PORTUGAL CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS
Become a childcare volunteer in Portugal and immerse yourself in the growth and development of disadvantaged children. Working within a local NGO, you will become truly engaged with the daily lives of these children. That is to say, you will plan and lead a range of after-school activities for local children to benefit from. Become a positive role model and inspire the next generation when you volunteer with children in Portugal.
Background to the Childcare Program
On the face of it, Portugal is recognised as a fairly developed country in the world. However, what might surprise you is that Portugal is grouped within 8 countries that have the highest poverty levels among children in Europe. To emphasize, one in five children in Portugal leave below the poverty line. Worryingly, this trend is on the rise over the last few years.
The reasons for these alarming statistics can be complex and wide-reaching. Many parents in Lisbon are either unemployed or without stable employment. Consequently, they struggle to provide the basics for their children. Furthermore, recent economic crises have left many families struggling to get by on a daily basis. The knock-on effects of this are the changes for the worse that children experience.
Almost 1 in 3 children in Lisbon live in a state of hardship. In other words, they will go each day without 3 full meals a day. Moreover, the families they live with cannot afford structured accommodation. Subsequently, they and their children have no option but to live on the streets of Lisbon. This is a trend that correlates to many of Portugal’s main cities.
A further consequence is that child labour remains a present phenomenon in Portugal. Deprivation for families reaches such a point that children see no option but to leave school for work to support their families. For example, many children head to the streets of Lisbon and beg for money. Alternatively, they enter the manufacturing industry and earn close to one euro per hour. Sadly, the inevitable outcomes remain that children and their families remain rooted in the poverty cycle. For the reason that they lack professional qualifications and enhanced future prospects when they drop out of school.
Volunteer opportunities in Portugal provided by PMGY will provide you with a platform to make a positive impact. When working at our childcare volunteer abroad projects in Portugal, it is important to maintain energy, enthusiasm and creativity. For the reason that many of these children will be seeking the care and attention that you as a childcare volunteer in Portugal can bring. To volunteer with children in Portugal, you will need to donate your time and skills effectively. This is to ensure you can maximise your impact on the local people.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Example
After-school NGO Project – In short, there is a clear need for making a commitment to volunteer in Portugal. The establishment of an after-school NGO project provides a range of extra-curricular activities for Lisbon’s underprivileged children to enjoy. To put it differently, the local community have an additional facility to help them improve their future prospects.
Those who attend the program are typically late primary and secondary school-aged children. That is to say, children range from 10-17 years of age. For reasons explained, not all children who attend the project will attend normal school during the day. In addition, many will come from slum communities in the local area and not benefit from 3 meals each day. Therefore, the structure and routine of our extra-curricular NGO project provide a vital safe space and resource for many disadvantaged children.
The project receives limited funding and no governmental support. The commitment and endeavours of passionate local staff and volunteers are essential to the running of the project. Regardless of the situation, no child should be left behind. The NGO project provides deprived children with a facility that gives them hope in achieving their further aspirations. Volunteer in Portugal and help the children further their education and learn new skills. In addition, the project provides a platform for international volunteers to get creative. For instance, teach a new sport, language, instrument or game.
When you complete volunteer work in Portugal, your role will be varied. It is important to realize that the children at the project will look up to you. Therefore, you must set a good example in everything you do and come to the project with lots of enthusiasm. Moreover, you can bring new perspectives and ideas to the after-school program for the children and local staff to enjoy. By the same token, you are encouraged to integrate your culture and learnings with the children.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a childcare volunteer in Portugal, you will assist the NGO project with all of its extra-curricular initiatives. For example, your tasks could include teaching English and helping students with any homework they may have. Alternatively, you could be showing off your creative side and leading arts and crafts activities. If you have a specialist skill to share, then the after-school NGO centre is the place to do this!
It is also fine to adopt more of a support role at the project. With this purpose in mind, you can simply spend time with the children and get to know them informally. In turn, the children will become more confident and interactive around you. Whether it’s in a big or small way, you will be sure to play an influential role in the children’s daily lives.
