Support Disadvantaged Children in Public Schools

location
6 - 36 weeks  ·  Age 19 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Live and volunteer in a beautiful Greek Island, the birthplace of Homer!
  • Assist local educational institutions and bring smiles to the locals!
  • Get the chance to explore unique medieval villages and visit crystal water beaches on your free time!

Highlights

  • Live and volunteer in a beautiful Greek Island, the birthplace of Homer!
  • Assist local educational institutions and bring smiles to the locals!
  • Get the chance to explore unique medieval villages and visit crystal water beaches on your free time!
  • Receive a Certificate of participation upon successfully completing your program!
  • Experience the Greek Culture of an Island of the Aegean Sea!


  • Especially good for

    Age 19+
    Singles

    About the program

    Join this program to help children from the age of 3 to 12 receive the extra support and care they need within the school environment.

    Help the usually understaffed local educational institutions and provide to the local "disadvantaged" children the opportunity for a better and safer school environment as well as the chance to meet new cultures!

    Children with soft disabilities (handicap, learning difficulties, Attention Deficit ...

    About the program

    Help the usually understaffed local educational institutions and provide to the local "disadvantaged" children the opportunity for a better and safer school environment as well as the chance to meet new cultures!

    Children with soft disabilities (handicap, learning difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, etc.) and/or social difficulties in Greece usually attend the local general education public school for their first school years. At a later stage, if these children cannot follow the normal structure of the lessons, they are enrolled to special needs schools. Volunteers on the "Support disadvantaged children in public schools" project will be placed in a local general education public school and in close cooperation with them, they will assist the local "disadvantaged" children and teachers in a variety of different areas. Volunteers do not teach independently and only support local "disadvantaged" children and teachers in the learning environment. The students range in age from 3 to 12 years and follow the Greek curriculum of teaching. The aim of this project is to help stimulate an interest in learning among the "disadvantaged" students and to support the teachers when needed. This placement is ideal for volunteers that like to work in a structured environment.

    Volunteer tasks may include supporting the local "disadvantaged" children during their classes, helping to keep them safe, to integrate them in the social group of their peers, play some creative educating games with them, assisting local teachers during their lessons, helping the local teachers and staff with arts and crafts, cleaning, administration work, classroom preparation and re-arrangements as well as playing with all the children and making sure they are safe during break time. 

    Volunteers are always encouraged to bring a part of their culture to the daily lives of the children by playing games from their country with them during school breaks! 

    Volunteers need to be able to use body language, possess positive-optimistic mindset and a can-do attitude, take initiative, be patient, improvise as well as to be flexible and willing to get involved in a variety of different tasks as needed.

    The “Support Disadvantaged Children in Public Schools” program is addressed only to female applicants.
    Please keep in mind that applicants must hold:
    • a valid VISA or European citizenship in order to apply for this program as we are not able to send an invitation for a VISA application.
    • It may be required by some educational institutions to have a vaccination certificate against Covid-19.

    School Holidays 2023 - 2024
    23 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
    27 April 2024 to 12 May 2024
    15 June 2024 to 11 September 2024


    Typical day

    Volunteers participating in this project will work alone or in groups and their tasks will be taking place in an outdoor or indoor environment depending of the time of the year as well as the needs of the local community. Volunteer tasks may include supporting the local "disadvantaged" children ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers participating in this project will work alone or in groups and their tasks will be taking place in an outdoor or indoor environment depending of the time of the year as well as the needs of the local community. Volunteer tasks may include supporting the local "disadvantaged" children during their classes, helping to keep them safe, to integrate them in the social group of their peers, play some creative educating games with them, assisting local teachers during their lessons, helping the local teachers and staff with arts and crafts, cleaning, administration work, classroom preparation and re-arrangements as well as playing with all the children and making sure they are safe during break time.

    Volunteers will have a morning or afternoon shift and will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day.

    A typical morning working schedule is as follows:
    • 8.00 AM  Arrival at the placement, join local staff and begin work on the project.
      Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project placement.
    • 1.30 PM  Work at the placement usually ends and the volunteer will be free to get lunch and plan for the following day’s activities or use the free time as he/she wishes. This could include sightseeing, entertainment or some shopping.

    Our Organization holds accreditations certifying its ability to realize high quality volunteering projects. As such we must follow the guidelines for the proper functioning of the program, as all programs that aim to do professional work and offer the best experience to their volunteers.

