Volunteer in the Philippines - Palawan Kindergarten Care Project

Make a lasting impact by volunteering at a local kindergarten in Palawan, Philippines. Teach and care for children aged 3–6 in Tigman Village while experiencing the island’s serene beaches and peaceful environment. Work alongside local teachers to improve children’s English communication skills through fun and creative learning activities. This program provides a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully while immersing yourself in Filipino culture.

Program Highlights:

Support local teachers with lesson preparation and fun learning activities.
Help with children’s basic hygiene routines, such as hand washing and teeth brushing.
Facilitate creative sessions such as singing, storytelling, and games.
Promote cultural exchange by sharing traditions from your home country.
Experience cultural immersion through social events like cultural and karaoke nights.
Explore Palawan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage during your free time.

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum One-Week Commitment):

Day 1, Sunday: Arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). You and fellow volunteers will be picked up from the airport and taken to settle into the volunteer house in Palawan.

Day 2, Monday: Breakfast, introduction meeting, house rules, and Filipino cultural lessons. Tour the local area and meet program coordinators for project preparation. End the day with a welcome dinner and social activities.

Days 3-6, Tuesday- Friday: Begin with breakfast before teaching and supporting children through fun learning sessions. After lunch, continue with creative activities such as storytelling, songs, and games. Evenings are free or include social events like Thursday’s karaoke night.

Days 7-8, Saturday and Sunday: Volunteers staying only one week will depart on Saturday. The weekend is free for volunteers who are extending to spend how they wish, with opportunities to visit Palawan’s natural and cultural attractions.

Remaining Weeks: Remaining weeks will follow the pattern of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Departures are on a Saturday.

Location of the Project: Palawan, Philippines

Project length: Min 1 week – Max 8 weeks

Arrival Airport: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS)

Volunteer Work: Teaching English, childcare, and supporting local teachers.

Age: 18+ (parental consent required for minors aged 17).

Number of volunteers: Up to 20 international volunteers

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared dorm in volunteer house

Food: Three meals during the week and two meals on the weekend

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup is provided upon arrival

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

International flights
Visa (if required)
Travel health insurance
Daily transportation to and from project site
Personal expenses (budget around $100 per week)

Location

Palawan is a stunning island province in the Philippines, with diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to dense tropical forests. The volunteer program is based in Tigman Village, a serene community within Aborlan municipality. Surrounded by quiet fishing villages and picturesque coastlines, the area has unique cultural heritage and local traditions. Its proximity to natural parks, waterfalls, and traditional markets makes it an excellent base for cultural exploration and outdoor activities. Easily reached from Puerto Princesa along the Palawan South Road, Tigman Village offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and nature-based adventures.

Volunteer Work

About the Program
The program focuses on improving early childhood education and supporting local teachers in Tigman Village’s kindergartens. Volunteers provide hands-on help in teaching English, organizing fun learning activities, and caring for children. This experience fosters cultural exchange while making a lasting impact on the community.

About the Volunteer Work
As a volunteer on this project, you will assist with daily activities, such as teaching basic English, preparing lessons, and organizing fun and educational games. Care tasks include helping with hygiene routines like hand washing, combing hair, and nail trimming. Volunteers also promote cultural exchange by introducing children to different cultures through stories, songs, and games.

Volunteer tasks will include:

Teach basic English through fun lessons and creative activities.
Assist with hygiene routines like hand washing and teeth brushing.
Prepare lessons, games, and learning materials.
Organize music, storytelling, and arts & crafts sessions.
Provide general classroom support and help with children’s meals.
Take part in local school and community events.
Help with assessment and progress monitoring.

A typical day: Start your day early with breakfast before heading to the kindergarten for morning teaching sessions, where you’ll engage children in fun, educational activities like songs, storytelling, and basic English lessons. After lunch, return for afternoon sessions focused on creative play, games, and preparation of lessons/topics/activities for the next day. The program provides daily transportation to and from the program site. Evenings are free for relaxation, or social activities like Thursday’s karaoke night at a nearby beach bar.

