Description

A community project will enable you to fully immerse yourself within the community, and by the end you will feel like one of the locals. There are a diverse number of projects you can be involved in from ecotourism in Peru to women empowerment projects in Ecuador for abused women. Projects like these help you contribute in preserving some unique and special ways of life and helping people achieve a common goal.

*Help Develop Tourism in Bolivia

Play a crucial role working in the Tourist Office in Santa Cruz, trying to boost the country's economy by promoting travel to Santa Cruz and Bolivia. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable hands-on work experience in the tourism industry and to learn about Bolivia, as volunteers will be visiting various places and working on cultural projects that give the country its identity. There are about 8 staff working in the centre and around 20 more doing investigation and fieldwork.

*Help in the Campaign for Womens Rights in Bolivia

In this very interesting project, it has been identified that in issues of women's rights, that working with the women alone is not sufficient. Issues and rights related to reproductive health are formed at family, socio-cultural, economic and political levels. This study develops and implements strategies for involving men and for changing the socio-political context in which women live. The center also works with schools to transform future generations by educating children on gender and reproductive health. It focuses on 4 areas; domestic violence, social integration, contribution to the economy and sexual and reproductive rights.

*Art, Culture and Education in Bolivia

Volunteer in Bolivia on an Art and Culture Education Project and get involved with promoting the integration of Bolivia's diverse multi-ethnic cultures through the arts. The project promotes the interaction of artists from different origins and understands that their visitors have different interests.

Highlights

Everything in Bolivia is 'the highest in the world' - the mammoth Lake Titicaca, its capital La Paz, the silver mines of Potosi. Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America characterized by extreme differences in climatic and environmental conditions - from the soaring ice-capped Andean peaks to the dry salt flats to the steamy Amazon jungles. Its beauty does not just lie in its geography but is reflected in vibrant indigenous cultures, colonial cities and ancient civilizations.

The people of Bolivia are some of the poorest in South America, yet are also known to be some of the most welcoming, making it a travel-friendly country.

*The Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats:
This is the largest salt flat in the world covering an area of 10,582 km2. It holds around 10 billion tons of salt and half of the world's lithium. Its vastness is unbelievable as it stretches off into the horizon and touches the sky.

*Cordiellera Real:
Marvel at the most imposing mountain range in Bolivia, with 6 peaks reaching over 19,000 ft. One of the least-trekked areas of the Andes, it contains a high concentration of active wildlife including condors, bears and the occasional puma. There are treks for various levels of experience.

*Lake Titicaca:
Standing at the base of the majestic Andean mountains, 12,500 ft. above sea level, is the vast and imposing Lake Titicaca. This giant body of water spans across Bolivia and Peru and is the largest lake in South America. Along its banks are ancient ruins and indigenous villages to explore.

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, traveled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the program placements. For this reason, there would be no worries for the participants.

Qualifications

Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit the website for more information.

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single room or shared in a home-stay
* Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Orientation and language classes provided
* Support: 24 hour support
* Excursions Planning: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008