The typical working hours are 4pm-7pm Monday-Friday. As a childcare volunteer in Portugal, you are encouraged to spend your mornings planning and preparing activities for the project. As previously mentioned, Portugal volunteer programs do not run at weekends. Therefore, this is your own free time and you are encouraged to make the most of it by exploring Portugal.
PORTUGAL FOOD RESCUE VOLUNTEERS
As a Portugal food rescue volunteer, you will redistribute leftover food to those who need it most! That is to say, you will play an active role in tackling food waste in the local community. Work alongside local volunteers and redirect leftover food from restaurants and supermarkets to those in need. For instance the elderly, vulnerable families and homeless people. Provide food packages to an array of neighbourhoods in Lisbon when you volunteer in Portugal.
Background to the Food Rescue Program
Every year, it is estimated that over 1 million tons of food in Portugal is wasted. To put it differently, nearly one-third of the food a person consumes is thrown away. This is all the more shocking when you consider the opportunity cost generated from such excessive food waste. For instance, the 2000kg of perfectly good food going to waste daily could feed hundreds of homeless people in Lisbon.
Yet, Portugal is not a country that most people would think of when talking about world hunger. Moreover, for the majority of the population hunger is not thought of as a big issue in Portugal. However, the nation has suffered from trying economic times and a huge debt crisis within the last couple of decades. Many family providers have lost their jobs and the homeless and elderly have become further isolated. In short, one in five of the Portuguese population are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Thousands of Portuguese people rely on community projects for food alone.
As a result, more people have become increasingly reliant on community initiatives like food parcels. Without this, they would lack the basic requirement for survival which is food. Those who can’t afford daily meals can sign up to receive meal packages from nearby community initiatives. The establishment of these organisations that redirect surplus food to the places that need it most is vital. Not only do these programs fight food waste, but they are essential to ending hunger in Portugal.
Volunteer opportunities in Portugal provided by PMGY will provide you with a platform to make a positive impact. When working at our community volunteer abroad projects in Portugal, it is important to maintain energy, enthusiasm and positivity. For the reason that much of the local community will be relying on your endeavours as a Portugal food rescue volunteer.
Volunteer Placement Example
Food Rescue Project – Established as a community initiative, the food rescue project aims to eliminate food waste in Lisbon. Not only this, the project ensures as few people as possible in the community go without food. The ethos of the project is simple. That is to say, the centre partners with local restaurants, supermarkets and cafes in the city to collect surplus food. The food collected is in very good condition. In turn, the project redistributes the food among those within the community who need it most.
Should the excess food not be redistributed, it can be assumed that the institution would simply dispose of it. Therefore, the commitment and logistics of the food rescue project and the volunteers within is essential in avoiding such scenarios. There are multiple centres that the food rescue project runs from in Lisbon. Consequently, there are many more communities that can be supported. As a result, international volunteers provide a vital additional resource to the running of these projects.
The food rescue program has grown to support and feed over 2000 people in Lisbon on a daily basis. When you complete volunteer work in Portugal, you can join a passionate local team of volunteers fighting against food waste and hunger in Lisbon. In other words, work at the forefront of the project in collecting excess food that would otherwise go to waste. Then, distributing it among families and others that need it most.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a Portugal food rescue volunteer, you will support the food rescue centres in a variety of tasks. For example, you will collect surplus food from all participating organisations in the Lisbon area. In addition, you may then be assisting with separating, sorting and packaging each unique food parcel at the centre.
Participants will also be active in the community distributing the food packages to those in need. Alternatively, you may stay central at the centre and serve meals to homeless people. Experienced local volunteers will work alongside you to make sure you have all the support you require in your volunteer role. Whatever tasks you engage with, you will be providing vital support to the project.
The typical working hours are 6pm-9pm Monday-Friday. However, it is important to note that your volunteer schedule in Portugal can vary. For the reason that the food collected from local restaurants, supermarkets and cafes is done in line with their demands. This is to minimise disruption and to encourage more food outlets to participate. Consequently, the working hours may fluctuate. As previously mentioned, Portugal volunteer programs do not run at weekends. Therefore, this is your own free time and you are encouraged to make the most of it by exploring Portugal.
