47.0 Overview
Volunteer service projects are special projects designed to improve orphanage environments, strengthen community partnerships, and provide variety to the volunteer experience.
These projects differ from regular service shifts — they involve hands-on work such as cleaning, painting, repairs, or organizing facilities, and are often completed in collaboration with local orphanages, staff, or community members.
Each OSSO site may complete up to one approved service project per month, coordinated through the Operations Coordinator and approved by OSSO Headquarters.
47.1 Purpose
Service projects serve multiple goals:
Strengthen partnerships between OSSO, orphanages, and the local community.
Improve living environments and infrastructure for the children OSSO serves.
Promote collaboration and teamwork among volunteers and local participants.
Provide variety and meaningful experiences within the volunteer program.
47.2 Coordination and Approval
All project ideas are coordinated and proposed by the Operations Coordinator.
The final approval for all projects and budgets comes from OSSO Headquarters.
A Volunteers Projects Form must be submitted before beginning any project.
Projects may only proceed once approval and funding confirmation have been received.
47.3 Funding and Budget
Approved expenses may include:
Supplies and materials needed to complete the project.
Transportation to and from the project site.
Simple meals or snacks for participants.
There is no fixed budget limit; projects are approved on a case-by-case basis depending on available funds.
The Operations Coordinator records all OSSO out-of-pocket expenses.
Locally donated materials or labor should still be documented, though only OSSO-funded costs are logged for accounting.
47.4 Implementation and Collaboration
Projects should, whenever possible, involve collaboration with an orphanage, local partners, or community members.
Projects may be completed independently if appropriate, but shared participation is strongly encouraged.
The Operations Coordinator oversees project setup, safety, and logistics.
DOVEs and volunteers assist in planning, coordination, and on-site work.
While not mandatory, the Operations Coordinator should ideally be present during the project.
47.5 Documentation
Projects must be documented with before-and-after photos or short videos.
All media should follow OSSO’s Media Policy — no children’s faces or identifying features should be shared publicly.
Photos and videos should be uploaded to the designated Google Photos album, with short captions or comments describing the project, location, and outcome.
A short summary and reflection will also be recorded in the Service Project Form once completed.
47.6 Scheduling and Frequency
Each site is permitted one project per month.
Dates are flexible and should be coordinated with the Operations Coordinator, orphanage staff, and OSSO schedules to avoid conflict with service shifts.
47.6 Post-Project Review
The Operations Coordinator and DOVEs will review completed projects in their next coordination meeting to evaluate impact, note follow-up needs, and discuss possible future improvements.
If a project proposal is not approved, feedback will be given during coordination meetings for potential adjustment or resubmission in a later month.