About Women’s Development in the Philippines

World Endeavors Women’s Development volunteers in the Philippines work with women to overcome challenges. Women in the Philippines enjoy a relatively high status, having even reached the presidency, but many women in communities around the country still fall victim to domestic violence, abuse, or trafficking. World Endeavors Women’s Development volunteers work primarily with a shelter for women who have been victims of exploitation and abuse, helping the residents to regain confidence, learn new job skills, and get on their feet again. Volunteers may provide computer skills training, assist with counseling, help with childcare, or support local staff in the daily upkeep of the shelter.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer in the Philippines

World Endeavors volunteers in thePhilippinescan expect their days to be a combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural experiences, and free time for relaxation and reflection.  The sample schedule below represents a typical day for a volunteer in thePhilippines.  Keep in mind that when volunteering abroad, a typical day can be anything but typical!

6:30 am: Wake up and eat breakfast with your host family.  Breakfast in the Philippines usually consists of a combination of puto (a rice cake), breads, noodles, longganisa (similar to sausage), eggs, and fresh fruit.

7:30 am: Depart for volunteer project.

8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Volunteer work at assigned volunteer project.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Eat a small lunch of rice, fish and vegetables.  Free time to hang out with other volunteers or explore.

3:00pm – 4:00 pm: Crash language course in Waray Waray taught by a World Endeavors Volunteer Coordinator.

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: After school tutoring with a local child sponsorship program. (Optional for volunteers)

6:30 pm: Dinner with host family.  Dinners in the Philippines often consist of rice with meat (fish, pork, chicken, or shrimp), or vegetables (squash, carrots, amapalaya, eggplant, etc.)

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Free time spent at the beach, chatting with your host family, checking out the local mall to go shopping or enjoy a movie, hanging out at the community center and interacting with the children, or planning a weekend excursion to explore nearby caves and waterfalls.

Project and class schedules, meals, and free time activities may vary depending on the details of your placement.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in Filipino culture. Women’s Development projects are open to both female and male volunteers.