Description

Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America. Orphanages and other similar establishments lack the funds required to provide more than a basic level of care, which is why Projects Abroad volunteers have such an important role to play.

Projects Abroad volunteers work in several orphanages and day care centers in Bolivia, all in the Cochabamba area. Some projects work with just boys or girls, other homes have children with mental and physical disabilities. We also have care projects working with a range of ages, from babies and toddlers to teenagers. Please let us know of any preferences you may have so we can match you to a suitable placement.

You can gain work experience on a volunteer care project in Bolivia whatever your age, abilities or level of experience; whether you are on a gap year, college vacation, work holiday, a career break or during your retirement. All we ask is that you have enthusiasm for and a commitment to the work, the staff team and, of course, the children!

Volunteering on a Care Project with Orphans in Bolivia

In one of Cochabamba's orphanages, your main areas of work will vary depending on the age of the children you are working with. You may be feeding, bathing and generally looking after babies and toddlers, or you may be helping with homework, music, art, sports or any other activities you would like to share with the children. On many placements you'll also need to teach life skills like the importance of hygiene, self-discipline and good communication.

Volunteers often work in pairs at a placement which means you can share ideas and perhaps take some of the children out on a trip. Our staff in the Cochabamba office is also always happy to help you with new ideas and materials, and a member of staff at your placement will act as your general supervisor and be available for help and advice.

Some children don't go to school so basic literacy lessons - in Spanish - are also welcomed. Let us know beforehand if you can help in this area.

At some of the orphanages there is also a need for help with building and fixing up garden areas, buildings and playgrounds. Volunteers have been getting together once or twice a week to work on such community projects like painting walls in the orphanages, creating a garden or helping with clearing up and rebuilding.

Volunteering on a Special Needs Care Placement in Bolivia

In whichever volunteer care project in Bolivia you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. This is particularly true for those who choose to work with children and adults with psychological or physical health problems and who need a great deal of special attention. When helping out at centers for those with mental and physical handicaps, you are likely to be asked to help with a wide range of activities. The staff will need help with basic daily activities including meal times. However, you will also have some time to spend one on one with individuals at your placement, helping them with basic education or activities of your choice.

Volunteering in a Care Center in Bolivia

There are also care projects in day care centers for children in Cochabamba. These are often filled with young children who spend the majority of their day at these centers, so the care and education you can pas on to them is incredibly vital. Designing activities to stimulate their minds and playing with the toddlers is very important.

This placement is also available as a two-week winter special for volunteers of all ages.

Highlights

Landlocked Bolivia is at the heart of South America, squeezed between five other countries. It has Andean Peaks, tropical forests, bustling cities and peaceful traditional communities. A real taste of South America.

For those interested in improving their Spanish, living in Bolivia provides an excellent opportunity for communicating with locals and practicing with children at the orphanage. If you don't know Spanish but would like to learn, Projects Abroad offers additional one-on-one language classes that will enhance your confidence and efficiency while in country.

In addition, this project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications

No qualifications or experience required.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992