    Since the volunteers are role models and their coexistence with the local community is essential for a healthy environment of cooperation and enjoying the experience, volunteers must be aware of and adhere to the following rules.

    • Respect the work schedule
    • Do not come to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs or do so during work hours
    • Respect the silent hours of the accommodation
    • Respect the staff and the other volunteers
    • Sexual harassment is totally prohibited
    • Use or possession of any kind of drugs is considered illegal and considered as a criminal action in Greece. 
    • Wear conservative clothing that covers the shoulders and knees while at your volunteer placement. Clothing while at your placement should not be overly tight or show excessive skin.
    • If any, cover sufficiently all tattoos while at your placement with clothing.
    • It is forbidden to bear any attire or symbol corresponding to religion, drugs, sexuality, terrorism and politics or to broach or promote in any way the aforementioned subjects, during your placement.


    Free-time activities

    There is no limit to the number of great things to see and do in Chios and wider Greece! 

    The country is overflowing with history, culture, cuisine and natural beauty! 
    Volunteers can fill their free time in Chios Island visiting the many historical sites, beautiful beaches, dining on incredible ...

    Free-time activities

    There is no limit to the number of great things to see and do in Chios and wider Greece! 

    The country is overflowing with history, culture, cuisine and natural beauty! 
    Volunteers can fill their free time in Chios Island visiting the many historical sites, beautiful beaches, dining on incredible food providers, or even, as volunteers have the weekends free, taking a day trip to Turkey. 
    Volunteers can discover the ancient and unique medieval villages such as Anavatos, Mesta and Pyrgi as well as many monasteries, museums and archeological sites throughout the island. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy the many hikes, diverse flora and fauna and the amazing coastline that the island has to offer.

    Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further out in Greece including Athens, the many Greek Islands Oinousses, Psara, Lesvos, Samos, Ikaria and so much more! 
    For volunteers who wish to make travel arrangements once in Chios, our local team is always happy to provide advice and guidance.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 19 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 19 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Working with special needs individuals at College student level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV, Photo and Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Experience on working with special needs children Able to use body language Patience Positive and optimistic mindset Can-do attitude

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Mobility

    The program fees are for:

    • Accommodation
    • Airport transfer to the accommodation
    • Administration fees
    • 24h support
    • Orientation

    Airport Pickup at Chios Airport

    We provide pickup service anytime between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Sunday.

    Arriving by Flight
    Volunteers will be met at the Chios Island National Airport (JKH) by a member of our team and will be taken to the volunteer accommodation. Our staff member will be standing in the arrivals area with a “MOBILITY VOLUNTEERING” sign. Depending on the designated accommodation the ride will usually take less than 30 minutes.
    It's important to note that pick up is only provided for flights arriving between 8am and 9pm. If the flight arrives outside of this timeframe, volunteers can wait until a suitable hour for the local team to collect them.
    Accommodation is provided from Sunday through to (and including) the Friday night of their final week.

    Arriving Overland
    If the volunteers are planning to arrive via ferry from elsewhere in Greece, then a pickup in Chios city port can be arranged. It's important to note that pick up in Chios city can only be provided between 8am and 9pm. If the ferry arrives outside of this timeframe, volunteers can wait until a suitable hour for the local team to collect them.
    Once they are sure of their travel plans, they will need to contact the Local Pick-Up Coordinator. We will assist them with arranging a suitable time and place to meet in Chios City or provide instructions on how to make their own way to the accommodation.

    Please keep in mind that volunteers need to bugdet and arrange on their own their transfer from the accommodation to the Airport at departure.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers are hosted in our volunteer accommodations which are dormitory-style and can accommodate up to 10-15 guests each.

