Family volunteering trips are increasingly popular around the world and give families an opportunity to travel and explore together while supporting sustainable development. Whether you are looking to volunteer with parents, siblings, your partner, or extended family, international volunteer organization Projects Abroad can accommodate all of your specific needs and interests and help you plan a worthwhile family vacation.
"Volunteering abroad as a family is a wonderful way to bond and make the time you spend together on vacation more worthwhile," says Khadija Benchlikha, a Program Advisor for Projects Abroad Canada. "The experience has benefits for everyone involved: adults use their skills and experience to help others while travelling and many parents appreciate having the opportunity to teach their children about different cultures and the power of one person helping another."
When arranging a volunteer program for a family, Projects Abroad always takes personal situations into consideration and will do their best to match a family to the placement that suits them most. Parents can bring their children (as long as they are older than 4 years) and the organization can arrange placements for extended family members, couples, and friends to volunteer and live together.
Projects Abroad also welcomes families who have special circumstances. Recently, former volunteer Suzanne shared her experience of volunteering at a kindergarten in Sri Lanka two years ago with her son Thomas, who has Autism and Cerebral Palsy. "Every single aspect of his condition was taken into consideration, including his behavior, his likes and dislikes, and his diet. I am so grateful to Projects Abroad for matching us with this placement," she said. "Thomas is now 12 and he often speaks very fondly of his time in Sri Lanka, and would love to return one day."
The organization offers projects in various fields that are available throughout the year and families can join at any time. No previous experience is needed. All families need is a commitment to helping the communities where they are working. For more information, please visit www.projects-abroad.ca/projects/volunteering-abroad-for-families.