This program works with vulnerable women who have been the victim domestic abuse, trafficking and abandonment. The women are often left feeling isolated and depressed. You will work at a women’s shelter, where all the women have been referred by the court in order to protect their safety. However, this type of abuse is often underreported in the Philippines.
Whilst no formal training is required, this project is aimed at volunteers with backgrounds in sociology, social work, psychology, law, criminal justice, counselling, and related fields. Anyone who has suffered any childhood trauma, or that similar to the issues mentioned above should have received counselling, as this work may bring up unresolved issues. Due to the nature of the work, only female volunteers will be permitted on this project.
The aim of the shelter is for the women to have a safe space to enable them to rebuild their lives, encourage a support system, and ways of coping, as well as developing problem solving and life skills.
Any skills you have that you think may be helpful, you can teach the women. Past volunteers have given guitar lessons, craft making, cooking, or word-processing workshops. Activities like this can help to spark some creativity, independence and inspire the women to better improve their circumstances.
For the shelter to provide the wide range of opportunities on offer, it needs volunteers to help manage the workload as the staff are overrun. Volunteering will depend on your experience and skills, but might include working on skills building, running recreational activities, conducting livelihood classes, and providing informal education.
You will work with the women in small groups, and occasionally individually. Many of the women will be struggling with issues related to victimisation, such as feelings of depression, low self-esteem, loneliness, guilt, and shame. Volunteers who are able to relate to the women in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner will help to empower them and truly make a difference.
Location
Tacloban is approximately 360 miles from Manila. It’s the capital of the Province of Leyte and has a population of 275,000 people. The city offers international volunteers an opportunity to be immersed in a unique Asian culture, which is at least partially left untouched by Western Culture, especially in the rural areas. In November 2013, Tacloban was one of the most devastated areas of the Philippines when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hayian) ravaged through the Philippines; therefore, the city and surrounding areas now present an even greater range of opportunities for international volunteers. Tacloban is easily accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through daily flights offered by Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air.
