Community Development Europe
Volunteers who choose to be part of this amazing program will be based in a Children’s Community Centre on the periphery of Albania’s capital city Tirana. The centre welcomes children from different areas of Tirana outskirts, street children and children that are at risk of exploitation. Many families have migrated from different locations of Albania, mostly from the north of the country, to Tirana in search of a better life and employment opportunities. The program offers these vulnerable children the chance to gain an education, learn life skills, partake in sports and fun activities such as arts and games and eat nutritious meals – things that are hard to access for these marginalized and impoverished children. Volunteers will find they play an essential role in teaching, caring for and inspiring these wonderful children.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential teaching and companionship to vulnerable children in Albania
- Improve the future prospects of marginalized children in Albania
- Give vulnerable children quality care, compassion and a sense of hope
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
This crucial program provides a safe and happy place for vulnerable children to learn and to thrive. Within the walls of the community centre, the children are in a positive environment where they can be themselves, free from the discrimination they face in mainstream society. Currently around 40-50 children attend the centre, where they are divided into two groups according to their age. There is a morning and afternoon session running from 8.30am until 4.00pm with a lunch break around midday. The children visit the centre to do their homework, take part in education and recreational activities and to have a meal. Enthusiastic volunteers who are creative, compassionate and enjoy working with children are desperately sought to provide additional assistance to staff to ensure the children are receiving the best support possible. Volunteers will also assist the children with their English language homework, organize fun games and activities as well as helping out in the kitchen with meal preparations.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Organize games and activities for the children - sports, music, songs, dance, games etc
- Create activities and entertain the children
- Educate children and help with homework
- Assist with meals
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Albania. While this project is best suited to those pursuing a career in the fields of anthropology, social work, social entrepreneurship and/or economics, volunteers who simply wish to be involved in a more ‘varied’ project are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic understanding of Albanian in order to communicate effectively with staff and students. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Tirana is a fast-developing city, shaking off its communist past and acquiring a western feel. It is small and manageable for traversing on foot. There are several new shopping malls, cinemas, concert halls and theatres with programs of a high standard and many bars, some providing live music. Tirana is a growing tourist destination.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 3 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Tirana and taken to the Volunteer House to meet with the hosts and settle in to the new environment. An orientation session will take place, normally on the Monday, which covers the local area, public transport, amenities, customs, rules and recommendations and, of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This provides a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza, Tirana, Albania (Code: TIA)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a comfortable Volunteer House in central Tirana. Each room accommodates up to 4 with shared bathroom and communal facilities. The house is equipped with a tidy kitchen and dining area where volunteers can prepare meals and snacks in a homely environment.
All standard amenities are available in the Volunteer House, including hot showers, Western style bathrooms, bed linen, a functional kitchen and Wi-Fi. An Albanian expression sums up the hospitality you can expect during your stay in Tirana - “Buke, kripe dhe zemer” (Bread, Salt and a warm heart).
Accommodation in Tirana is self-catered and food is not included in the program fees. Volunteers can opt to make use of the kitchen facilities to prepare meals or dine out at one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes within easy reach of the Volunteer House. Lunch options are varied and affordable at cafes and markets situated close to the program site.
Fees
That’s just USD 22 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.