Details
- Listing Type: Summer Programs
- Program Delivery: Residential
- Destination: Belize
- Provided By: Independent Provider
- Session Start: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Session Length: One Week, Two Weeks, Six Weeks, Four Weeks, Two Months, Three Weeks, Five Weeks
- Entering Grade: 11th, 12th, PG, College
- Gender: Coed
- Category: Community Service
- Sub-Categories: Youth Outreach
- Selective: No
- Ages: 16, 17, 18, 19
- Minimum Cost: $500 - $1,499
- Career Clusters: Education and Training, Human Services
- Credit Awarded: No
Reviews (2)
- Belize
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Belize Orphanage
I had a great experience volunteering at the orphanage in Belize. I wanted to volunteer at an orphanage to gain a broader perspective of the world, learn about people less fortunate than me, give back to those in need, to get in touch with my feelings, to bond in a strenuous environment with friends, and overall, to connect to and mentor children.
I learned that there are children and people way less fortunate than me that couldn't be more happy to be alive. Spending time with the kids dancing, playing games, and helping with homework made me really feel like I was making a difference. I laughed a lot with my friends about the things that we sacrificed on the trip. We had no choice but to 'suck it up' and deal with the lack of air conditioning, the slim food options, and the limited resources we had. We had fun with it.
Lastly, many times throughout the week, I found myself getting emotional around the kids. I had feelings of appreciation when they were happy with a fun and simple ice cream party. I had feelings of sadness and hurt when I thought about the kids ever being in an environment of abuse and neglect. I had feelings of guilt when I craved air conditioning. Mostly, I had feelings of happiness, love, joy, and cheerfulness when I witnessed the kids smile, laugh, and play.
I enjoyed my experience volunteering at the orphanage. I will miss the kids when we leave, and hope to keep in touch, and possibly come back to see them one day.
Testimonials(1)
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This trip was absolutely far beyond what I would have imagined. My experience was very hands on and I learned everything from cast molding to sutures. The staff in the hospital was very helpful. Volunteering at the hospital gave me a whole bunch of trauma related surprises on a daily basis. At the clinic I was treating infected wounds, diabetic ulcers, taking out sutures, ear irrigations, and abscess draining. Seeing such a wide variety of patients was definitely mind blowing. At the hospital, the Emergency department was definitely busy and I had the opportunity to learn how to suture, treat and manage gunshot wounds, fractures, and triage. I was fortunate enough to visit labor and delivery for a small rotation and was allowed to participate in a delivery. Also, I found a lot of the interns to be around my age and got along with them very well. I even found myself hanging out with them outside of the hospital. A lot of the interns spoke English as well which I saw to be helpful to the other volunteers who did not speak Spanish. There was one weekend where we were a part of a medical brigade in Sambo Creek. This was another great experience where we were providing care to people who could not make it out to the city. Here I assisted dentists in tooth extractions, and again found everyone to be very open to teaching in informative.
- Joan - April 7, 2015
This experience in Belize was truly unlike anything I have experienced before. I think I will be unpacking everything that happened while I was here for some time to come. I didn't know what to expect before I came here, so I was continually amazed by all that I experienced. The kids were so loving and open to us. The culture is so much stronger and more apparent in everything that is done.
I knew it was going to be hot but it was hotter and more humid than I was expecting so I would definitely recommend bringing lots of shorts and maybe a few tank tops. I would also liked to have stayed for a few days longer so that I could have more time volunteering and also get to experience some of the culture and tourism outside of the orphanage. That said, I would recommend taking any opportunity to experience another part of Belize while you're here so that you can get a fuller appreciation of the culture as a whole.