Description:
Volunteers under this program are placed at an Orphanage which is a non-profit charitable institution providing a community service where all funds go to benefit orphaned and abandoned children in Bolivia. It is operated under the protection of the Catholic Church Administration with residence in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Their mission is to provide support for the development of orphaned or abandoned children with social problems in a home and family atmosphere. In order to provide better future prospects, the villages offer a secure, permanent and protected upbringing with appropriate education to enable employment and future self sufficiency. This vocational work is done in an open way to provide a fair, equal and prosperous society.
The objective of the villages is to provide a community service for the problems of abandoned children. It has no political affiliations or profit making aims.
The children's villages consist of individual family units, each housing a mixed gender group of 10-12 children of various ages. Each house is headed by a foster mother who manages the household independently. All live in harmony like a traditional family with mother and siblings. Siblings of blood are kept together. The children grow up in the children's villages and are being raised at home and in school on strong moral and religious principles.
Once they have reached age 15-16 and completed middle school, they live in separate boys' and girls' residences. Most of them will go on to study a technical or professional career, and a few will even continue higher education at the University. Each child makes their own career decision based on his or her individual talents and intellect.
The children remain in the residences until they are able to lead an independent life outside. Once their mission is accomplished, they integrate our youth into the society from which they came as respectable and educated persons.
Highlights:
Project Location:
The project placements are located in the city of Santa Cruz Most of the volunteer placements are located within 15-30 minutes away from their accommodation and volunteers use local transportation such as mini bus or taxis for their commuting.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Beginner Spanish knowledge is recommended.
Language:
English
Cost in US$: Starting 200 only!
Cost Includes:
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Medical insurance,
Pre-departure orientation/Training,
Registration fees,
Written materials abroad
and Written materials pre-departure
* Airport Receive/Transfer: You will arrive at the international airport of Viru-Viru. The airport is located 20km north of Santa Cruz. Those volunteers who will be already in Santa Cruz will be met by the staff at a designated meeting point decided beforehand.
* Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by our staff. We cover areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc.
* Lodging: Accommodation is provided on a shared basis in a local Bolivian family home. The homestay accommodations are neat and provide a comfortable stay during your volunteering period in Bolivia. All accommodations have running water, electricity and all basic amenities available.
* Food: 3 meals a day will be provided as part of your program. Bolivian food is varied and you will be able to delight yourself with a great quantity of different plates that include meats and vegetables of all kinds. Even so, if you do not like chilli or spicy plates, you should take precaution at the moment of ordering since most part of the food has this characteristic.
* Insurance: All participants are covered for full comprehensive Travel and Medical insurance for their time of stay in our project. To view a copy of the Insurance Coverage provided, please click here
- In Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements.
- In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.
- Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information and etc.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
childcare/children
and orphans
Age Range: 17 - 60 yrs
This Program is open to
American,
Asian,
Australian,
Canadian,
European,
Kiwi,
South African
and Worldwide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements:
Apartment/Flat,
Group living
and Home-stays
Participants Travel to Bolivia
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
- Resume
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2-8 weeks
Volunteering Solutions's Mission Statement:
Our Mission is to provide Meaningful and fully researched volunteer programs abroad. Benefit local communities by providing volunteer support. To strengthen the travel experience by providing cross cultural experiences to our volunteers. Use the funds and develop the communities and people we work with.
Year Founded: 2006