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Travel Volunteer Cross-culture Organization |
Misión México  Alan and Pam Skuse established Albergue Misión Mexico, Dando, Amor, Vida y Esperanza (Mission Mexico Refuge, Giving Love, Life and Hope) in 2000 to care for children of all ages who have been abandoned, abused, neglected or orphaned and are often from backgrounds of extreme poverty. They have dedicated their lives to doing this work. The number of children in their care changes constantly but on average they care for 50 children on a permanent basis. Since the refuge was established Pam and Alan have helped around 300 children from various circumstances of need. Many of these children have suffered unbelievable acts of violence against them and experienced things that no child should. The refuge resembles a family home rather than an institution, where the children feel loved and secure. The children attend school, something most of them had not experienced before. They also attend additional classes in English, computer and dance, all of which are donated. They are also learning to surf and are the only surfers in Tapachula! The refuge is funded solely by donations.  Mission Misión México's mission is to provide refuge and hope to orphaned, abandoned, abused and disadvantaged children by giving them a home, family, love, education and opportunities for advancement in all areas of their lives. Every day is different but generally volunteers are involved in helping with the children doing the following tasks: • Educational games and activities • Homework and revision • Developing creative programs such as dance, arts, music, crafts, sewing, computer games and cooking • Health and sanitation needs e.g. cleaning their teeth, doing their hair • Household chores like making their beds and cleaning their bedrooms You are also expected to engage the children in: • Sport activities and exercise such as soccer, basketball, yoga, swimming races and children's fitness • Projects to learn about, for example, different countries, dinosaurs, animals and festivals and supervising outings , for example, to the beach or swimming pool. At times there may be other volunteering opportunities at the refuge such as building, landscaping, painting, cooking or office administration. Volunteer Opportunity. Misión Mexico welcomes capable volunteers of all ages, however, we don’t recommend volunteers under the age of 20 due to the age group of our children here. Exceptions can be made so please email us to discuss your interest. Younger people may come to assist as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers do not require any specific qualifications to volunteer in our refuge. However, volunteers interested in helping us must have a love for children and a willingness to share their time and compassion with patience and flexibility. Being able to work as part of a team is important as there is likely to be other volunteers assisting at the same time. Lots of energy and creativity are needed at all times to encourage the children’s learning and development! Please be aware that the days are long and tiring but very rewarding. The children are full of beans and desire love and attention at all times. Knowledge of the Spanish language is particularly helpful as is experience in working with children. Volunteers are expected to stay for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. It can take a couple of weeks to integrate yourself into the environment, in terms of both the refuge and the city. Learning the kids’ names is a skill in itself! Allowing yourself more time to get to know the children is really valuable and helps in establishing your role as a volunteer. Accommodation and food We offer accommodation at the orphanage however there are options to stay in accommodation seperate to the orphanage which has a minimal cost attached to it and often suits couples volunteering together The main meal at lunch time is provided however volunteers tend to organise their own breakfast and dinner - there are many cheap foods to be found in the supermarket/street stalls near to the orphanage. How to get to the project Fly to Mexico City Airport then opt to travel to Tapachula either by air or by bus. Air: Fly with Aviacsa or AeroMexico. You can purchase your tickets online through the websites www.aviacsa.com.mx /www.aeromexico.com. Each airline has two daily flights from Mexico City to Tapachula - it's best if you arrive during the day. Tapachula airport is only about 20 mins drive from town center. There are taxis outside you can take to the house. To travel by bus the journey is around 18 hours. You will need to make your way to the bus station 'TAPO' by taking a taxi or a microbus from outside the airport. When you arrive to the terminal you will have to find the bus company called 'Cristobal Colon (OCC)' or 'ADO' (both are the same company). They depart for Tapachula about 8 times a day. From the bus station you can take a taxi to the refuge. Read more about volunteering here Project Contacts: Project name: Misión México Email: info@lovelifehope.com Web site: www.lovelifehope.com |
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