|
| |
Volunteer Application Form
If you're interested in applying to
be a volunteer with the House of Hope, please fill out this form and be sure to
read the information provided below.
More information
House Mother - Job Description
A housemother works with the children in the boarding section and will be under
the authority of the head housemother.
The children are in the care of the housemothers continuously except for 5
mornings each week when they attend the school on the premises from 8am to 1pm.
During this time the housemothers clean the flats, as well as any other jobs
that need to be done. There is often some free time before the school ends.
The home encourages the children to maintain family links and so they have
occasional weekends with their families and also go home for the Muslim feasts
as the majority come from the Islamic background.
The main holiday is a two month summer break although the home remains open for
decoration and renovation work to be done, the children also go home for a
Christmas and Easter holiday break.
As this is a Christian home we gather daily together at the evening devotional
when we meet for prayer, singing and bible teaching. There is also opportunity
to gather for a brief time of devotion at 10am.
Each housemother has one day off each week and is able to attend a church
service on a Sunday morning or evening.
All volunteers in the home have their meals provided together with a room, which
will be shared. We provide bedding and towels; toiletries are more expensive in
this country.
Winter can be very cold and summers very hot, so bring a good variety of
clothing also keeping in mind that the culture requires modest dress (no short
shorts and low blouses).
This is a work of faith and we look to the Lord for his provision, yet each
volunteer receives pocket money every month.
There is no national health service or equivalent operating in the West bank but
the home is normally able to arrange for the treatment of minor sicknesses and
emergencies, however if long term medical treatment is required then it is
advisable to return to your home base. Any insurance cover is entirely at the
volunteer's discretion.
On entering the country you will receive a visitors visa which will usually last
3 months, this can be extended and a work permit obtained here in Bethlehem.
If you have any further questions, please do not have any hesitation to contact
us.
Helpful Guidelines
Spiritual: As committed believers your ministry will be to guide those in your
care in the way of our Lord Jesus Christ by word, example and deed.
Modesty: Living in a land of various religions it is important that you dress in
a modest way, so that you do not offend others and so as not to expose yourself
to unnecessary danger.
School Education: It is the primary task of the House of Hope morning school to
provide education for a whole range of mentally and physically handicapped
children in the medium of Arabic. Anything that you as a housemother can do at
other times to compliment this is welcome but of course your primary task is
that of a mother.
Meals: Breakfast and supper are eaten with the children in the residential
section every day. Any additional requirements should be addressed to the
kitchen (special diet). Do not take supplies without permission.
Personal Disciplines: Being a mother involves long hours of commitment each day
so please make sure that you get adequate sleep.
Telephone Calls: All personal phone calls should be paid for, ie. - local,
national and international. In consideration of the main home try not to receive
calls before 8pm in the evening and after 10pm at night and limit calls to 15
minutes as this is the only line.
Days Off: You will have one day off a week (emergencies excepted), plus the
weekends and holiday when the children go home.
Worship Service: It will be expected that you attend a church service every
Sunday of your choice. As the staffing levels have to be maintained this may
have to be on a rota if too many want to go on a morning or evening.
Key: You will be provided a set of keys for your room and main entrance door
etc. Outside gate keys will be provided for each flat but no additional keys
should be cut without permission of the office.
Free time Safety: For safety purposes you are required to inform the office
whenever you leave the premises and with whom you intend to be with (we are
responsible for your safety and want your stay to be an enjoyable one). If you
require special time out or want to be our late at night please inform the
office so that arrangements can be made. You can not be out alone late at night
due to the culture.
Medical Needs: Please report any medical needs - personal, children - that
require attention so that we can ensure that the proper level of care can be
given.
Economy
Water: Every meter of water has to be paid for and is very often in short supply
which means that we have to draw reserves from our well, so economy in the use
of this valuable commodity is essential, please recycle water if possible.
Electricity: Very expensive please economize.
Tissues, Plastic bags, etc.: These supplies to be obtained from the House of
Hope shop and paid for with money obtained from the office.
Washing Machine: The Home has a large industrial washing machine which should be
used for bulk washing whenever possible. Personal washing can be done once a
week on a rota basis in the automatic washing machines located in the
residential flats.
Television: This is located in the boys play/dining room and can be used for
watching news and selected children's programs. Please ensure that this powerful
medium is not used in a careless and time wasting way, as it can destroy our
spiritual priorities.
Staff Meetings: House mother staff meetings for sharing, praying and discussing
problems, etc., will be held once a week at a time which is convenient and not
exhausting.
If you have any questions, difficulties or problems
please come sooner rather than later, "before molehills become mountains".
|