PORTUGAL HOMELESS CENTRE VOLUNTEERS
Become a Portugal homeless centre volunteer and help reduce the inequalities homeless people in Portugal face. Adopt an active role in the centre and provide vital support to those without any social or family assistance. As a volunteer in Portugal, you will get involved in all aspects of the centre’s work. For instance, providing meals, leading recreational activities and engaging in cultural exchange. Help provide valuable structure and routine for homeless people in Lisbon.
Background to the Homeless Centre Program
One of Portugal’s most pressing issues is homelessness. Out of the countries population of 10 million, it is estimated over 4,000 people are living in the streets of Portugal. Over three-quarters of the homeless population is male. Whilst a 0.04% homeless percentage of the population may seem small, Portugal’s homeless population is rising. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of homeless people has increased substantially.
With this in mind, it must be recognised that the pandemic has placed unique pressures on Lisbon regarding homelessness. For the reason that much of the Portuguese capital’s economy has been shut down. As a result, many of the city’s residents have lost their job. This includes a loss of income opportunity for those who worked odd jobs or on non-contract terms. Consequently, there has been a sharp rise in the numbers of people finding themselves on the streets of Lisbon. That is to say, they are unable to provide for themselves.
Naturally, there a range of other social factors that develop when reviewing the issue of homelessness in Lisbon. For instance, many homeless centres in the city provide support for people with drug addiction. However, as the numbers of homeless people rise, so does the strains placed on the homeless centres. To put it differently, many centres struggle to provide the essential support services that their beneficiaries require from them.
The Portugues government is said to be working with NGOs to eliminate housing problems. Similarly, the Lisbon city council has announced intentions to invest substantial amounts into tackling homelessness. Nevertheless, the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the back of the economic implications of the 2008 recession means homelessness remains a national challenge in Portugal. More specifically, national and local governments need to act quickly as homelessness rises exponentially.
Volunteer opportunities in Portugal provided by PMGY will provide you with a platform to make a positive impact. When working at our community volunteer abroad projects in Portugal, it is important to maintain energy, enthusiasm and positivity. For the reason that much of the local community will be relying on your endeavours as a Portugal homeless centre volunteer.
Volunteer Placement Example
Homeless Centre Project – Established in the heart of Lisbon, the centre provides invaluable support to homeless people. In the city, those living on the streets face poverty and inequality on a daily basis. Many of whom, have a history of addiction or some form of substance abuse. With the support of local and international volunteers, the centre aims to provide support for these people. In turn, reducing the inequalities that they face.
At its core, the centre’s mission is to provide food, clothes, health checks and refuge for those in need. Without the centre, these people lack social and family support in their battles against addiction and homelessness. Therefore, the centre helps to alleviate both the individual and social risks that addiction comes with.
The users of the centre are provided with an opportunity to get their lives back on track. They receive all the basic support they require within a structured environment. International participants assist with the centre’s support provisions helping people from a range of backgrounds. By simply listening to people’s stories and giving them your time, you will be contributing so much.
The homeless centre has grown to provide accommodation, medication and food for hundreds of people in Lisbon. When you complete volunteer work in Portugal, you can join a passionate local team of volunteers fighting against homelessness in Lisbon. In other words, work at the forefront of the project in fighting inequality and helping vulnerable people turn their lives around.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a Portugal homeless centre volunteer, every day will be different. Working with a range of people, your tasks will include preparing and distributing meals for homeless people in Lisbon. Furthermore, you will coordinate clothing donations and organise recreational activities to provide remuneration for the centre’s users. Participants are also expected to work with the local volunteers and help keep the centre clean.
For participants looking to contribute further, you are encouraged to arrange educational activities. Alternatively, adopt a more relaxed approach and simply listen and converse to each person’s story at the centre. Share your skills and leave a positive impact on the lives of the people you meet at the project.
The typical working hours are 4pm-7pm Monday-Friday. However, it is important to note that your volunteer schedule in Portugal can vary. Consequently, the working hours may fluctuate. As previously mentioned, Portugal volunteer programs do not run at weekends. Therefore, this is your own free time and you are encouraged to make the most of it by exploring Portugal.