Description

Mano-a-Mano is a Bolivian organization that was founded in 1994 with the aim of distributing medical equipment to areas of the country which needed it most. From there it grew to include the construction of health clinics, currently the organization's main activity, as well as schools, roads and air strips. Mano a Mano is managed by Bolivian professionals and volunteers who work to promote health, education and social development.

Objectives:
Mano a Mano aims to improve the country's health and educational systems and infrastructure, especially in marginalized rural areas.

Who does Mano a Mano help?
Mano a Mano has built and provided for over 130 health clinics and schools, distributed more than 1,200 tonnes of medical equipment, and treated more than 8,000 patients on health visits.

The organization promotes the active participation of community members and municipalities in all development projects, including construction of health facilities, educational projects, roads and aircraft runways. This promotes community organization, reduces labor costs, and creates a sense of pride and ownership of each project.

Highlights

Our primary objective is to provide Bolivian organizations with much needed human and financial resources while providing international travelers, students and professionals the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships and volunteer opportunities in Bolivia.

For all individuals wishing to donate their time, Sustainable Bolivia offers free airport pick up, free orientation and city map, as well as 24 hour staff support. Additionally we provide low cost Spanish or Quechua language lessons, free internet access, unlimited free calls to US and select European landlines, family stay opportunities, private or shared accommodations and reduced travel prices to one of our sustainable ecotourism destinations. We also organize optional social and cultural activities in the evening and on weekends

Qualifications

* Upper intermediate Spanish
* Willingness to travel outside Cochabamba
* Knowledge in a related topic:
- Medicine/nursing/public health
- Construction and mechanics
- Project management
- Fund-raising
- Computer programming/web design
* Administration/accounting
* Minimum commitment period of three months

Intern Types

• Accounting
• Engineering (Mechanical)
• Health Sciences
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Sustainable Development

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 450

Program Fees Include:

* A custom-designed volunteer or internship position
* Accommodation
* Food (3 meals/day)
* Internet access
* Unlimited telephone calls to the US and most of Europe
* Orientation (pre-departure as well as in-country)
* Pick-up from airport
* Cleaning services
* Sponsored cultural events
* 24-hour staff support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Resume

Sustainable Bolivia's Mission Statement

Sustainable Bolivia is a developmental institution headquartered in Cochabamba, Bolivia. With projects in the Andean highlands and the Amazonian lowlands, our primary objective is to assist local communities in the development of environmentally, socially and fiscally sustainable ecotourism programs. Through the promotion of sustainable tourism, language studies and volunteer placement, our mission is to provide the conscientious traveler a way to experience the immense natural and cultural wealth of Bolivia in a way that is non-intrusive and environmentally, socially and fiscally sustainable.