Make a Difference Through Missions.Ima's Home offers meaningful volunteer opportunities to make a direct impact on the lives of children. Choose from five distinct project areas and experience Filipino culture while making a difference. Whether it’s teaching, building, or sharing time with children, every moment spent here matters.
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A word from Pastor Tony Miller.
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What You Can Expect: |
Trip Requirements: |
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Our Volunteer Paths
TEACHING
TEACHING PRE-K
Volunteers on the Pre-K project are leading lessons within the compound of Ima’s Home. You will be teaching pre-school English, Math, Science, and Arts and Crafts to children ages 3 to 5 years old. While you will follow the stipulated curriculum, the lessons are conducted in an exciting and practical way through basic drawing, painting and playing – with an essential focus on having a lot of fun! This project is a great option for aspiring teachers or volunteers with no experience in curriculum planning or teaching. You can expect to work approximately 4 to 5 hours per day. You will teach and arrange activities in the classroom each morning and afternoon for approximately 2 hours, followed by preparing lessons/activities for the next day in the evening. During the holiday periods, volunteers will have the opportunity to conduct special classes in the community which are organized by our local team. These classes are an opportunity for volunteers to teach outside of the assigned curriculum and they are very successful and appreciated by the local community.
TEACHING
On this Teaching project, you will work with primary and secondary school aged children, teaching primarily English and sometime Arts and Crafts. Filipino’s learn English from a young age and the children benefit greatly from communicating with fluent English speakers to develop their English communication skills. You will work in a classroom and will follow the given curriculum. You can expect to work approximately 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday. You will teach and arrange activities at the assigned classroom each morning and afternoon for approximately 2 hours, followed by preparing lessons/activities for the next day in the evening. During the holiday periods, volunteers will have the opportunity to conduct special classes in the community which are organized by our local team. These classes are an opportunity for volunteers to teach outside of the normal curriculum and they are very successful and appreciated by the local community. As you will work with the support of the local team and placement staff, you will not need to be qualified or have teaching experience to participate. However, we encourage volunteers to come prepared by completing some relevant training, like a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) course.
Volunteers on the Pre-K project are leading lessons within the compound of Ima’s Home. You will be teaching pre-school English, Math, Science, and Arts and Crafts to children ages 3 to 5 years old. While you will follow the stipulated curriculum, the lessons are conducted in an exciting and practical way through basic drawing, painting and playing – with an essential focus on having a lot of fun! This project is a great option for aspiring teachers or volunteers with no experience in curriculum planning or teaching. You can expect to work approximately 4 to 5 hours per day. You will teach and arrange activities in the classroom each morning and afternoon for approximately 2 hours, followed by preparing lessons/activities for the next day in the evening. During the holiday periods, volunteers will have the opportunity to conduct special classes in the community which are organized by our local team. These classes are an opportunity for volunteers to teach outside of the assigned curriculum and they are very successful and appreciated by the local community.
TEACHING
On this Teaching project, you will work with primary and secondary school aged children, teaching primarily English and sometime Arts and Crafts. Filipino’s learn English from a young age and the children benefit greatly from communicating with fluent English speakers to develop their English communication skills. You will work in a classroom and will follow the given curriculum. You can expect to work approximately 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday. You will teach and arrange activities at the assigned classroom each morning and afternoon for approximately 2 hours, followed by preparing lessons/activities for the next day in the evening. During the holiday periods, volunteers will have the opportunity to conduct special classes in the community which are organized by our local team. These classes are an opportunity for volunteers to teach outside of the normal curriculum and they are very successful and appreciated by the local community. As you will work with the support of the local team and placement staff, you will not need to be qualified or have teaching experience to participate. However, we encourage volunteers to come prepared by completing some relevant training, like a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) course.
