Unfortunately there are not enough families that are willing or able to take care of the orphaned children thereby making many orphans abandoned on the street to care for themselves, thus the very need for these homes. The long years of war in Liberia for instance, has ripped several families apart resulting in nearly 5000 children living in the country’s orphanages. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is another example that has also left many children orphaned particularly in Kenya. Since these orphaned and abandoned children cannot care for themselves they need us to provide for them so that they can hope for a better future. There is however limited funding for orphanages and donations from charitable organisations and philantropists are not enough to employ enough workers at the homes. That is why we need your support as a volunteer to help keep the homes running.

Volunteering in an orphanage is one of the most worthwhile activities you can get involved in as there are many children who are orphaned or neglected, and in need of love, care and affection. This is a thriling experience and deeply satisfying to the soul. No matter your experience, profession or purpose of travelling, it is a memory and experience you should never miss. So if you are on leave, vacation, break, gap year, or a career break, you could make a big difference to serve with us in an orphanage. No matter the length of time you spend working in an orphanage, you can significantly and positively impact the lives of these under-priviledged children. You do not need to be qualified or have had previous care experience. The only qualities that you need to possess are compassion and interest in children. You are offered an adequate orientation and work that meets your abilities and period of stay to make an impact.

A volunteer's responsibility depends on the needs of the orphanage and the skills and interests of the volunteer. Volunteers also help in developing creative programs such as art, music, dance, sports, etc. Additional help on day trips, sanitation, cooking, and administration might be requested. One of the most wonderful opportunities that work in an orphanage can give you is the chance to share your love and skills with poor children. Many volunteers have deemed the work life changing. By offering attention and love to children, you are making a real difference. The single most important factor in the development of young children is relationships with caring adults. Whether you have a background in childcare or simply enjoy caring for young children, a smile or hug can be a meaningful and long-term contribution.

In addition, the dialogue and interaction with local staff provides a rare opportunity for you to share ideas with them and build morale. The most important attributes needed for these placements are an open heart and a love for spending time with children. In some placements you will quickly pick up on the daily routine while in others you may need to be more creative in coming up with ideas.

As a volunteer working with children in orphanages, you would be helping the kids to learn life-skills such as personal hygiene that parents would normally teach. By getting involved in the day-to-day running of an orphanage, you make sure children are fed, washed and dressed. You also pay them personal attention. You can also assist in teaching English language and other subjects and extra curriculum activities at the orphanages and the schools pertaining to them. There is always scope for any talents or interests you may have to be utilised. Sports, arts and crafts and music and dance are popular activities you many want to help with. With assistance from the Management of the home, outings are organized for the children occassionally.

The project is available in several orphanages in all the countries and open all year round to take volunteers for any period of stay from 1 week.