Escuela Hogar Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos
Site Address:
Carretera Ramón Santana
21000 San Pedro de Macoris
,
San Pedro de Macoris
21000
Dominican Republic
Website:
nphrd.org
Volunteer Non US Citizen
Yes
Categories:
Spanish Language Preferences:
Location Details
Description
Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) helps vulnerable and disadvantaged and/or disabled children of all ages, giving them a permanent, loving home, and nutritious food to make them strong and healthy. Comprehensive healthcare and education are provided in order for them to become a caring and productive member of society. Furthermore, NPH serves thousands of families in the neighborhoods, providing education, medical care and on occasion, basic food and first aid, responding to emergencies or extraordinary needs. NPH was, is, and remains a home and family for thousands of children, adolescents, and adults all over Latin America and beyond that, all over the world.
Student Role
The NPH volunteer program is full of opportunities. We invite people of all backgrounds to participate in the endeavor to create a life of dignity for vulnerable children in the countries. we serve. We welcome people who bring their skills, an open heart and mind, and a desire to serve the NPH community. Volunteers support NPH’s goal of enhancing the well-being of children and youth in residential care and community outreach programs. Volunteers bring specialized skills, love, and individual attention to children and families supported by NPH. Through their service, their time spent with the children, and their participation in NPH community life, the volunteers act as examples to the children, motivating them to reach their unique potential and promoting intercultural exchange and understanding. Volunteers that are accepted for a short term period at NPH are used for services depending on their capacities and language skills. They might help out in the garden, the agriculture areas, or in the kitchen. Volunteers might also assist in health care, therapy, education, youth development, and administrative positions depending on the volunteer’s interests and skills. Wherever involved, all of the NPH volunteers experience much more than a job-the volunteers are part of the NPH family. In the evenings and on weekends, volunteers spend time with the children and adolescents in our residential care programs. Possible Project-Based Work-There are a variety of projects that students might contribute to, from construction of housings, to environmental education and making “eco-bricks” from garbage, over planting/creating and working in a food forest, creating presentations, needs assessment of neighborhoods, etc.
Work Schedule
Due to the variety of possible positions, the volunteer/student’s schedule might vary. But in general the day starts early, breakfast is at 6am in the children’s houses, and work starts at 7am in agriculture or construction, at 8am in administrative or didactic areas. Lunch break is from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Regular work continues till 4 or 5pm. In the afternoons, sports and game activities or church might take place. Dinner in the children’s houses is at 6pm. Reading or other quiet activities with the children are appreciated afterward before turning off the lights at 8 or 9pm (depending on children’s ages). Student Orientation and Training -First, we have one person responsible for volunteers or other incoming persons such as visitors, mission groups, and students. This person is in charge of basic orientation inside the home and scheduling the activities of the students/volunteers with the respective departments. Second, every single work department has its own supervisor responsible for activities within their area. This person will orientate, instruct, and supervise the visitors who are assigned to this specific area, such as: garden, special needs house, early childhood, environmental teaching, etc.
Orientation
First, we have one person responsible for volunteers or other incoming persons such as visitors, mission groups, and students. This person is in charge of basic orientation inside the home and scheduling the activities of the students/volunteers with the respective departments. Second, every single work department has its own supervisor responsible for activities within their area. This person will orientate, instruct, and supervise the visitors who are assigned to this specific area, such as: garden, special needs house, early childhood, environmental teaching, etc.
Housing Information
The NPH home “Casa Santa Ana” in the Dominican Republic has its own guest house for visitors and volunteers. Usually 2 to 4 people share one room and a bathroom. There is a common kitchen and free time area.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Conversational
Other Language Proficiencies
Haitian Creole
Drivers License
No
Student Preferences
A well-suited candidate’s core motivation should be a drive to help our children. Ideal traits include respect for cultural differences and sensitivity to norms that may seem foreign or unusual. NPH seeks only those volunteers who clearly demonstrate the capacity to be good role models for the children. A successful volunteer comes to NPH with a positive, life-loving attitude, a strong work ethic, flexibility, an appreciation of local culture and custom, and a sense of humor. Volunteer service at NPH is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. You’ll work hard as you build enriching and long-lasting relationships. Volunteer opportunities exist in the garden, construction, hands-on support in general, office, dance, music, theater, teaching experiences, first aid, and so on.