Info

This is deserving, challenging and very worthwhile live-in residential care project where you'll help children with mental, physical and emotional disabilities as well as some young adults and abused women/children.

The place where you'll assist is a publicly funded residential home near Kota Kinabalu offering care for the underprivileged and helpless community. It serves as a shelter to abused women and children, victims of rape and children with mental and physical disabilities. Some of the children have multiple disabilities and need close attention most of the time. There is a varied range of disabilities including; Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning difficulties, Paralysis and Deafness.
Disability Friendly: This challenging yet rewarding project can accept volunteers with most types of disabilities as the buildings are wheelchair friendly and accessible.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into oriental Malaysian Borneo.
► A wide variety of new skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, and invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged women and children and knowing that you made a difference to them
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The children are given the necessary care and love (some on a one-to-one basis) according to their physical and emotional needs - bathing/washing them, feeding and general care (e.g washing of clothes, room cleaning and sweeping, cooking and playing). The home is constantly alive with the caregivers tending to the needs of the 48 residents, 33 of whom are either orphaned, abandoned or have no proper home.
Each child is given an Individual Education Plan (IEP) according to his or her needs.

They then follow a special educational programme that is modified or particularized for those students with special needs, such as learning differences, mental health problems, or specific disabilities (physical or developmental). Modifications can consist of changes in curriculum, supplementary aides or equipment, and the provision of specialized facilities that allow students to participate in the educational environment to the fullest extent possible. Students may need this help to access subject matter, to physically gain access to the school, or to meet their emotional needs. Support is targeted to the needs of the individual student and can be short or long term.

The home is also engaged in some outreach work to remote communities and a Rural Youth programme to help support individuals in the area and provide them with the skills required to care for those with disabilities.

YOUR WORK:

Only 5 of the 48 residents go to normal schools so one of your main responsibilities will be to provide additional support and care for the children during the day. You’ll help by talking, playing and reading with them. You will also assist with mealtimes and some times cleaning up after them.
The main mode of communication is Bahasa Malaysia but English is widely spoken and used amongst the staff.

ACCOMMODATION:

This is a live-in volunteer programme, so you’ll be accommodated on site and will live, eat and sleep at the Home. In this way you’ll get to know the staff and children and will quickly become part of the community at the Home. You’ll be encouraged to join in with all activities and will be fully immersed into Malaysian culture in a very unique environment.

This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding placement to take part in.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1195 for four weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.