    Volunteers can expect to share a room with up to 4 other volunteers of the same gender.
    The volunteers accommodations are situated within walking distance from Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, pharmacies as well as bakeries, bars and restaurants.
    Each accommodation has shared western bathrooms with shower. Wi-Fi is also available for free at the volunteer accommodation. 
    It is the responsibility of the volunteer to ensure their room is kept tidy during their time on the program. During the hot summer months, please note that only light bedding is provided in the form of a bottom and light top sheet. Towels are not provided so volunteers do need to bring their own towels. 
    Volunteers are also responsible for cleaning their accommodation, also the dishware, glassware, cutlery and cooking utensils that they use.
    Volunteers are responsible for organizing their own meals since the accommodation is in walking distance they can find grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, cafeterias and mini markets. It is also possible to order delivery. For the volunteers to prepare a meal, the accommodation is equipped with basic kitchen utensils and cutlery as well as fridge, electric plate, microwave oven and kettle.
    One important thing to note is that tap water is not potable in Chios Island including at the accommodations, therefore volunteers need to budget for and make their own arrangements to buy bottled water from a nearby store or supermarket of their choice.
    Volunteers need to also take into account and budget for their transportation during their program including travelling from and to the placement as well as their transfer from the accommodation to the Airport at departure. 
    Lastly for security reasons upon arrival at the accommodation all volunteers are obligated to pay a 50$ (or 50€) bond which will be returned upon checkout provided no loss or damage has been incurred to the accommodation or to the property of the Organisation.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Chios Airport (JKH) in Chios. We assist you to find cheap flights to Greece. 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 Greece provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers arrive on Chios Island on Sundays and depart on Saturdays.
    Orientation takes place on the first Monday of their program.
    The program start date of the volunteer has to be at least 2 weeks after the acceptance of our offer.
    We provide airport pickup from Chios airport (JKH).
    After you apply for our program we will get in touch with you, providing more information regarding your arrival.

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

    Program fees

    6 weeks (min. stay) 1,680€
    36 weeks (max. stay) 10,080€
    Average fees 280€/week

    Program fees

    280€ per week 6 - 36 weeks Age 19 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    6 - 36 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Mobility during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Mobility

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (27 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1998

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Markos

    About the project

    "Mobility" activities contribute in the harmonious collaboration of all humans, which serves better the idea of building a community of Global Citizenship and Solidarity.

    Meet your organization

    Thanks to our long history and our very successful, high-quality activities, our organization is an active member of the local community and we have a long cooperation with all the cooperating institutions through the preparation, realization and evaluation of various volunteering, cultural, environmental, educational & sports activities. 
    We cooperate with local public Nursery Schools, Kindergartens, Primary and Special Education Schools in which our volunteers offer their service and actively help as assistants to the teachers in the educational procedure and realize environmental, cultural and sport activities, as well as with other institutions such as Elderly Nursing Homes, offering essential help to people in poverty, with fewer opportunities and youngsters from a marginalized community or at risk of facing discrimination.
    In addition, our Organization is responsible for the realization of various community-based activities for and with our volunteers and local young people of different ages, gender and countries, with different economic, social and cultural backgrounds, whose main target is to assist the local community in a variety of tasks by cleaning and recycling, gaining an environmental awareness, as well as realizing educational activities for the local children, during the after school hours and during the summer time, when the school year is over.
    The volunteers’ tasks vary depending on the needs of the cooperating Institutions and the needs of the local community.

    27 reviews · rating4.9

    The person in charge picked me up at the airport and I felt like I could really rely on them whenever I needed support since I had never travelled alone before, it really helped me:) They arranged the transport to the school I worked at, I made some awesome friends who we're volunteering as well, ...
    Hugo Deguigné rating5

    2023 at Internship on Community Beautification

    Great times with mobility on Chios. The work we do brings real added value to the schools, and we feel proud to be able to help improve children's learning conditions. Chios is a wonderful place, and I've met some wonderful people. I'd like to thank Markos for his warm welcome and kind ...
    Robyn Drummond rating4.8

    2023 at Community Beautification of a Greek Island

    I had a lovely time on Chios volunteering at a kindergarten, painting murals inside classrooms to support learning, and painting fences outside in the sunshine. Markos was a fantastic liaison - really communicative and quick to respond in great detail before I arrived, his induction was really ...
    I had a great experience on the beautification programme. The project is very well organised and Markos was approachable and really helpful. Volunteers have the first day to take part in an orientation and learn about the project and city, which was great. The school I was based in were welcoming ...
    Guillaume ROUSSEAU rating3.6

    2023 at Internship on Community Beautification

    With a friend we went to Chios during one month to validate our degree. During this month we draw and paint for a school on different walls. We learn things about Greek culture that's a very good experience for us. Our contact, Markos is a very helpful and pleasant person, thanks to him ! All the ...
    Belén Palazuelos Torre rating5

    2022 at Kindergarten Support

    When I first read about TES-Experimental there were a few things that made them stand out from the others. First it was the idea of the project itself. I feel immediately drown to the idea of living in small community in a Greek island, and getting to do so with other volunteers from different ...

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