Description

This project works across 3 different 'creches' or day-care centers run by local women and families. In total, the creches are home to over 200 children, who are in great need of additional attention and schooling.

Many of the families in the community believe the HIV/AIDS virus to be a curse, and those affected are often rejected from their own communities and families, and often do everything they can to keep their infection secret. Helping these communities to understand the HIV/AIDS virus, along with teaching preventative techniques and treatment possibilities will provide them with hope, and the support they need to live their lives to the fullest.

* Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteer work will vary day to day, but will be focused around caring for and spending time with the underprivileged children of the local communities, as well as spreading knowledge, understanding, and awareness of HIV/AIDS to the surrounding area. Volunteers may also be asked to help on a partner project in the area, such as building, organic farming to encourage healthy living, and home-based medical care. Tasks volunteers may take part in include:

- Teaching children basic themed lessons (with the aid of a translator)
- Developing imagination and creative skills through crafts and games
- Reading children's books
- Helping with basic hygiene, washing hands before meals
- Feeding children and babies, distributing food donations
- Helping to refurbish the day care centers to keep it a fun and exciting environment in which to learn
- Running Holiday Youth Clubs during school vacations for 4-12 year olds.
- Explaining, through simple methods approved by the UN, what the HIV/AIDS virus actually is, and how it affects the human body
- Educating the public about how the virus is transmitted, and how infection can be prevented
- Explain how, after infection, life can be prolonged through medication, healthy food, and lifestyle changes.

You may expect to work from around 8:30am until about 16:30pm with a break for lunch.

Highlights

St. Lucia is a magnificent area not only to volunteer, but also to explore. One of the more special features of the area is the wildlife. Because you will be close to the coast, you might have the opportunity to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, explore the wetlands and the wildlife that live their, interact with different species of turtles and birds, and enjoy the quaint nearby town.

Travel Types

• Volunteering

Qualifications

- Min age 18 - Max age 80
- Basic English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with children and communities impacted by HIV/AIDS
- Full travel and medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,470 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

- Accommodation: Large and comfortable house for volunteers, 2-4 people per room
- Food: 3 meals a day
- Airport pickup: Included on arrival day
- Orientation Kit: Full project details will be sent following registration
- Training: Pre-departure preparation and In-country orientation
- Support: Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Orphans
• Primary Education
• Public Education
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers with GoEco are united by their passion for travel and desire to help people. Our volunteers are from all over the world, representing a host of religions, cultures, and languages. Ultimately, GoEco volunteers are fun-loving, adventurous, and outgoing agents for change.

Age Range

18-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

GoEco - Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement

(1) Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development (2) Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. (3) Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassador to other countries in the world. (4) Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based projects, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience firsthand the unique cultural and natural diversity in this region. (5) Support environmental and humanitarian projects that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel. (6) Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development. (7) Establish an in-depth and up-to-date data base of the relevant projects worldwide. (8) Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.

Year Founded

2005