The Pater Schlooz Foundation collaborates with the Don Bosco SAMEN organization to send volunteers abroad. This organization supports young individuals aged 18 to 25 who aspire to work as volunteers on street children projects in Africa, South America, or Asia. Some street children eventually decide to join a street children project, where they can find shelter, receive meals, and attend school. Children who have lived on the streets often carry a wealth of experiences and each has their own unique story. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to provide them with additional attention, engage in play with them, and create joyful moments in their lives. By living and working alongside street children, you dedicate yourself to their well-being and can make a meaningful impact in their lives. In return, you will gain a unique life experience and learn more about yourself.
DB-SAMEN organizes informational weekends, connects Dutch youth with street children projects, such as those run by the Pater Schlooz Foundation in India, and arranges a group trip every summer. DB-SAMEN is part of Don Bosco, a global organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and youth around the world. This affiliation allows DB-SAMEN to maintain strong relationships with Don Bosco’s street children projects.
Twice a year, DB-SAMEN hosts an information weekend in the forests of Apeldoorn, known as the street children weekend. This weekend is designed for young individuals interested in the challenges faced by street children or those considering volunteering on a project in a developing country. The focus of the weekend is on the lives of street children. How do they survive? Where do they go? What issues do they face, and how can you make a difference for them? What does it mean to work with them? During the street children weekend, you will have the opportunity to connect with former volunteers and other young people who share similar aspirations as you.
If you’re interested in working on a street children project, the Pater Schlooz Foundation and DB-SAMEN offer you the opportunity to embark on a longer-term journey. It is possible to participate in a project for a minimum of three months, as it can take time to acclimate and for the children to get used to you. During your stay at the street children project, you will organize activities for the children, teach lessons, assist with childcare, and go out into the streets to help children who are still living on the streets. In short, you will provide the children with love, attention, and joy.
DB-SAMEN always pairs you with a buddy who is also going to the same project during the same timeframe. If you don’t know anyone to volunteer with, DB-SAMEN will help you find a partner. Afterwards, you and your buddy will intensively prepare for the trip, guided by two experienced volunteers. You will actively engage in conversations, participate in the street children weekend, and the AKN weekend (Other Side of the Netherlands) where you will learn about projects for the homeless, sex workers, and addicts in Amsterdam. Additionally, you will have a meeting with someone from the Pater Schlooz Foundation and a former volunteer who has previously worked at ‘your’ project.
The costs associated with this adventure vary. The mediation through DB-SAMEN is free because DB-SAMEN receives funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is primarily run by volunteers. Travel expenses, preparation costs, insurance costs, and a small fee of €5.00 per day for your stay will be at your own expense. The exact cost of your trip will depend on your destination, travel plans, and the duration of your journey.
Do you want more information about street children or the opportunities to engage with a street children project through DB-SAMEN? Or are you curious about the experiences of young people who have traveled with DB-SAMEN? Then visit www.samen.org or email us at info@samen.org.
The projects of the Pater Schlooz Foundation that are eligible for this are highlighted on this website with “Volunteer work possible!”
