Assist with severely disabled children and contribute to their overall development. You’ll help looking after, caring for and teaching children with Cerebral Palsy in beautiful New Zealand. This is a challenging yet totally rewarding and inspiring project where you can really make a difference.

The school you'll work with offers education & therapy for students who are severely disabled with Cerebral Palsy. Some have physical disabilities, but some have cognitive potential comparable to chronological age. Many have hi-tech assistive communication devices.

The school has approximately 63 children in 10 classes, a parent and baby group, plus a preschool class. They provide specialised programmes in classrooms with a high teacher-to-pupil ratio and therapy involvement in all classes. Class teams comprise Teacher, Speech Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Teacher Aides.

 

Why Apply

  • An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into New Zealand and you'll learn about the Maori culture that makes this country so fascinating!
  • The enormous satisfaction of also helping disabled children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
  • New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
  • An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
  • And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

 

Role

You’ll be working mainly as a Teaching Aid but also get the opportunity to observe and assist the various therapists as they work with students and the team of staff to facilitate student learning. In the classes much of the day is spent on "caring" activities like:

  • Positioning students in standing frame or appropriate seating in readiness for learning activity
  • Transferring, lifting and supporting students in accordance with their needs.
  • Assisting with meal times
  • Changing nappies (optional for volunteers)

You’ll also be involved with some or all of the following:

  • Assisting with classroom preparation as directed by teacher
  • Working in the class with children at allocated time
  • Assisting students in accessing curriculum and therapy programmes as directed by teacher or therapists
  • Maintaining and cleaning equipment and resources as and when necessary.

The main campus looks after the most severely disabled and there are 2 satellite units which are part of "normal" schools - one primary where the students are aged between 5 and 12 years old and one intermediate with children aged between 12 and 15 years.

You do not need any specific qualifications. This is a very challenging and physical placement as well as being very hands-on so you should be willing to work hard and bring the necessary empathy and patience with you.

This project is ideally suited to those who may be considering a career in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy or Speech & Language Therapy with disabled children and for anyone who just wants to give a helping hand.

Working hours are from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.This gives you plenty of time to explore beautiful Auckland and surrounding areas.

 

Dates

This project runs during the school terms. The school dates are approximately as follows:

  • Term 1: 5th Feb - 9th April
  • Term 2: 27th April - 3rd July
  • Term 3: 20 July - 25th Sept
  • Term 4: 13th Oct - 18th Dec

Your project days and times are 8:25 - 3.00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

 

Accommodation & Location

You'll live in a centrally located hostel that is friendly and relaxing, making it ideal for long-term stays. You will be sharing a room with other volunteers. There is a communal kitchen and storage area for cooking meals and plenty of space to relax.

Entertainment at your accommodation includes cheap internet access, TV and free pool table. You are literally a stroll from the Sky Tower, harbor and waterfront. Accommodation is very central and close to the main train station and shopping district. Buses are also only a few minutes away to take you to parts of Auckland and New Zealand or to the many other ‘things to do’!

The city centre boasts great shopping, restaurants and pubs or head over to the viaduct for more pubs, nightclubs and multicultural cuisine. You'll get to work via bus, which is close to your accommodation.

The city is modern and vibrant - a fun and friendly with beautiful surrounding islands and harbour. Some of its more famous attractions include the sky tower, Rangitoto island, the harbor, the Hauraki gulf islands and the many extinct volcanoes that are in Auckland which provide great views of the city.

For meals in local restaurants, a trip to Auckland's inner city centre is well worth the effort - it bustles with activity and offers a range of choices of restaurants.

You will fly into Auckland where you'll be met by our local organiser. From the airport you'll be taken to your accommodation. Several days later, once you have settled in and recovered from the flight, you will be introduced to the staff on your project.

 

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on this programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 18 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

 

What To Do Next

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.