CARING FOR INFANTS

Caring for infants and children who are at-risk or have limited resources can have a lasting impact on a child's development and is one of the most rewarding placements available for volunteers. The children are delighted to see new and smiling faces, and love the games, songs, and rhymes that volunteers help to organize. Simply holding infants, sharing your affection, and providing individual attention is important to their future well-being. The staffs appreciate the help with daily routines such as feeding and clothing the children and playing with them. Whether you have a background in childcare or simply enjoy caring for young children, a smile or hug can be a meaningful and long-term contribution.

The most important attributes needed for these placements are an open heart and a love of spending time with children. PCN does not require any particular qualifications from volunteer teachers, although anybody who is teacher-trained, or nursery nurse-trained for the pre-school children, would undoubtedly bring particularly valuable skills. The reality is that all the children are desperate to learn, and anyone who has completed their education at school or college in a developed country can make a valuable contribution.