How do I begin the process of volunteering through CCC?

Please start by reading the “Short and Long Term Orphanage Volunteers Needed!” announcement on our website. Then complete the “Volunteer Information Form” and the “Volunteer Travel Release,” sign, and fax them to 303-850-9997, “Attention: Xia Zhong,” or scan the documents and email to charity@chinesechildren.org. Please feel free to call Xia with any questions at 303-850-9998 ext.17.

 Where is the orphanage?

The orphanage is called Luohe Social Welfare Institute and is located in Luohe City, Henan Province. It is a two hour ride from the airport in the provincial capital city of Zhengzhou. Luohe is an agricultural city and has a population of approximately 2.5 million.

What are orphanage conditions like?

The Luohe SWI is divided into two buildings. One building is the orphanage for children up to 16 years old. The other building is a nursing home for the elderly. The children’s orphanage has three floors. It currently houses 150 children, of which 90% have special needs. CCAI cares for 15-20 children in two special rooms called “Lily Orphan Care Rooms.” Children’s ages in the LOCRs range from a few days to one year old. Volunteers will serve in these rooms during the week (Click here for pictures. Mouse over to enlarge image.)

What is involved in the position?

CCAI seeks volunteers to help with daily childcare such as feeding, bathing, or playing with babies, all of whom will have special needs. A typical workday for a volunteer is six hours. Volunteers work Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Our on-site team leader and 15 staff members will guide volunteers through daily duties, however, none of them speak very much English.

Are there living accommodations available for volunteers at the orphanage?

Yes, the orphanage has a small guest house available to foreign volunteers free of charge (click here for pictures). It is equipped with a bedroom, kitchen, shower, refrigerator, microwave, TV, and Western toilet facilities. Volunteers may also stay in a local hotel if they prefer.

Where will I have lunch while volunteering at the Luohe Orphanage?

The volunteer living accommodations have a small kitchen where food can be prepared, or lunch can be purchased from the orphanage cafeteria. (Noodles are served every day for $1.00, but volunteers may not be accustomed to conditions in an orphanage cafeteria and may prefer to prepare their own lunch.)

If I stayed at a local hotel, would traveling to the orphanage be difficult?

No. We do have a contract with a three-star hotel which costs $27/room/night (including a nice breakfast for two each day). The hotel is located in the center of Luohe City, and it takes about 10 minutes by taxi (which costs less than $2 one way) from the hotel to the orphanage. A taxi is always available in front of the hotel.

Are there places for shopping, restaurants, and/or other forms of transportation adjacent to the orphanage and hotel?

Unfortunately, there is little of interest around the orphanage vicinity, but surrounding the hotel there are trains, a bus station, shopping malls, and KFC.

Is there a CCAI representative in the area that can be hired to help us get around and help with translation, etc?

No, we do not have a CCAI representative in Luohe. However, the LOCR staff can help volunteers to contact a travel agent in Zhengzhou if volunteers would like to travel around the province during their visit. Also, the orphanage can help locate students who study some English at their high schools to show volunteers around the city during the weekend.

Is it a good idea to take my children to the orphanage?

No. Volunteers will be very busy during their shifts and will not be able to bring their children with them to the LOCRs. Childcare is not provided. Furthermore, it may be emotionally difficult for children to deal with orphanage and living conditions. There are also not a lot of interesting things in the city for younger children to see or do and no places to play. And finally, the air pollution is quite bad in Luohe City and may not be suitable for young children.