Frequently Asked Volunteering Questions
Do I need a passport and visa to travel to Haiti?
Yes, a passport is required. A visa is not required.
What immunizations, if any, are required to enter Haiti?
No immunizations are required, but it is highly suggested that you receive Hep A, Hep B, Tetanus and Typhoid shots. It is also suggested that you take malaria medication if you are traveling to Haiti.
Wouldn't it be better and more cost effective to just send the money that would be spent to send a volunteer?
Actually, No. The extra love and attention the volunteers provide to the children is invaluable. The donations the volunteers bring are also worth much more than the money that donations would have been. Anything that can be brought or donated to Haiti means one less item that has to be bought in Haiti where the inflation is soaring.
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
There are three different types of volunteer trips:
- Orphanage trips—helping in the orphanages by working and playing with the children
- Building trips—helping to construct the new orphanage
- Sponsorship/educational trips—helping in the schools and surrounding communities of those schools sponsored by SionFonds
How frequently do you plan volunteer trips?
We tentatively plan volunteer trips at least once every six months.
Why do you insist that all volunteers travel to Haiti together?
We require this for ease of transportation and safety reasons.
What is the average cost of participating in a volunteer trip?
The average cost is between $1500 and $2,000.
What is the duration of the volunteer trips?
The volunteer trips will last anywhere from 5-10 days in length.
What should I bring to entertain the kids?
The children probably won't be as interested in books, games and crafts as American children would be. They are worth bringing though. They like to look at pictures, especially of themselves. The girls like to do hair. In fact, if you bring beads or crafting things they will use them in their hair. The children seem to like Creole/English picture dictionaries also.
Will there be a translator?
Not with the children, but there will most likely be at least one person with our group that can speak both Creole and English. You will have to come up with other ways of communication for example, music, gestures, and singing.
Will there be any planned outings or will we be at the orphanage the whole time?
Depending on the availability of transportation there may be opportunities to visit the beach, go shopping, and go to church.
When (and to whom) do I submit my necessary liability forms?
The trip leader will set the due date for submission of the forms.