Seeking Volunteers, Mexico
HOPE is always grateful for its many volunteers who help make the work we do possible. Without the donation of ‘time’, we’d never be able to execute and accomplish the projects going on all over the world.
This month, we are actively seeking volunteers to assist with projects in Colima, Mexico. Below you can find a description of the ‘ideal volunteer’. If this sounds like you, contact operations@hopeforthenations.com or call the main office at 250-712-2007 for more information.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
While we appreciate and will try to utilize specific skills, education, or occupations of our volunteers, our greatest need is for people who will come and help with day to day activities, and in turn enhance the lives of the children by their friendship, love, and encouragement. Lightening the workload of our full time caregivers offers encouragement and rest to them as well.
Volunteers may be single, couples, or even families. Young people during their gap year, adults wanting to give, families wanting to inspire their children. We ask that volunteers be a minimum of 18 years old, and that children in families are respectful to their parents and get along with their siblings. Our focus is to care for the children. We are not a place to rehabilitate wayward teens or to show children “how good they have it” compared to the poor orphans.
An ideal volunteer would be the following person:
- A servant. A person willing to come alongside and support the work that is already happening. A person willing to grab a mop, broom, dishcloth or toilet brush. A person willing to walk the halls with a crying child, or bandage a scraped knee.
- A team player. Work together with and learn from those that are already doing the job, in spite of language or cultural differences.
- A good example. Respectful to others, modestly dressed, demonstrating God’s work in their lives in their language and behavior.
- Loving and caring. Expressing love and acceptance verbally and through appropriate physical touch. Coaching, teaching, inspiring and encouraging the children to bring out their best qualities.
- Wise. Know when to offer helpful suggestions and when to accept the tried and true way of doing things. Accept cultural differences.
- Enthusiastic. Fun loving and energetic, willing to play with the children and encourage the long term caregivers.
- Flexible. Willing to work in the home where there is the most need, adapt to schedule changes and different routines.
- Self-motivated. Able to work with little or no supervision, see what needs to be done and take the initiative to do it.
Our homes are founded on Christian principles and the children are taught about God’s love and forgiveness. While being a Christian isn’t a prerequisite, we expect our volunteers to uphold and encourage the values being taught, and attend church with the children.
Duties may include:
- Housework – sweeping, mopping, laundry, dishes, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, window washing, etc.
- Supervision of older children doing the above noted tasks.
- Help with homework.
- “Eyes” during playtime to make sure children are being fair and playing nicely with their peers.
- Driving
- Night time supervision and care (one night per week)
- Meal preparation
- Long hours. Just like in a real family.
Volunteers should be sufficiently mature to arrive to and depart from Colima on their own. We can offer helpful information about arrival airports, bus lines, address, phone numbers, etc. Volunteers should be financially able to support their personal needs during their stay in Colima. Room and board is provided for full time volunteers, although food is sometimes very basic and may need to be supplemented, especially in the case of special dietary requirements.
Volunteers must have travel medical coverage for Mexico.
