EVS Project “Zatik” orphanage
Duration:6-9 months
Zatik Orphanage
The idea to establish Zatik orphanage was presented to the Ministry of Culture and Education and other governmental groups who provided a building, which needed general renovation. Zatik was established on 1 September 1993 with 16 to 25 children in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. However, the children found a home filled with love and care; although many doors were knocked upon for food. Today, Zatik still faces many problems. Besides the daily physical needs, main concern is for the future of these children. One of the major goals to enable them to find an identity and a position in the changing Armenian society. Zatik has 100 children aged from 3-17.
Local community
The orphanage “Zatik” is located in Yerevan. There are 100 children living at the orphanage “Care”, who study at different schools of the city. These children have lost their parents.
Objectives and motivation
The main aim of the project is the work with children-orphans, to provide educational activities and to prepare them for an independent life. Involving international volunteers will be a great opportunity for this project as the children will learn about the culture and traditions of foreign countries. The presence of an international volunteer will enrich the program offered to the orphans. The discussions with the children on different subjects will be more interesting in getting to know other beliefs and points of view. Orphans more than other children need care, help and education, to become good members of society in future. The volunteer together with the educators will be involved in the organization of different cultural programs, where children will learn to paint, sculpture, sing and dance; they will also learn some basic abilities in theatre, art and pantomime. The possibility to organize a big performance with the children is also foreseen. The decorations and text will be prepared by the volunteer with the help of the children. Also, depending on the abilities, knowledge and fantasy of the volunteer, he/she will be able to offer different games and courses to the children.
Volunteer tasks
The children are divided into 3 age groups. In each group different tasks will be carried out by the volunteers as follows: The volunteer will work mainly with children aged 5 to 15 years. He/she will assist in offering workshops and leisure time activities to the children, where they can draw, sculpture, learn different national and foreign songs, games, disco dancing, etc.
- In addition, the volunteer is encouraged to propose activities according to his/her own interests and skills. The volunteer will support the children and they will support him/her which will give them the sense of being needed.
- The volunteer will participate in and organize meetings and educational games, using his/her own experience and ways of working in his/her country.
- He/she will introduce his/her traditions, customs and culture which will make children to easier understand foreign society and life style. He/she will be invited to organize a big performance and exhibition with songs and dances of his/her country of origin.
- The volunteer will spend his/her time with these children which will give him/her possibility to understand and to learn about Armenia, traditions, history and our language
The volunteer will work 5 days per week. 2-3 times a week the volunteer will visit the HUJ office, where he/she will have a possibility to take part in HUJ work and to practice Armenian language. During the week-ends the volunteer will have an opportunity to visit different historical places; there will be excursions to different ancient places of Armenia and invitation to Armenian families, to get to know the culture and traditions of Armenia.
Recruitment
There are no gender, age and other requirements. The volunteer should be interested or have some experience in working with children, he/she should be kind, reliable and communicative. Practical arrangements for the volunteer
Practical arrangements for the volunteer
Accommodation:
During his/her voluntary service the volunteer will live in a house together with other EVS volunteers. All facilities will be provided. He/she will be provided with beds, sheets and linen.
Food:
The volunteer will have his own meals in the orphanage together with the orphanage staff.
Language training:
The language training will be provided by a language teacher 2 times per week.
Training and support:
Specialists and psychologists will provide training and support for the work with children. Volunteers will be invited to take part in training programs.
HUJ as host coordinating organization will provide on-going support and invite the volunteer to some of their activities and meetings with other volunteers.