Many children in orphanages, or children’s homes as they are referred to in Jamaica do not have access to the basic necessities and emotional support needed for their development. Volunteers are essential in providing these children with the care and love they need. By joining our volunteer orphanage abroad programs, you can engage with local communities, work directly with children, and support the daily operations of orphanages. These orphanage volunteer opportunities abroad will provide you with a priceless learning experience, as well as the chance to share your knowledge and skills, nurture children who are less fortunate and try your best to make a difference, however small.
Volunteer orphanage abroad opportunities offer more than just a change of scenery and stress relief; they provide a chance for adventure and genuine connections. Unlike the predictable experiences at tourist destinations, volunteering opens doors to unexpected and enriching encounters. Here’s why you should consider a volunteer orphanage program abroad:
For 1-day or placement only orphanage volunteer projects, we can place you in childcare facilities in Montego Bay, Falmouth, Kingston and St. Catherine. For full projects, we offer projects in only Kingston and St. Catherine.
This project is perfect for volunteers who love to work with children. Up to 40 hours of volunteer hours per week, and includes certificates of completion.
You do not need prior experience to join our volunteer orphanage abroad programs, however, if you wish for more advanced placements where you will be doing skill based tasks, such as training or evaluating staff at the homes, performing healthcare checks on the children such as dental or vision screenings or counselling the children, then you will need relevant qualifications and experience. Professionals will need to provide such qualifications during application to secure advanced placements.
What do you need to join the ranks of volunteer orphanage abroad? The minimum age to enroll alone is 16 years old. Volunteers under 16 looking to join this project must be accompanied by an adult.
Once you have applied and paid your enrollment fee and project tuition, there are a few documents we’ll ask you to share with us:
Email these to your Project Advisor during the enrollment process, or you can submit them during your application.
We encourage all volunteers to pre-plan for their volunteer orphanage abroad projects. This ensures you will make the biggest impact during your project. When you are accepted to join, we will advise and assist you with brainstorming about the activities you wish to do during your project. We can also schedule a meeting with you to go over the activities you have planned.
These are just some examples. Feel free to discuss any other activities you would like to engage in during your project.
The first day of your volunteer orphanage abroad project will see you visiting your volunteer site accompanied by your Project Advisor. You will get a tour of the property, get introduced to your team members, receive a brief orientation, and learn where to get lunch.
On some afternoons and weekends when you do not have any volunteer work planned, you can purchase a tour and adventure package to have some fun during your orphanage volunteer abroad project. You are also free to make your own arrangements on weekends.
After your volunteer abroad orphanage project is completed, we will award you with your Volunteer Certificate, signed by our Managing Director. If you have any documents that verify your volunteer or service hours, we will be happy to sign those as well.
We strongly encourage all participants looking to volunteer in orphanages abroad with us in Jamaica to do some form of fundraising back home to gather resources that can be donated. These include educational supplies, clothing, toys, etc. We will send you a list of needed resources for your volunteer site.
By paying the enrollment fee, you are guaranteed a placement within our project and your dates are secured
Placement Only Enrollment Fee
One-Time Fee
1-Day Enrollment Fee
Start at
$150
Full projects include accommodation, meals, transportation and in-country support
$1,210
Total
$2,800
Total
$795
Per Additional Week
within an organization in Jamaica where you will volunteer or intern
at your project work site to support your project and make an impact
Di Real Jamaican membership is a mini course that teaches you about Jamaica
Full breakfast and dinner each day, and we cater to all diets or allergies
Live like a local in a shared dorm or private room with modern amenities
Daily project transfers and airport pickup and return
before your project begins, during your project and after you depart.
Throughout your project, enjoy outings to museums, ice cream, beaches & more
Project certificates & verification of your work hours after project completion
Shared dorm or private room with A/C
Clean bathrooms with hot shower
Free cable TV and Wi-Fi at your homebase
Secure home with cameras & panic button
Quiet family homebase to live like a local
Clean towels, washrags, pillows & bed linen
Rooms and common areas cleaned daily
Nightlife like games night & cooking classes
Welcome giftbag with goodies from JIP
Our primary accommodation is Barnett’s Homestay, located in the quiet community of Portmore, St. Catherine. You will stay with Jomo Barnett, the Director of Jamaica International Projects, and his family during your project. This is your chance to live with a Jamaican family and learn our culture.
