My heart is so full. You will not regret helping others and put a smile on the children’s face. The children are so appreciative and excited to learn.
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 $380 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
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Help give pre-schoolers a great start to their education
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Explore the Philippines’ incredible natural environment
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Stay with other volunteers near the beach in Tigman Village, Palawan
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Key information
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.
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.
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 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document 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.
Apply For FreeNot sure which program to join?
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Philippines photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
Typical volunteer classroom
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
Typical volunteer transport
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Palawan during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Estrella Falls during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Claire Abbott
24 Apr 2024
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Eileen Martin
23 Apr 2024
It’s normal to feel anxious before embarking on such a huge journey, but it is so worthwhile and the personal rewards are huge.
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Rossana Campos
16 Apr 2024
From this experience, I gained a lifetime of memories, friends, and experiences. I am so grateful and lucky to have been able to do this and I would do it again without thinking twice about it. I will always have a piece of the Philippines with me everywhere I go and I will be returning to the country when possible. Do it! You will not regret it
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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!!
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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!
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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!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course credit
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified online
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 centers.
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 traveling 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 socializing.
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 $365 (approximately $365).
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 colorful 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.
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer social area
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer social area
Private room upgrade
Private room upgrade
IVHQ volunteer accommodation
IVHQ volunteer resources area
IVHQ volunteer resources area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Private bedroom upgrade
Private bedroom upgrade
IVHQ volunteer hotel upgrade
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
IVHQ volunteers eating a meal
IVHQ volunteers serve a meal
IVHQ local team prepares a meal
IVHQ volunteers eating a meal
IVHQ local team prepares a meal
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer transport
Pricing
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $380 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 2 weeks | $532 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 3 weeks | $724 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 4 weeks | $896 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,068 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,240 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,584 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,928 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,272 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,960 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,648 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,336 Equivalent to $26/day |
- Accommodation
- Meals
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- Personalized 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 $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- 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
Introduction Week for the Philippines
$365
Philippines Introduction Week
Introduction Week for the Philippines
$365
Check what's required to visit the Philippines
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.
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.
