OUTLINE OF WORK TIMETABLE FOR THE RAINBOW CENTRE

Work is from Monday-Friday, 8.30am-3.30pm.

As Volunteers the main part of your job is to help in the classroom assisting the teachers, assist the centers therapists, psychologist and social worker, supervise the centers hygiene program and wherever else you are needed!

Children are divided into 4 groups depending on age and ability. There are between 8 and 15 children in each class. Arriving at the school at 08.30am we start the day by giving the children milk and fruit. This provides energy and also compensates for any children who may not have been given breakfast at home. After brain gym exercises we start classes at 09.00am working through until 10.30 and then have a 30 minute break where children are given a healthy snack and allowed to play. After the break we ensure that all children wash their hands and brush their teeth as part of their hygiene program and then continue with classes for a further 1 and a half hours.

The children are then given lunch before continuing with skills workshops in the afternoon. You will be assisting with these workshops and they include: art, drama, dance, music and band practice. You will also help plan the lessons and skills workshops with the teachers for the next day and help plan art, drama, music and sports events, excursions and other activities.

Upon arrival you will receive a training week helping you to establish what the centers routine is, how to work with children with special needs and where you feel you could support the most. You will then be asked to write a work program for your time at the centre outlining your goals and objectives. You will also decide which class or therapist you would like to work with and any specific children. You will evaluate your progress as you go along with your Coordinator and in staff/volunteer meetings held weekly.

Don’t forget, all the children are from very poor homes and many have suffered abuse at some point. Due to this, it can be very emotional as you will become attached to the children, but you must try at all times to stay focused and positive, remember what a great job you are doing!

OUTLINE OF WORK TIMETABLE FOR MAMA COCHA

Work is from Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.

As Volunteers the main part of your job is to help in the classroom assisting the teachers, assist the centers therapists, psychologist and social worker, supervise the centers hygiene program and wherever else you are needed!

Children are divided into 2 groups depending on age and ability. There are between 8 and 15 children in each class. Arriving at the school at 08.30am we start the day with brain gym exercises before classes commence at 09.00am working through until 10.30 and then have a 30 minute break where children are given a healthy snack and allowed to play. After the break we ensure that all children wash their hands and brush their teeth as part of their hygiene program and then continue with classes for a further 1 and a half hours.

The children are then given lunch before going home. At 2 pm the centre reopens for early rehabilitation sessions, speech therapy and physiotherapy. Once a week staff do outreach work in nearby villages.
You will be assisting staff with theses afternoon sessions at least once a week. You will also be asked to help plan art, drama, music and sports events, excursions and other activities.

There is no English speaking Coordinator at Mama Cocha and you will need to use your own initiative.

Upon arrival you will be presented with a training pack to help you understand the centers routine and form a work program for yourself. You MUST stay in close contact with Suzy or an assigned coordinator in the UK to help you with any problems and guide you where needed. You will be given contact information upon arrival.

Don’t forget, all the children are from very poor homes and many have suffered sexual or physical abuse at some point. Due to this, it can be very emotional as you will become attached to the children, but you must try at all times to stay focused and positive, remember what a great job you are doing!

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