Holidays: While regular kindergarten classes do not take place during school holidays and breaks, the program continues with an English Summer Camp (mid-May to mid-July) held at the Volunteer Center, Village Plaza, and the Tribal Multi-Purpose Hall. This camp serves children aged 3–6 from the village, including members of the Tagbanwa Tribe from nearby barangays. Volunteer work does not take place during national holidays, such as Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Labor Day. However, you are welcome to take part in local celebrations during these times. After registering, you will receive a detailed file with the holiday dates of the kindergarten program.

Recommended: Combine this program with our Kindergarten Care program in stunning El Nido for a diverse volunteer experience in Palawan, Philippines. GoEco will help arrange the transfers.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer house, but coverage can be inconsistent.

Laundry icon Laundry: There are limited laundry facilities, so expect to hand wash your clothes.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: You’ll be staying at the volunteer house with 4-8 volunteers per room for the duration of your placement. The accommodations include cold-water showers and Western style toilets. There is a beach by the river within walking distance that is ideal for swimming.

Food icon Food: Three meals are provided on weekdays, with brunch and dinner on weekends. Meals feature a mix of local Filipino and Western cuisine. Dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.

Requirements

Please note this project’s minimum requirements:

Minimum age of 18 (parental consent required for minors aged 17)
GoEco interview
Police clearance
Travel and health insurance.
Basic English proficiency.
Motivation to work with children
Required vaccinations: Polio, Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Malaria, and Tetanus (please consult your local travel clinic)

Travel Highlights

Travel Extras
Enhance your experience in Palawan by adding unique cultural and nature-based programs before or after your volunteer stay.

Palawan Cultural Immersion Week (Recommended Before Volunteering):
Delve into Palawan’s rich culture through an immersive introduction week. Learn key Filipino phrases, try your hand at local crafts like hand fan making and Nipa hut weaving, and join a traditional cooking class. Explore natural and cultural highlights such as a refreshing swim at Estrella Waterfalls and a visit to Narra’s lively public market. This week is perfect for building connections with other participants and gaining a deeper understanding of local traditions before starting your volunteer journey.
Aborlan Discovery Experience:
Experience the beauty of Aborlan through a blend of cultural and nature-based activities. Enjoy a peaceful swim at the Talakaigan River, trek through scenic jungle trails, and learn basket weaving from the indigenous Tagbanwa and Palaw’an tribes. Explore local pottery workshops, visit bustling markets, and tour the Puerto Princesa Wildlife and Conservation Center. End the week with a relaxing beach day and a traditional Filipino massage.

*See Additional Options below for fees.

Fun Volunteer Program Activities

Cultural Night (Monday): Get a glimpse of Filipino culture through traditional performances featuring local dances. Enjoy well-known performances such as the lively Tinikling and Palawan’s cultural dance, “Solteros,” where participants can join in. This cultural celebration fosters a deeper appreciation of Filipino heritage while creating fun social moments with fellow volunteers.
Karaoke Night (Thursday): Unwind at a local beachside bar with karaoke, music, and dancing. This lively social gathering serves as both a welcome for new participants and a farewell celebration for those completing their program. It’s a great way to relax, connect with others, and enjoy a fun night by the ocean.

Famous Sights & Surroundings in Palawan

Coron Bay: Known for its legendary shipwreck diving sites between Busuanga and Culion islands.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River: A UNESCO-listed underground river offering a remarkable cave exploration experience.
El Nido: Home to dramatic rock formations, serene lagoons, and unforgettable island-hopping adventures.
Port Barton: A peaceful beach destination featuring local seafood, quiet islands, and laid-back beach vibes.
Honda Bay & Puerto Princesa: Discover islands like Cowrie, visit Balayong Park, and experience the serene Butterfly Garden.
Aborlan Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore Palawan’s diverse ecosystems on a guided tour featuring unique wildlife and stunning natural scenery.
Mangrove Forests & Malatgao Mangrove Ecopark: Enjoy boat rides through peaceful mangrove waterways and walks along wooden paths.
Estrella Waterfalls: Take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear waters of this scenic waterfall, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.