Work: Looking after the children, helping staff in teaching them basic skills, feeding children, playing with them, arranging their outings, assisting in all other required activities. Each volunteer will work in the own family group. Volunteers will work under supervision and with assistance of local staff 30-35 hours a week, 2 days a week are free. Location: Imastu is a very tiny village. It lies 90km east from Tallinn and 25 km west from Rakvere, administrative center of the area. The nearest city is Tapa (3km), large railway junction with about 10 000 inhabitants. Useful links: www.tapa.ee and www.visitestonia.com for general information about the country.LEISURE: Imastu is laying in a picturesque landscape: fields, forests, lakes and unspoiled nature. It is the ideal region for hiking and cycling tours. There are good possibilities for horse riding and fishing right in Imastu. Excursions to places of interest in Tallinn, Rakvere (est.1226), Lahemaa National Park as well as trips to the seaside (30km from Imastu) are foreseen. Partner: Imastu is an institution for mentally handicapped children and youngsters. It caters for over 100 kids and young adults aged 7 to 30 with severe mental and genetic deceases. Most of them are orphans. Youngsters are divided in to 5 family groups where they live under supervision of staff. Children attend a special school arranged for them in Imastu. Since 1994 Imastu has been hosting international workcamps in summer and since 1999 - long-term volunteers to assist staff with daily work, bringing new ideas and approaches to the daily routine. In summer the volunteers are particularly needed to support staff and assist work with kids, especially in July-August when it is possible to offer more diverse outdoor activities for kids. Requirements: You have to be really motivated and committed to the work with physically and mentally disable children. Some previous experience or special knowledge is an advantage. Although English is a camp language, some knowledge of Estonian or Russian will make communication with locals easier. Accomodation and food: In the Institution in 2-bedded rooms. Beds and linens are provided. You do not have to bring sleeping bag. Shower and toilet is in the corridor, shared with the staff. You will eat together with the staff in local canteen or in your family groups. Possibility to make own food is limited.
« If anyone is interested in doing some real volunteering and not paying stupid amounts of money to do it just visit VAP's website or drop them an e-mail. »
