OCDF Volunteer China

OCDF can arrange volunteer programs with our collaborative nonprofit orphan care providers in the BORN (Beijing Orphan Resource Network) collaborative. These include such providers as China Care, Philip Hayden Foundation, Hope Foster Home, and others. See www.ocdf.org/orphansupport for our support programs, and for more on BORN.

We can arrange short-term or long-term volunteer programs. These programs can be a full day, or even a half day, for individuals or families who might be looking for short programs to schedule during a tour. Our volunteer programs can also last a week or a month for a familiy or group, if you are looking for a more in-depth project. We customize each volunteer program to assure your family that the site is age-appropriate for your child(ren). We work with schools and mission groups to assure a worthwhile experience for your members or participants.

Volunteering can be holding or playing with children, but that's not all that is done - it really depends on the site and what they need volunteers to do on any given day. Volunteering is just that - doing what is needed to help the facility and children in their care. Some days it's playing, some days it's folding laundry, some days it's feeding or bathing or outdoor play. You might even find yourself painting murals, or gardening, or making scrapbooks for a child getting ready to be adopted. It's important to remember that volunteering means being flexible and open to whatever help they need from you.

Our Experience

OCDF has been arranging volunteer programs for 4 years in Beijing, China. We do not arrange for volunteering at government orphanages where your child may have once resided. This type of volunteer program is not permitted, except when there are government-approved projects such as the builds undertaken by Half the Sky Foundation. In general, the orphanages are not able to undertake long-term guests. We work directly with non-profit non-government organizations that have orphan care facilities in the Beijing-Tianjin corridor. There are 30 such sites. They vary in size and mission. Some serve only special needs children with cerebral palsy, while others only serve children who are blind. Each has their own unique programs and array of children to work with - various ages, developmental needs, physical handicaps, etc. We do "match-making" in that we try to fit what a family or group can offer (type of volunteering) with the needs of these institutions/organizations.

Is lodging available on-site?
Some of the orphan care locations in the Beijing area do offer on-site housing/lodging in modest accomodations. If you wish to stay on-site, please indicate with your request.

Who can volunteer?
OCDF works with adoptive families, church and school groups, and individuals from the business/expat community who wish to volunteer. We arrange volunteer programs for international schools and global corporations. OCDF and the organizations we work with reserve the right to refuse volunteers, We also reserve the right to screen volunteers to assure the orphan care providers that suitable persons are working with their children. Please do not be offended if you are asked to complete an application form or reference form for one of the orphan care sites. Families with small children should prepare their children for the range of disabilities that children in orphan care sites may have. To some children, this could be difficult and emotional without adequate preparation.

How we help you
OCDF has full-time staff to assist you with your travel planning and orphanage volunteer efforts. Please email michael@ocdf.org or jane@ocdf.org with your questions or requests, and we will work with you to plan your volunteer program.

Costs associated with volunteering include: Airport transfers (if needed), lodging, meals, local transportation, and interpreting services (if required). Some sites will have English speaking staff, some will not.

Interested in volunteering before or after your OCDF China Tour?
Please download our flier (PDF) to find out more about registering for the programs we have arranged especially for our tour participants.