Helping vulnerable children

Volunteering with NPH is the opportunity to apply your professional skills for the benefit of vulnerable children in Latin America.

You’ll apply your skills to help improve the wellbeing of children and young people in residential care and the wider community. In doing so, you’ll have a unique personal experience while learning about life in one of the countries where NPH works.

The life of a volunteer with NPH

Our programme offers a wide variety of experiences, from special friendships and cultural exchanges to on-the-job learning of the like rarely found elsewhere.

  • You’ll live in together with other volunteers from all over the world.
  • You’ll take part in work assignments to promote the wellbeing of children.
  • You’ll be a part of the NPH family and form lasting friendships with local staff and other volunteers.
  • You’ll have time to travel and explore the country.

Skills we’re looking for

Volunteers work in the following areas, according to their skills and qualifications:

  • Healthcare
  • Therapy
  • Education
  • Youth development
  • Communications and marketing
  • Administration

If you can commit for a year, have an open mind, a kind heart and you love children, this is the opportunity for you. Take a look at the openings NPH can offer in one of our centres.

What we offer

  • Preparation for when you come to work with us
  • Lots of good experience
  • Intercultural exchange
  • A stipend of USD 100 a month
  • Food*
  • Accommodation*
  • 22 days’ holiday
  • Health insurance

*You won’t have any additional costs.

Requirements

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Be available for at least 13 months
  • Have previous work experience in the role you’re applying for and get on well with children
  • Be cooperative, flexible and patient
  • Have a strong work ethic
  • Show respect to your host country and its culture
  • Have a positive attitude
  • Be conversational in Spanish

Volunteer application

Visit the website of NPH International to let us know you’re interested in volunteering or write to Frances Hillman.

All information provided will be handled confidentially.

Frequently asked questions about international volunteering

Volunteers must commit to a minimum of one year of service (13 months). NPH offers a long-term programme so that volunteers have sufficient time to integrate into a new environment, a different culture, etc. Generally volunteers need an adaptation period of between 3 and 6 months. Furthermore, children need to establish stable and lasting emotional relationships over time. To see our short-term volunteer opportunities, visit our service camps page.

All long-term volunteers begin their service at NPH in one of two periods: the first period begins in January while the second period begins in July. This helps all volunteers who begin their volunteering at the same time to adapt. Each country offers an orientation programme for new volunteers of around two weeks, after which the volunteer begins the role that they've been assigned.

 

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and in good health. We accept couples if they are married.

We receive volunteer applications throughout the year. However, our programme starts in January or July. We recommend that for a January start date, you submit your application by 1st July of the previous year. For a July start date, submit your application by 1st January. However, if you miss these deadlines, you should still apply as some positions open after these dates.

 

Yes, all volunteers should have an intermediate level of Spanish upon joining NPH. Some positions require more advanced language skills. We will assess your language abilities at your interview. If needed, you will be asked to attend an immersion language school at your own expense in the NPH country of service before starting as a volunteer. Please keep this in mind as you apply.

NPH provides all volunteers with food and accommodation. You only have to pay for your flight out and back home. Additionally, NPH pays each volunteer a monthly stipend of between $80-100, as well as comprehensive medical insurance.

All volunteers have access to the clinic in the NPH centre where they work. In the event of a more serious health issues, you'll be taken to a private health clinic in the area and the costs will be covered by the medical insurance provided by NPH.

If you are not available for 13 months, please contact us to find out about other volunteer opportunities at NPH. You may also be interested in our two-week service camps.

NPH provides food and accommodation for all volunteers. The living quarters are simple but comfortable. They vary from one country to another. Generally bedrooms are shared with one other volunteer. The kitchen, dining room and bathroom are shared by all the volunteeers. All our centres have running water, electricity, cooking facilities and wifi.

NPH centres are located in countries with significant levels of violence. However, NPH endeavours to provide a safe environment for the children, staff and volunteers. We have round-the-clock private security and volunteers are required to follow safety protocols from the moment they arrive. We familiarise all our volunteers with the NPH security manual.

Of course! Contact us and we'll put you in touch with someone currently volunteering or someone who has recently returned from an NPH country. Talking to an ex-volunteer can help answer any questions you may have and decide if NPH is the right place for you. We'll give you more in-depth preparation when your application has been accepted.

We'll get in touch with you within two weeks. Our volunteer coordinator will contact you to arrange an interview. During the interview you'll be asked questions, we'll evaluate your skills, we'll discuss which country you might go to, we'll answer any questions you may have about NPH and we'll explain the next stages of the process.

When you've been accepted officially as a volunteer, we'll ask you to send us a certificate of good health signed by your doctor. You'll also need to sign a code of conduct, as well as other agreements stipulating the rules of volunteer service. Volunteers are required submit a background check too.