Volunteer opportunities in Kyrgyzstan with YVO Leadership

Although our season is closing, we are writing to inform you that we have open spaces for volunteers in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan in Karakol orphanage. Currently, Karakol orphanage houses about 40 children but they are lacking in staff members. It would be very helpful for them to host a mid or long-term volunteer.

Please email us at leadership2005@rambler.ru for more information or to apply!

MID AND LONG TERM VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM

General Information

Program Requirements:

Language - Though the working language of international volunteers is English, at least basic knowledge of Russian is recommended in order to communicate efficiently with local volunteers and staff members of the
organization. Beginner’s Russian/Kyrgyz language lessons are provided in the participation fee. Knowledge of other world languages is welcome; this will enable you to hold language courses with local volunteers and
other youth in Karakol.

Other skills - In order to participate in the program you are expected to have past experience with volunteer work, working as a part of a team, and working with teenagers. It is recommended to bring literature and CDs with language teaching programs.

We also expect you to be motivated and to actively participate in your own program’s implementation and evaluation process.

Duration of the Program and Your Schedule:
In order to be admitted you must be able to participate for at least one month while the maximum period of involvement is one year. Your work will range from 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on a mutual agreement and the needs of the host organization. Normally volunteers work Monday through Friday, though special events and activities sometimes require their presence during weekends.

Program Costs:
The costs of the program are as follows:
• Cost for 1 month: 250 EUR.
• Cost for 3 months: 700 EUR
• Cost for 6 months: 1400 EUR.
• Cost for one year: 2500 EUR.

The program fee covers administrative charges, accommodation and food (provided by a host-family), pre-departure preparation assistance, beginner's Russian/Kyrgyz language classes and 24-hour support and
guidance from professional, locally based staff. If you need a guided transfer from the Bishkek Airport to Karakol, an additional 40 EUR will be charged.

The program fee does not cover your roundtrip flight to Kyrgyzstan. Your visa, medical and travel insurance, airport departure taxes, and travel expenses during your stay in Karakol (if not directly connected to the volunteer work) are your responsibility. Costs of personal Internet time and phone calls are also the responsibility of the volunteer.

Application process:
Please contact us so that we can send you an application form. After receiving your completed application we will inform you within 10 days whether you have been accepted.

About Karakol Orphanage:
Karakol Orphanage is located in Issyk-Kul Oblast, in Karakol City. The Karakol Orphanage was founded in 2002 by the “Childhood” Foundation and nowadays hosts about 40 children, at the age of 3 to 19. Children speak both Russian and Kyrgyz languages. They study at secondary schools around Karakol City. Children have many opportunities to participate in different kinds of activities in the Orphanage House such as dress-making class, drawing and dancing classes, and sport clubs. Tutors in the orphanage are also interested in having conversation practice and working with international volunteers.

Volunteer’s Role:
The mid-term volunteer can take part in the following activities:
• Participateineverydaylifeat the OrphanageHouse with residents.
• Conduct language, sport, handicraft, drawing, and dancing clubs (based on kids’ needs/requests).
• Assist in conducting charity events by Leadership
Accommodation:
The volunteer will live with a host family in Karakol, near the orphanage. The host family will provide breakfast and dinner every day and lunch on the weekends.

Note: Basic Russian/Kyrgyz is necessary. Volunteers will be asked to bring any games, stationary, and books for working with children. Volunteers are not supposed to change children’s general schedule and their general outlook, but to encourage cultural exchange and enrichment in their experiences. Volunteers are encouraged to be flexible and enthusiastic. Leadership will provide counterpart support.

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