Description

The project is designed to encourage and nurture an interest in sports and physical activities amongst children between the ages of 5 and 18 from deprived backgrounds, who would otherwise not have the opportunity to become involved.

Many children you will be helping come from the orphanages and children's homes in the neighbourhood, and the project is their alternative to a life of crime, drug and alcohol abuse.

As a member of the sports coaching project, you will not only help the full-time staff to organize sporting activities to positively engage the students, but you will also be teaching important life skills through sport, such as discipline, confidence, leadership, and promoting the positive values of tolerance, co-operation and respect for others. Self-expression is especially important for children who lack opportunities in their lives, and you will be helping to integrate and teach these values and skills by demonstrating your passion for sports.

If you have the experience, you may wish to assist with coaching workshops for local sports teachers, discussing physical fitness, motivation and team-building. Most are volunteers themselves, with no formal training, who are keen to improve their coaching skills and become more confident in the work they do.

The most popular sports are football, volleyball, basketball and swimming, and sessions are held at a variety of locations. Projects run throughout the year, with afternoon sessions Monday to Friday, but the main focus is on the three month Summer holiday, (mid November to mid February), when demand is greatest, and sessions are arranged from 9AM to 6PM, (with a break for lunch), every day except Sunday.

The facilities available to the children are usually very basic. A pot-holed pitch; a pile of clothes for goal posts; an old car tyre nailed to a tree for a basketball hoop, inadequate changing facilities (if any), etc. etc. That doesn't seem to matter.

What is important is the opportunity for them to be involved in something that is different and exciting, and gives them a sense of purpose. Projects combine planning and administration, participant recruitment, some classroom tuition, and of course (what everyone really wants)... the chance to have a go!

You will also have the chance to help with more than just sports. Assisting in the classroom, or giving support to the students with their homework are also important features of the project. The only requirement for this project is that you must be physically fit. Sports training or coaching experience are an advantage, but not essential. More important are a good knowledge of your chosen sport, flexibility, patience, and lots of energy and enthusiasm.

Highlights

Bolivia Volunteers, with over fifteen years' experience, is the leading independent provider of low cost volunteer placements in Bolivia.

Our volunteers give direct, meaningful and lasting help where it is needed most.

We see no need to charge excessive fees to provide everything necessary to ensure your time with us is comfortable, enjoyable, productive and rewarding.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are required, but applicants must be physically fit. Some experience in sports coaching, and/or a keen interest in a particular sporting activity is an advantage.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

600 for 4 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-placement support & information
* Meet & greet service on arrival in Cochabamba
* Escorted transfer to accommodation
* Host family accommodation
* Private room with access to bathroom, kitchen & social areas
* Three meals a day
* Welcome meeting & city orientation
* Project materials & protective clothing if required
* Bi-lingual (Spanish-English) placement co-ordinator
* 24 hour emergency contact numbers
* Transport to point of departure from Cochabamba
* Pre-departure assistance

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Sports

Age Range

18 - 65

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

One week

Bolivia Volunteers's Mission Statement

Volunteering should be about giving direct, meaningful and lasting help where help is needed most. We see no need to charge excessive fees to provide all the services and facilities necessary to ensure a volunteer's time with us is comfortable, enjoyable, productive and rewarding. Our volunteers work in a variety of placements including sports coaching, orphanage support, street children, tourism, journalism and teaching assistant projects. Accommodation is provided through Family Homes so that volunteers are able to play an active part in a traditional family life and the local community. Through our programmes, volunteers experience the customs, traditions and cultures, architecture, cuisine and leisure facilities of their chosen city, whilst helping those who need it most.

Year Founded

1993