Special Children Project

Project Summary

This project focuses on giving children the adequate support they need. Disabled children can sometimes require extra assistance, and this project is designed to be that helping hand. These children may be dealing with issues such as learning disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and deafness. In many cases, the families of these children cannot offer adequate support due to the costs or availability. However, with this project children are given the attention and care they need through volunteers and partner organizations.

Parents and staff have developed a close relationship with each other, and fully understand the importance of this school and the programs. There’s no other school like this in the region and many of the children travel great distances to attend. As a volunteer in this program, you will become part of this community of people who are striving to offer the best education for those need special attention and care.

This project will require patience and flexibility. Volunteers will be working with staff, students, and families. All will equally receive the positive results of this project.

Skill/Qualification

No prior experience is required to volunteer in the project, although if you have worked with disabled children your skills will be very valuable. Spanish is not a requirement to volunteer but if you can speak and understand Spanish, you will be able to communicate better with the local staff and the children. You can enroll in your Spanish program also and learn Spanish in the morning while volunteering in the afternoon. Volunteers must also always respect local customs and culture and show love and care towards the children.

Volunteer's Responsibilities

There are a lot of different jobs for volunteers to do.Initially, all volunteers will work with local teachers and therapists as their assistants. You can work from pre-school to primary level. The children have various disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and deafness. Volunteers will also participate in extra-curricular activities and can become involved in planning and fundraising activities.

Project Location

The school is based in Barra de Navidad that has a population of about 7 thousand people. Volunteers will stay with host families either in the same town or in Melaque, with a maximum of 15 minutes travel-time. Our host families have been carefully selected in order to provide comfortable accommodation and the three daily meals for volunteers; a great way to experience the local way of life and improve Spanish skills.

Both Emiliano Zapata and Jaluco are just 5 minutes away from Melaque. This area is located in the Jalisco region of Mexico on the Pacific Coast and is about 20 minutes of Manzanillo, the largest town in the area. Barra de Navidad is located very close to the beach. It is known for the stunning beach and the pristine environment around the town. Melaque, which is about 15 minutes from Barra de Navidad, is where some of our host families are located. The town shares the same, long and curving beach with Barra de Navidad.

Volunteers will have free time where they can swim, surf, or boogie board at the local beach. Cycling, horse riding, fishing, and snorkeling are also popular activities. The area is a popular destination for foreigners seeking refuge from the northern snow. With so much to do and the great energy here, there is good reason as to why.