Home for Children & Young Persons

We are a permanent home for children and young persons who have been socially excluded. This association was established more than 50 years ago and houses twelve children in each of six houses with a male and female tutor and two female or male volunteers. The institution benefits up to 72 children and young persons aged between 6 and 19 years of age and all come from a vulnerable background. We welcome these youngsters and help them to develop. Not only has an educational model been developed; but also a productive one to encourage the constant search for self-sustenance promoted by the model which forms the basis for the institution.

What does IPODERAC expect from its volunteers?

• That they assume co-responsibility for the development of the youngsters by accompanying them in their daily activities
• That they communicate frankly and openly with the person in charge of coordinating volunteers and with the tutors; other volunteers and the overall IPODERAC team
• That they create a relationship with the youngsters founded on respect and trust so as to get to know them and guide them as best as possible
• That they set an example in terms of order; cleanliness; respect; attitude and punctuality
• That they participate with enthusiasm and generosity in the youngsters’ activities
• That they conduct themselves according to the basic code of conduct which applies to IPODERAC personnel.

What does IPODERAC offer volunteers?

In addition to the opportunity to get to know the organization and the youngsters in different areas; volunteering involves:

• Board and lodging for full-time volunteers
• Integration within IPODERAC depending on personal ability; interests and possibilities of each volunteer in line with the needs of the institution
• Arrange an induction process to IPODERAC
• Provide the necessary training where information or special training is required
• Group or personal guidance throughout the volunteering experience; especially through regular evaluation; feedback and interaction with the volunteer group and with the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer activities

The activities within the institution in which the volunteers will participate with the youngsters are:

• Vegetables – Some vegetables are grown at IPODERAC for consumption at the home
• Studies – Each afternoon; resident tutors and volunteer tutors and staff help and supervise youngsters while they do their homework and prepare their school projects
• Laundry – Bedding and household linen are regularly laundered in each house
• Maintenance – Implies ensuring that existing equipment and installations are maintained in good order so that they are working at their best
• Goats – Care and feeding of a goatherd which provides the milk to make the cheese and soap of Villa Nolasco
• Cheese factory – A variety of fine cheeses are produced with the goats’ milk and their sale makes a significant contribution to the funding costs of the institution. Kitchen Meals – Are prepared daily and distributed for consumption at each house.

In some specific cases; depending on professional background:

• Pedagogic and psychological assessment – Each youngster is wherever possible provided with personal support according to the problems that may present themselves as they develop
• Special tuition – This addresses specific learning areas such as maths; reading; writing; English; computing and other school subjects.

None