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION
Volunteers on the Construction and Renovation project assist with light construction and renovation tasks throughout the Campus, including making improvements to the dorms, learning centers and grounds. Your tasks can include, but are not limited to, building, renovating, painting, restoration, carpentry and landscaping. The Construction and Renovation project is ever changing and the tasks that are assigned can be varied as they are frequently re-prioritized according to the specific needs of the home at the time. You can expect to work on a variety of projects during your time in the Philippines, and you must be open to complete the range of work that is required at the time of your placement. This project is suitable for all volunteers who are interested in physical work and who are not afraid to get their hands dirty. You do not need prior construction or renovation experience to participate on this project, as you work alongside the local staff to complete the work, although skilled workers are very welcome. The Construction and Renovation project has extra costs and will need fundraising involvement for materials and the logistics involved in this project. This amount will be included in your Mission Packet when you apply. Please note that the Construction and Renovation project has a 2 week minimum duration.
SPORTS
Experience the thrill of sports and make a lasting impact by joining our Sports Mission Trip to Ima's Home! This unique journey combines the love for athletics with a heartfelt desire to bring positive change to the lives of these remarkable children. During our mission, we will organize an exhilarating sports camp, where we will teach the children various sports and instill essential values like teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Through engaging activities and friendly competitions, we aim to empower the children, boost their confidence, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
Beyond the sports camp, we focus on identifying and nurturing natural talent among the children of Ima's Home. By investing in their athletic abilities, we aim to instill self-belief, cultivate their potential, and equip them with skills that extend far beyond the sports field.
Join us on this incredible sports mission trip, where we'll create lasting memories, forge meaningful connections, and inspire the children of Ima's Home through the power of sports. Together, let's encourage them to dream big, discover their passions, and unlock their full potential.
Beyond the sports camp, we focus on identifying and nurturing natural talent among the children of Ima's Home. By investing in their athletic abilities, we aim to instill self-belief, cultivate their potential, and equip them with skills that extend far beyond the sports field.
Join us on this incredible sports mission trip, where we'll create lasting memories, forge meaningful connections, and inspire the children of Ima's Home through the power of sports. Together, let's encourage them to dream big, discover their passions, and unlock their full potential.
MUSIC
Indulge your passion for music and make a meaningful impact by joining our Music Mission Trip to Ima's Home! This extraordinary journey offers a unique opportunity to share the gift of music with the children in a truly transformative way. Through our music camp, we will teach the children uplifting songs and engaging dance routines, preparing them for a heartwarming concert to showcase their newfound talents to the local community. These songs carry a powerful message of God's love and emphasize the children's unique significance in His heart. Witnessing these children's joyfully singing about their Heavenly Father is a truly beautiful and inspiring experience.
In addition to the music camp, we dedicate special attention to nurturing the natural musical talent within the children of Ima's Home. Through personalized lessons and tailored sessions, we aim to develop their skills as musicians and empower them to become future leaders in the world of music. This aspect of the trip ensures that we leave a lasting impact by equipping these young individuals with the tools they need to continue their musical journeys beyond our time together.
Join us on this incredible mission to uplift spirits, foster creativity, and celebrate the power of music. Let's inspire and empower the children of Ima's Home as they discover their musical potential and find joy in the harmonies of life.
In addition to the music camp, we dedicate special attention to nurturing the natural musical talent within the children of Ima's Home. Through personalized lessons and tailored sessions, we aim to develop their skills as musicians and empower them to become future leaders in the world of music. This aspect of the trip ensures that we leave a lasting impact by equipping these young individuals with the tools they need to continue their musical journeys beyond our time together.
Join us on this incredible mission to uplift spirits, foster creativity, and celebrate the power of music. Let's inspire and empower the children of Ima's Home as they discover their musical potential and find joy in the harmonies of life.
ENVIRONMENTAL
As a volunteer on our Environmental project, you will have the privilege of working to restore and conserve the amazing environment of the Philippines. Volunteers will work within the Compound area and around the local village. The main focus is gardening, farming, cleaning up the local area and upkeep. If you’re someone who loves the outdoors and are looking to serve the community and environment, then this is a great option for you! Work on this project is based around three core tasks. The first and main task is replanting which is typically done on most days of the working week. Other tasks include working within the local schools or within the local community educating them on the effects that rubbish/litter can have on the environment. Alongside this, volunteers work on cleaning up the local area particularly along the roadside. This is a great opportunity to engage and involve the local community in the environmental efforts. As you will be volunteering alongside our local team, you do not need to have prior experience in environmental conservation to participate on this project.
