Volunteer Health and Safety

It is natural and prudent to have concerns about health and safety when traveling overseas to a developing country. Here are some comments concerning these issues relative to traveling with Orphanage Outreach to the Dominican Republic:

Safety and Security:

• Although there are always legitimate safety concerns when traveling domestically or internationally, we believe a trip with Orphanage Outreach is a very safe volunteer experience.
• We use common sense safety precautions.
• We have full time American, Canadian, and Dominican staff living and working with you.
• You will be living and working on the orphanage grounds and the local schools.
• You will usually be living and working with 20-70 other volunteers.
• You may be allowed to walk several blocks into the center of town as an organized group to buy ice cream, snacks, etc. 
• The orphanage is located in small, rural towns.  The people in the Dominican Republic are very friendly, with no anti-American sentiment.  Orphanage Outreach volunteers are welcomed. 
• Since 1994, we have had nearly 8000 volunteers working with us in the Dominican Republic, with no issues of a volunteer’s personal safety being threatened.
• You will be transported to and from the airport as a group in a chartered bus.

Health:

• Only purified bottled water is used for cooking and drinking.
• Mosquito nets are provided for sleeping.
• A competent, professional clinic is located near the orphanage.
• Emergency medical evacuation is included in your insurance.