Help at-risk children grow and develop.  First, one of the most important contributions you can make is to interact with the youngest residents: the toddlers and pre-schoolers who need you to hold and help them with their first steps, and play the games that allow their socialization and language skills to progress normally. Activities take many forms:

• arts and craft projects
• outdoor recreation
• reading and singing
• preparing for bedtime

You can also provide specialized care to special-needs kids, who often follow a daily physical therapy regimen.

Classroom assistance: Work in kindergarten classrooms on assigned writing and art projects with kindergartners.

English teaching: You can also teach English language skills to students in the fifth through 12th grades. Most students have had little English language exposure, but are eager to try in small groups. Any native English speaker can be of service on this project. You are not required to have professional classroom experience.

Labor and construction: For volunteers who liketo roll up their sleeves to make a difference, several pressing labor projects have been identified for immediate attention. Assignments will be made in the areas of painting, carpentry, window and light installation, gardening and general building maintenance.