What's it like at Ima's Home?
Upon arrival in Manila, you will be picked up by our team and taken to Ima’s Home. Orientation will be provided on your first day to familiarize you with the community, your role, and the daily schedule.
Example Volunteer Schedule
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Weekdays
After the initial orientation, you will work for approximately 4 to 6 hours per day and a typical schedule is as follows:
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Weekends
Saturday:
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Please note this schedule varies from project to project.
Volunteer Requirements
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Eligibility
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Preparation
Volunteering abroad is a great way to experience a new culture, make a positive contribution to a community, and grow in understanding of the world. Proper preparation is key, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first trip abroad. Be sure to prepare for the unique experience that awaits you at Ima’s Home. |
Accommodations and Meals
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Housing
Volunteers are accommodated in dormitory-style rooms located within Ima's Home. Rooms are shared with 3-5 other volunteers of the same gender, and accommodations are equipped with air-conditioned bedrooms, western-style toilets, and showers with hot and cold running water. You’ll have access to a fridge for personal items and an area for hand-washing laundry. Bedding (bottom sheet, top sheet, and pillow) is provided. |
Wi-Fi
Given the remote location, internet and phone reception are limited and often non-existent. While 3G Wi-Fi may be available occasionally, volunteers should not expect the same speeds they are used to at home. Meals
Volunteers are provided with one meal a day on campus, featuring traditional Filipino cuisine. Meals typically include rice, a staple in the Philippines, accompanied by vegetables, meat, or seafood cooked with local spices and sauces. Volunteers are responsible for any additional meals or snacks outside of the provided meal. |
What extra costs will I have? |
Will I be able to travel while there? |
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Costs to Consider:
Spending Money:
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Yes! You will be able to explore the local area. During weekends, volunteers have free time to relax and explore the surrounding areas. There are plenty of things to see and do, giving volunteers a chance to immerse themselves in Filipino culture and history.
What is the weather like?The Philippines has a hot and humid climate year-round. Temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The coolest months are from November to January, while the hottest are April and May, with temperatures often feeling over 100°F. The dry season lasts from January to June, while the wet season runs from July to December.
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Essential Country Information
Capital |
Manila |
Population |
100 million |
Languages |
Filipino, English |
Currency |
Philippine Peso (PHP) |
Time zone |
CST Zone +13:00 |
What are past volunteers saying?
So how do I put into words something that you need to personally experience? Words fall short when it comes to describing the mission trip to Ima’s Home in Arayat, Pampanga in the Philippines.
As a longtime supporter of this children's home, I had longed to visit and in mid-October 2022 finally arrived in Manila. The commute to Ima’s began my adventure. Traffic lanes are just a suggestion here - motorcycles cutting in/out of traffic and Jeepneys, the basic modes of transportation. But, as we made our way outside of Manila and traveled to the orphanage, I began to notice a change in the scenery, from clusters of rundown high-rise tenements to spacious rice fields, small villages, and beautiful Mountain backgrounds. What a wonderful atmosphere to raise children in. The accommodations for us were much more than I expected.
I was so amazed as I arrived at Ima’s Home. As we passed through the gates, I felt a covering over the orphanage. There were smiling children waving and hugs were waiting for us.
I’m not able to describe every activity experienced on this mission trip but I can tell you it was so much more than I ever dreamed of, and it wasn’t about the lessons this educator had prepared ahead of time.
These children were considered outcasts in their society, but Ima’s Home is truly a place where laughter, music, dancing, worship, and family prevails. I am positive that these children will make a difference in their society, a change for the better. In closing, I would ask a question; would you like to experience a bit of Heaven on earth?
- Judy Sisk