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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Quality Education

Special Need School Support

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help give an education to underprivilaged children
  • Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable teaching experience
  • Assist the local teachers who are in need of help

Highlights

  • Help give an education to underprivilaged children
  • Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable teaching experience
  • Assist the local teachers who are in need of help
  • Work with a wonderful grassroots organisation
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help provide an education to children with special needs, such as physical, mental or developmental disabilities. Provide support to the local teacher in the classroom.

    Overview
    Help to teach and provide support to the local teacher at a special needs school in Tacloban City. The students, aged 5-12, have either physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. The need for the school can help the children to learn in a more appropriate environment as they often get ...

    About the program

    Overview
    Help to teach and provide support to the local teacher at a special needs school in Tacloban City. The students, aged 5-12, have either physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. The need for the school can help the children to learn in a more appropriate environment as they often get frustrated in a standard school.

    The aim is to work alongside the local teacher and help to ease the load for them, as well as helping to help mentor the children. Usually, a maximum of 10 pupils is recommended for a special needs school, however in reality due to the lack of specialist schools, classroom sizes are often larger than this.

    For this reason, classes are divided into morning and afternoon sessions, each session only having a few pupils. There are also some pupils who require a one-on-one mentoring. The school is open from 8am-4pm, with a 1-hour break for lunch at 12pm. Volunteers are required to work from 8am-12pm (4 hours) and can stay on for the afternoon session if desired.

    Children are divided into 6 classes:
    • Multiple disabilities. This class teaches children with more than one disability.
    • Intellectual disability. Included in this class are children with Down Syndrome.
    • Autism.
    • Hearing Impairment
    • Learning disability/visual impairment. Among the children in this class are those who have difficulty in writing, reading, and recognizing numbers.
    • Transition (prevocational). It is a class of children who “passed” from the above 5 classes.

    Volunteers under the Special Education Project must be skilled and experienced in working with children with special needs. This project can be challenging due to the complexity of the students, although extremely rewarding. We ask that volunteers go with the flow, as needs can change at any time. A great attitude, flexibility and understanding will go a long way.

    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.

    Typical day

    Working hours are generally 8am to 12pm. You are welcome to stay until 4pm if desired. 

    Typical day

    Working hours are generally 8am to 12pm. You are welcome to stay until 4pm if desired. 

    Free-time activities

    A few things in the Philippines...


    Beaches of Boracay
    This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the ...

    Free-time activities

    A few things in the Philippines...


    Beaches of Boracay
    This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.

    Bohol Chocolate Hills
    Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.

    Diving
    The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.

    Twin Lagoon on Coron Island
    You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.  

    Ziplining
    For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.

    Kayaking
    There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

    Vigan Town
    This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.

    Underground River, Palawan
    Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.

    Manila
    The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Some experience in special needs care/ education.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 2 meals per day (breakfast & dinner)
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at D. Z. Romualdez Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tacloban airport before 6pm on the Sunday before your project.

    You will use public transportation to and from your project (a degree of patience is sometimes required for this!). Jeepneys, multicabs, and tricycles normally stop often along the route to pick up or drop off passengers.

    The commute to the school should not take more than 40 minutes but there is no specific schedule for a jeepney’s trip. Jeepneys just come along anytime, hence a time should be allotted in waiting for them.

    The daily commute requires a multicab from Bliss to Palo J&F, which costs Php 15.00. From J&F take a tricycle going to Palo market, costing Php 15.00. From the market, it is a short distance to the school, which can be easily reached by foot.

    On the way back, just walk to the main road, catch a jeepney heading to Robinson’s Marasbaras terminal. This trip costs Php 20.00. Then from the terminal, catch a multicab or e-jeep back to the volunteer centre. This trips costs between Php 12-14.

    Volunteers will be briefed on getting to placement and back to Tacloban during the orientation at the beginning of the program.

    Accommodation

    At the core of your experience is the friendly and warm accommodating local home stay, who have been accepting volunteers for over a decade. Life inside a homestay is not only safe and cost effective, but is also a great way to contribute to the local economy and to experience the true nature and culture of the Philippines. All homestays have electricity and running water.

    You will have a private room by yourself or shared with a fellow volunteer. Mosquito net, electric fan, bed linens and door lock are also provided. The bathroom will be shared with the family and will be basic with cold, bucket baths (hot running showers are uncommon in Philippines) as it’s so tropical and warm! All home stays are English speaking. The home stays have been thoroughly evaluated before being accepted into the program and have been in operation for several years. You will be able to experience the Filipino culture and participate in the daily life of a local.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner are provided but volunteers will need to buy their own lunch which costs approx. 50-80 pesos. Access to filtered drinking water will also be provided by your home stay. All meals will be served with rice and typically include fish, chicken or pork. Home stays can cater for special dietary restrictions, however we require advance notice so we can place you accordingly.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is D. Z. Romualdez Airport (TAC) in Tacloban. We assist you to find cheap flights to Philippines. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Philippines provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Philippines you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Philippines. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $366 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
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    2025
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    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Philippines > Tacloban

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Special Needs in the Philippines
    Contact Lauren
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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