About the program
Join local volunteer teams across Ireland and help support children and young people through a variety of educational, recreational, and community-based programmes.
In recent years, educational and youth services have faced increasing demands as communities seek to provide greater support, enrichment opportunities, and inclusive programmes for children and young people. Volunteers play an important role in helping organisations maintain and expand these valuable services.
We place international volunteers in a variety of projects supporting children and young people throughout Ireland, including afterschool services, playschools, preschools, summer camps, primary and secondary schools, as well as youth organisations. Placements are available in communities across the country and are carefully matched to each volunteer's profile, experience, and interests. Some projects also work with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or children with special educational needs, offering additional support in inclusive and community-focused environments, while other placements focus on mainstream educational and recreational activities.
By supporting educational projects, you help create positive learning environments where children and young people can develop confidence, build skills, and reach their full potential. Volunteers provide valuable support to local staff and contribute to activities that promote learning, creativity, wellbeing, and social inclusion.
Goals of this Project:
- Support the educational, social, and personal development of children and young people.
- Assist local organisations in delivering quality activities and programmes.
- Promote positive learning experiences and community engagement.
- Encourage creativity, confidence, and social inclusion among children.
- Foster meaningful cultural exchange between volunteers and local communities.
How You Can Help
By joining this programme, volunteers will support experienced staff members working with children and young people. Placements are tailored to volunteers' backgrounds, qualifications, and interests and include the following project types:
Afterschool Clubs, Playschools and Preschools - We collaborate with community-focused playschools, preschools, and afterschool clubs throughout Ireland. During the school year, volunteers assist staff in delivering activities for children aged 3 to 12 years, helping create a safe, fun, and engaging environment.
Holiday Camps -Volunteers may be placed at summer camps offering a variety of programmes, including sports, fitness, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, games, and creative workshops. These placements are particularly suited to energetic volunteers who enjoy leading activities and engaging with groups of children.
Primary and Secondary Schools- Placements in local schools are available for participants aged 20 years and over who are studying to become teachers. Volunteers work alongside classroom teachers, supporting educational activities and assisting with lessons and extracurricular programmes. These projects are not available during school holidays.
Volunteers' tasks can include:
- Assisting staff in preparing and delivering activities
- Supporting children and young people during daily programmes
- Helping with games, sports, arts and crafts, and creative activities
- Providing homework and learning support where appropriate
- Encouraging participation and positive social interaction
- Assisting with meal and snack preparation
- Helping maintain clean and organised activity spaces
- Supporting special events, outings, and community activities
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes participants aged 18 years and over who wish to dedicate their time and energy to supporting children and young people in Ireland.
These projects are seeking friendly, energetic, outgoing, open-minded, and team-oriented volunteers with a genuine interest in working with children and young people. As the work can be both physically and emotionally demanding, volunteers should be self-motivated, responsible, patient, and enthusiastic.
Most placements require previous experience working with children or young people. Volunteers should be comfortable participating in a wide range of activities and be willing to adapt to the needs of their host organisation.
The primary and secondary school placements are available only to participants aged 20 years and over who are studying to become teachers.
An intermediate level of spoken English is required to ensure effective communication with staff, children, host families, and other volunteers.
Due to the nature of this work and safeguarding requirements, All applicants will have a video interview with the programme coordinator in Ireland and complete a medical questionnaire prior to confirmation of a placement.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- References
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers are placed in welcoming towns and communities throughout Ireland. Depending on the placement type, projects may be located in schools, community centres, youth facilities, childcare settings, or summer camps.
Each location offers volunteers the opportunity to experience authentic Irish community life while contributing to meaningful educational and youth development programmes. Outside of volunteer hours, participants can explore Ireland's beautiful landscapes, historic sites, vibrant towns, and rich cultural traditions.
Start Dates & Duration
This project has arrivals on specific Mondays throughout the year. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 3 to 12 weeks.
Places on this project are limited and subject to availability, so early booking is strongly recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Arrival in Cork Airport -Participants are picked up in the airport and transferred to accommodation in Cork city centre.
Arrival at a Different Airport -Volunteers arriving through Dublin airport or other Irish airports will need to make their own way to Cork. Detailed travel information will be provided prior to arrival. Regular bus and rail connections make travelling to Cork straightforward from most major Irish airports and cities. Volunteers are met on arrival in Cork city.
First Day and Overnight in Cork City
Volunteers stay in pre-arranged hostel accommodation in Cork city centre on their first night (shared dormitory bedroom). After checking in, participants have free time to relax, settle in, and explore the city. A welcome dinner is generally organised on the first evening, providing an opportunity to meet fellow volunteers.
Second Day: Orientation and Transfer to Project
On the morning of their second day, participants attend a comprehensive orientation workshop lasting approximately 3–4 hours, followed by a guided walking tour of Cork city.
Following the orientation, volunteers travel to their project location using public transportation and begin settling into their local community.
Accommodation & Meals
Following their orientation in Cork (hostel accommodation), volunteers stay with carefully selected local host families, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Irish culture and daily life.
Breakfast and dinner are provided by the host family, while lunch is typically prepared in the form of sandwiches or a packed lunch. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when communicated in advance.
Many host families live within walking distance of the project, while others may be located slightly further away. Depending on the location, volunteers may walk, cycle, receive lifts, or use local public transportation.
Host families come in many different forms, including families with children, couples, and single hosts. Participants usually have their own bedroom, although on occasion rooms may be shared with another volunteer of the same gender. It is also common for host families to welcome more than one international volunteer at a time, creating a sociable and supportive environment from the moment participants arrive.
In most project locations, there are several volunteers living and volunteering within the same community. This provides plenty of opportunities to meet fellow participants, socialise after volunteer hours, explore the local area together, and organise weekend trips and excursions around Ireland.
Living with a host family provides participants with an immediate support system, helping them settle in, improve their language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Irish culture and daily life. At the same time, participants enjoy a good level of independence and freedom to explore their surroundings, build friendships with other volunteers, and experience life in Ireland at their own pace.
Fees
That’s just USD 87 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.