduction Week: The Introduction Week begins on your selected start date and your volunteer program will commence the following week. The Introduction Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino culture, a true appreciation of life in the Philippines and bond with fellow volunteers while also taking a cooking class, necklace or bracelet making, and touring local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in the Philippines. The Introduction Week has an additional cost of US$365 (approximately AU$585).

If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate your interest in this option on your application form when you apply for the program or you can let your Program Manager know once you’ve been accepted on the program.

Volunteer schedule example

Weekdays: After the initial orientation week, you will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day, depending on the project and your placement. A typical schedule is as follows:

8:00 AM Breakfast with fellow volunteers.
9:00 - 11:30 AM Volunteers work at their placements.
11:30 AM Volunteers break for lunch. If volunteers are unable to return to the volunteer accommodation, they will be given a packed lunch.
1:30 - 2:00 PM Work at the placement resumes (except Childcare volunteers, who use their afternoons to prepare for the following day)
3:30 - 4:00 PM Work ends and volunteers have free time to explore the local area.
5:00 - 6:00 PM Dinner with fellow volunteers.

Weekends: Volunteers have weekends free to relax and explore Palawan and the Philippines. In Tigman Village, the closest place to your accommodation, you can visit the colourful daily local markets and shop for fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, clothes and street food. You’ll also be able to step out the door of the volunteer accommodation and onto the beach for a swim.

As well as this, there’s a stunning number of things to do further afield in Palawan. This incredible island is known for its natural beauty, exotic and endangered wildlife and having a wide range of interesting things to see and explore. You could find yourself battling frothy rapids while white-water rafting, island-hopping to visit the picturesque spots at El Nido where major Hollywood movies were filmed, wandering the length of one of the world’s longest beaches, cruising down an underground river or relaxing poolside with a cool drink in hand.

Accommodation and WiFi

You’ll stay in dormitory-style accommodation in Tigman Village. Volunteers should expect to share a room with up to seven other volunteers of the same gender. The accommodation has air-conditioning in the bedrooms. Bedding is provided and includes a bottom sheet, thin blanket and a pillow.

There is a shared bathroom with western toilets and showers with cold running water (nice and refreshing in the hot weather!) A fridge is available to store your personal food items and there is an area for hand-washing laundry.

Couples, families or individuals who want more privacy have an option to upgrade to private room accommodation. Private rooms are subject to availability and therefore you must arrange this well in advance of your program.

There is WiFi available at the volunteer house for volunteers to use during their time on the program. However it is important to note that power outages are common so this can’t be relied upon. We therefore recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card with data when you arrive in the Philippines.

Meals

Volunteers are served breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays with just two meals provided on weekends. Breakfast consists of bread and spreads with tea or coffee, while lunch and dinner are local Filipino cuisine. Rice is a staple in the Philippines and most meals will include a portion of rice, accompanied by two or more dishes which will be a combination of vegetables, meat or seafood cooked in local spices and sauces.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$608 Equivalent to AU$87/day
2 weeks AU$852 Equivalent to AU$61/day
3 weeks AU$1160 Equivalent to AU$55/day
4 weeks AU$1435 Equivalent to AU$51/day
5 weeks AU$1711 Equivalent to AU$49/day
6 weeks AU$1986 Equivalent to AU$47/day
8 weeks AU$2538 Equivalent to AU$45/day
10 weeks AU$3089 Equivalent to AU$44/day
12 weeks AU$3640 Equivalent to AU$43/day
16 weeks AU$4743 Equivalent to AU$42/day
20 weeks AU$5845 Equivalent to AU$42/day
24 weeks AU$6947 Equivalent to AU$41/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Philippines generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Free-time experiences & tours in Philippines

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Philippines! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Philippines program.

Philippines Introduction Week
Philippines Introduction Week

Introduction Week for the Philippines

AU$585
Philippines Introduction Week
Philippines Introduction Week

Introduction Week for the Philippines

AU$585

Check what's required to visit the Philippines

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Manila
Population 108 million
Languages Filipino, English
Currency Philippine Peso (PHP)
Time zone UTC+08:00

Weather and climate: The Philippines has a hot and humid climate all year round, with average temperatures between 25°C and 28°C (77°F to 83°F). The hottest months are April through to May, where the average temperature sits above 30°C (86°F). The dry season runs from January through to June. The wet season runs from July through to December.

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!