Volunteer in Turkey where Continents and Cultures Meet!

As one of the world's most beautiful cities spanning both Europe and Asia, Istanbul embodies the mission of United Planet as a bridge between cultures. The Turkey Quest will make a remarkable lifetime memory since volunteers will work with precious children, while experiencing such a fascinating culture. I hope to go back as soon as possible! - David Santulli , United Planet Executive Director

These unique and culturally fascinating Quests blend working with children in one of the world’s most beautiful and exotic cities, Istanbul, while learning about the incredible culture and people of Turkey!United Planet's unique Quest opportunities enable you to gaze beyond cultural boundaries to support, learn from and befriend the warm and gracious people of Turkey. 

Why does United Planet work in Turkey?
Turkey has many orphaned and homeless children, on average 40 children are abandoned each day and the number of families that have to give their children to foster care has risen drastically in recent years, from 8,000 to 34,000. Existing childcare organizations do not have the capacity to cope with this increase and as such the quality of care and education of the children is deteriorating. This means that there are also many children living on the streets in Turkey, in Istanbul there are over 1,500 children living on the streets and the figure nationwide exceeds 6,000.  

Ongoing Volunteer Quests:

Orphanage Quest (only available 1st August - 10th August 2008)
As a United Planet volunteer, you will spend your time interacting with the orphaned children in a Foster Care Home while also experiencing Turkish life and culture in the beautiful city of Istanbul located on two continents - Asia and Europe. You will take part in a variety of meaningful activities and projects with the children (whose ages range from 7 to 14 years). These activities include playing with the children who are in great need of care and attention, teaching them English, dance, music, theatre and doing arts and crafts. You might also have the opportunity to do some gardening work in the area.

Special Healthcare Volunteer Opportunities at the Orphanage:
Dentists, physicians, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, and medical and dental students are needed at the Foster Care Home.

Social work Quest – (open year round - minimum stay 4 weeks)

The neighborhood is located 5-10 minutes from Taksim Square, one of the busiest squares in Central Istanbul.  You will spend your time helping the children and women at a social work center in a poor and ethnically diverse area. The center reaches out to about 150 children per week. Volunteers should have social work experience, a relevant college degree, or be enrolled in a relevant college degree program. This is a challenging yet very rewarding work placement and volunteers need to be prepared to take the initiative and use their creative side!

 The duties are:

• Working with children-You will be playing with the children, teaching music, drama, painting and English. Extra skills like making crafts or playing musical instruments are useful for this project.
• Working with women- you would be working with women, educating them about reproduction health and other female health issues. In addition to this there is also the opportunity to work on craft projects with them, such as woodwork. Knowledge or experience with women’s health and other skills such as craft making are welcomed for this project. 

Language Requirement:
While no knowledge of Turkish is required, it is always useful to know the basics before you come. The social workers whom you will be collaborating with will always make a real effort to understand, and there is generally alwayssomeone around that will be able to translate for you if there is a need.  United Planet will alsoprovide some basic Turkish lessons during your Quest.

Possible Excursions:

• Princess Islands
• The Blue Mosque
• The Hagia Sofia
• Ancient City of Troy
• The Cappadocian Region

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!

For more information about visiting Turkey, click here.