Volunteer orphanage opportunities are designed for a mature audience seeking meaningful volunteering experiences. Here’s what to expect:
This structured and supportive environment ensures a fulfilling and safe experience for volunteers focused on helping orphanages.
When you are ready to enroll in our volunteer abroad with children in Jamaica, you can begin our simple enrollment process. Our team is always just a quick call or message away. Follow these steps to start planning and preparing for the volunteer experience of a lifetime.
Read through this page, what is included in our volunteer orphanage abroad project and decide if this project is a right fit for you. Consider the costs involved, project durations, the requirements, and what you are able to do.
Feel free to learn more about us and what we stand for. Read about us, check out our reviews, download our volunteer brochure, or read through our FAQ.
Start talking with your parents or guardian, friends, academic advisors, or mentors about the volunteer orphanage abroad program, why you want to join and what you hope to accomplish during your trip. Be sure to share our website or brochure with them.
Reach out to us to connect with a Project Advisor who will guide you through the enrollment process, answer any questions you have, help you set your goals and itinerary, and meet with you and your parents or guardians to provide more information about the volunteer at an orphanage abroad program in Jamaica.
Complete the application form. By applying you won’t be making a commitment or locking yourself into the project, so you are free to explore other options and compare our projects with other volunteer organizations. Instead, your application will help us better advise you, plan your itinerary and customize a project for you. We review and respond to applications within 48 hours.
Schedule a virtual meeting with us. If you are under 18, you are required to have a parent or guardian present. Meetings are done on Zoom, Google Meets, or via phone call.
Review the offer email, which includes the cost, sample itinerary, what is included, and what you need to submit.
Pay the Enrollment Fee and the Project Tuition. You have the option to pay the Project Tuition in full or request a payment plan.
Submit outstanding payments and documents. The documents you should submit include:
Within a month of the start date of your volunteer orphanage abroad program, we will host a 30-minute onboarding call on Zoom or Google Meets with you. This includes an official welcome, tips and guides, and virtual orientation. You will get access to our language, culture, and our travel safety and security course online that you can complete at your own pace.
Check your passport to ensure it will not expire during your trip, research if you need a visa to stay in your host country, obtain a travel medical insurance plan that covers you during your volunteer orphanage abroad program, and book your flights.
Confirm that all fees are paid, and submit all required documents.
There is no restriction on the nationalities that can participate in our international orphanage volunteer opportunities. Our only restriction is the age range of our participants, which is 14 and older if you will be traveling alone. Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes! Read our reviews to see what our past volunteers and interns have to say about us, and during the enrollment process, you can request to connect with a past volunteer/intern.
This depends on the time of year that you join, but you may meet other volunteers during your project. Keep in mind that other volunteers and interns may be enrolled in a different project than yours.
You must be 14 years old or older to enroll on your own. If you are younger than 14, you will have to enroll with a parent or guardian. For a full list of requirements check out this list. Jamaica is an English-speaking country, so you should be able to read, write and speak English (you don’t need to be fluent).
No experience or qualifications are required, just a willingness to do a great job and have lots of fun. We encourage you to share any dietary needs or any special accommodations needed for your participation. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about choosing the right program for you.
Beyond the program tuition and enrollment fee, consider these additional costs to ensure a smooth and worry-free financial experience:
We accept payments by credit card or international wire transfer. You have the option to pay in full or go on a payment plan.
Looking for sponsorships or grants? While we don’t offer them directly, we can still help! Check with your school, parents/guardians, and mentors – they might have travel scholarships or grants available. We will assist with any application paperwork you need.
Need help funding your trip? Our detailed fundraising guide offers two options:
To get the most out of your work in an orphanage abroad, starting on the recommended Sunday is ideal. This way, you’ll participate in the initial orientation alongside your fellow participants, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the beginning. Need to adjust your arrival date? No problem! Just let us know before enrolling, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Absolutely! Everything is better with friends. You can join with a parent, friend, sibling, or spouse and share a room (based on availability).
Yes! We take your safety and security seriously. Some steps we take to keep you safe during your trip include:
Follow this link for more information on how we keep you safe.
All Year Round
1-3 Days | 1-12 Weeks
1 Day, Placement Only, Virtual and Full Project
