Belarussian Orphanage Project

Love . Dignity . Integrity . Respect

Since the very first BOP Summer Project (1999), it has grown to become a Volunteering phenomenon. The professionalism of the Belarussian Orphanage Project Summer Project is renowned and every possible area is covered by a team of experienced coordinators and trainers.

Each year we are inundated with applications and to date we have had only the very best of Volunteers from Ireland, Britain, Europe and the U.S.. (we have also had Russian and Ukrainian volunteers!). One of our stipulations to qualify to travel is the attendance of our training days in Ireland so as you not only familiarise yourself with our work and who is involved, but you get to meet the other members of your team. Prior to travelling to Belarus all of our volunteers submit to us paperwork and documents including Passport details, references and medical certificates that are also required by the authorities in Belarus and the Administration of our Institutions. Volunteers are given sufficient advance notice for these and for the appropriate inoculations.

When Volunteers arrive in Minsk, all Airport procedures, including Visas are pre arranged and once on our Bus into the city we begin the familiarisation process as you adapt to your new culture and surroundings.. This includes a detailed tour of the City and surrounding countryside… parks, shops, restaurants and the general geography of your new home. Once orientated its then off to the Novinki Orphanage where a majority of your trip is spent… to meet and work with the 217+ kids who reside there. To the over 1200 Volunteers who have participated in projects over the years, these are the most incredibly special kids in Belarus.

New Volunteers (Newbies) are introduced to the kids on a gradual basis and always work side by side with other experienced Volunteers (Repeats) and our Belarussian Project staff, many of whom speak basic English. With conditions ranging from mild Downs Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities the kids are treated to a project full of fun and games with a major emphasis being placed on being outdoors in the Belarussian sunshine and participating in games in the special playgrounds and sports areas. which our building teams and past volunteers have constructed. The less physically-able kids enjoy their hours of relaxation in our purpose built Therapy Rooms, Solarium or in our Music Therapy Centre, where aromatherapy, massage and general ‘Zen’ness are the order of the day..                                                                                  Sports competitions are held, Dance marathons and Discos are a daily event and its not uncommon to see wheelchair races go zipping past!. Fun Fun and more Fun… especially on any of the ‘Themed’ days (Clown, Irish, Princess days )

Generally the weather is bright sunny and Hot, and we begin work at 9.30am taking a break to debrief at 11am and again at 12.30 for Lunch.  From 12.30pm the kids are also having their lunch and this is followed by their afternoon nap which lasts until 4pm. During this time Volunteers jump on our bus and head off to another institution or to the shopping centres and supermarkets. Then its generally back to the Orphanage to work on our projects. On particularly hot days we travel to the local lake and bask in the sunshine and recharge our batteries in preparation for the 4pm invasion of the playgrounds by the now well rested kids. From 4pm to 6-7pm its discos, parties and games with the kids of all of the departments until they and you are on your adrenaline high.

After a long day of ‘Play’ (‘you're never to old to enjoy your youth’!) we travel back to our hotel to get ready to go out for dinner. Volunteers spend the evenings relaxing by the lakes in the many beautiful parks in Minsk City, dining out in a wide variety of restaurants or just chilling at events like the traditional Belarussian Bar-B-Que… ‘Shaslik’… or dressing up for a trip to the world famous Bolshoi Ballet or Opera.. where sipping champagne and nibbling on caviar is part of the tradition. Occasionally we take the kids to the State Circus but most of the state institutions close for the summer. Volunteers also have specific time off for shopping trips to the big shopping centres and markets where designer denims, perfumes, sunglasses and C.D’s / DVD’s are the most popular purchases. After a few days we also commence our programmes in the other institutions of Draznia and Viacha, generally travelling there to meet with and work with the residents and special visits are planned for Ivanyets and to our new Institution at Semashko. Again concerts, parties and excursions to different historical sites, parks and monuments with picnics are part of the programme.

BOP organises everything including Flights, Visas, Transport, Accommodation, Uniform, Insurance, I.D. Cards and all paperwork associated with your trip. All we ask of volunteers is to have a valid passport in to our office at the required date. The application process, dates and times are outlined in more detail on our application page.

Summer project for many of our Volunteers is not a once off experience and many return to Belarus every year. These are your team leaders and their knowledge, experience and wisdom is second to none. They are there working with you side by side for the duration of your trip and at no time do you feel any of the programme or experiences are overwhelming. The Summer Project Coordinator along with our management team and interpreters are available to you at all times also. Some of our new volunteers most popular queries are covered in F.A.Q.. (Frequently Asked Questions) page.

So if you are interested in taking part in these truly amazing trips, dates and application details are on our applications page along with details of  our information seminars.

Summer Projects

Volunteering in Belarus during Summer.. June, July & August