The Childcare Program
OPEN NOW!
Check the 'Additional Info.' section for COVID-19 processes in place for Mexico.
At the heart of this program is the belief that every child has a right to an education and in supporting the rights of indigenous youth to an education that is culturally appropriate. This program was created with the goal of providing impoverished children in Oaxaca with a solid education and supply additional resources to support them, such as nutritious meals, medical care and extra-curricular activities. By providing an education and supporting their well-being, these vulnerable children will have a solid foundation in which to break the poverty cycle and lead enriched lives.
The project center serves as a place of extracurricular learning for the children, as well as a site of inter-cultural exchange for the many international students and volunteers who contribute. This is a diverse program that will allow volunteers from any background to participate. While qualified teachers are sought after, especially for longer term placements, any volunteer contribution is both valued and beneficial, with all volunteers contributing in their own unique way.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide teaching support to children in Oaxaca City – in Mexico’s most ethnically diverse region
- Improve the future prospects of some of Mexico’s most impoverished children, and help them to break the poverty cycle,
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
- Keep children in education for longer by supporting their needs
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. With 600 children participating in the program, volunteers are a much-needed labor force to work directly with children and help with the additional aspects of support. Providing nutritious meals, medical care, public school tuition and extracurricular academic support to such a large number of needy children is a massive undertaking, requiring a motivated volunteer force. Volunteers on this program make a real difference to the lives of impoverished children, helping them to achieve a higher education and supporting their well-being needs.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Work with children in art classes, the computer lab and on other projects and extracurricular activities
- Work on research, proposals and fundraising projects to assist the program
- Network with local residents and local project staff
- Assist with jobs in the library and kitchen
- Translate letters (for Spanish speakers)
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Mexico. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Oaxaca is a colorful, clean and vibrant city in the southern mountain area of Mexico, with a surprising amount of tourists, ex-pats, and volunteers on the streets. The city is big enough to have something for everyone, yet small enough to manage on foot. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, including many with rooftop garden-bars to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the area.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Oaxaca, you will collected at the airport (or bus station) by a member of your assigned host family and taken to your accommodation. Here you will be welcomed and settled into your new surroundings.
On Monday morning you will make you way (a short walk) to the local team offices where will receive a full orientation. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. You will then be taken to your projects site where you will be introduced to the onsite project team and settled into your project work. Easy!
- Project Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Project Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Xoxocotlan International Airport, Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico (Code: OAX)
For those who require extra nights, an additional fee of USD20 per night must be paid directly to your program coordinator on arrival in Mexico. Additional accommodation subject to availability.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program will be accommodated with a local host family, and will gain the opportunity to become immersed in the local culture and custom, improving their knowledge of the people, culture and language. Mexican families are renowned for their hospitality and love to learn more about different cultures. Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will often become lifelong friends!
All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Depending on the time of year it may be necessary to share a room with other volunteers, but private rooms are often available upon request (additional fees may apply). Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom. Host families are often happy to wash clothes for volunteers for a small fee to cover the additional electricity, though mostly volunteers will use a local laundromat. Wifi is available at most host family houses, however we ask volunteers to remember access to this service is a privilege and may be limited at times. A multitude of internet cafes are available throughout Oaxaca.
Host families will provide breakfast during the working week. Lunch is not included but can be purchased at a nearby café while at your project site. Volunteers are responsible for their own evening meals and all food during weekends – a wonderful opportunity to check out the huge variety of local and international restaurants, cafés and bistros in Oaxaca!
For those wishing to arrange their own accommodation in Oaxaca the program fee is reduced. Details are noted in the Additional Information section.
Fees
That’s just USD 37 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 entry requirements:
- All arrivals into Mexico must complete a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates on arrival.
- A COVID-19 test and quarantine is not required
- Mask-wearing, social distancing and sanitising procedures are in place.
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
If you would prefer to stay in your own accommodation the program fee is adjusted to US$99 for 1 week and US$144 for 2 weeks. Inquire about the pricing for longer stays.
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? We can offer both group and individual classes which can be taken in conjunction with your volunteering project work and all at very competitive rates for you, so simply let us know if you are interested!
Group:
Regular...................…………………………$150.00 U. S. per week
Intensive...............…………………………..$200.00 U. S. per week
Super-intensive.......…………………………$300.00 U. S. per week
Super-intensive-workshop....……………….$320.00 U. S. per week
Private:
Regular.............................…………………..$255.00 U. S. per week
Intensive..............................…………………$340.00 U.S. per week
Super-intensive...................…………………$510.00 U. S. per week
Super-intensive-workshop..................………$530.00 U. S. per week
$10.00US /hour group lesson
$14.00US/ hour private lesson
Fees for Spanish Classes must be paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Mexico.