Minga House Foundation

I helped during 2 weeks at the childcare center and I was very greatfull for this experience : I met amazing people, such as Staff and local people. I discovered a lot about local culture and I was very happy to help the « cuidadoras » in the center and to give a bit of joy to the children... The « Minga House Team » was very friendly and we had the opportunity of visit a lot of spots in the city and in the neighbourhood, thanks to the the staff who was very helpful. Amazing experience that I highly recommend!!!

Plan- Teach tennis to kids in Colombia. Outcome- I had 2 enjoyable weeks in Chinchina, interacting with different kids from different backgrounds on the tennis court and other flat surfaces. The local coach had invited me to help teach his kids in the afternoons. I was lucky enough to have a fellow volunteer translate as my Spanish is worse than rubbish. The kids were enthusiastic, energetic and overall well behaved ( waaaaaay better than UK kids!). Whilst the coach was kind and welcoming, I felt limited to what kind of impact I could make; I was expecting more than 2 hours teaching a day! Luckily Glen had introduced me to another project, ' Mundos Hermanos', looking after vulnerable girls. Here I was able to make an impact every morning teaching Mini Tennis to a group of well mannered, kind natured girls; amazing when you think about how difficult a start in life they have had. Overall I can say I acheived my goal so thankyou Minga ( a great, welcoming team from top to bottom)but I think my impact and number of kids taught could have been greater. Like with everything- there's always room for improvement.

How do you review a 5 months experience in a few words? 5 months of getting to know new people, a new culture and its customs. In such a long time a lot of things in that place just start to feel normal, you are getting used to them. And that's what happened to me. So many new things just started to become part of my everyday life, that this place started feeling like a second home. Let me begin by talking about the volunteering, so the work and the projects. For a long time here I was in a high school called Santa Teresita assisting an English teacher during his classes. I really enjoyed being there and a lot of the students were motivated to study. Most of the students were also very curious about getting to know more about me and my home. Although I am not even an native English speaker, all the teachers and the headmistress were so welcoming and grateful. Besides helping at the school, I also visited a place called "Proyecto Simón" a few times during the weekends. This place is a home where during the weekends the children from sex workers can stay. Spending some time there was really interesting, but most of all I just had fun playing with the kids in the backyard or carrying the babies. During a project about women empowerment, I had the opportunity to learn a little bit about another really interesting, but also challenging project called "Internado Guayabal". This is a place where displaced girls with difficult pasts stay, live and learn. Lastly, I had the opportunity to accompany the paramedics during their shifts and even ride with them in the ambulance during the emergencies, although I had no previous experience. I really enjoyed my time there because I had the possibility to learn so much and see so many new things, and, the people there are really great! So, all in all, you can say that I loved the projects I was working with and that in general one has the opportunity to get to know a lot of different places and people. Talking about Minga House and its people I can only say one thing. I loved it! The house itself is pretty cool and has a really good location directly in the center. The people working there are so awesome, young, motivated and helpful. Doesn't matter what problem I had or if I was just bored, they found a solution or just watched a movie with me. On the weekends I got to go out with them and learned at least the basic steps of some of the dances. Since they knew that I really liked music they also found projects at "La casa de la cultura" where I could participate and the people there were so nice. Which brings me to the next point I want to talk about: The community and the people. For me it was in general the first time out of Europe, therefor also the first time in Colombia. The people here are just so friendly and welcoming. If you get introduced to someone you can be sure that they will ask you a lot of things. And it did not just happen once that some kids on the street stopped to ask me where I am from and what I am doing here. Chinchiná in general is, according to the people here, a pretty small town with an urban population of about 25000 inhabitants. For me, coming from a way smaller village in Austria, this size was pretty great. You can get basically everywhere by foot and after a while the people, for example in a bakery, start recognizing you. And if you want to go to a bigger city, the bus station is at 5 minutes from Minga House, getting you safely and cheap to Manizales or Pereira. One of the best things for me about Chinchiná was that there is nature all around. You can either go for a hike or by bike passing through coffee plants or plantain trees everywhere. And if I just wanted to relax, I simply paid Glen a visit at the big house. However, you shouldn't forget that this is Colombia, so don't be surprised if you don't have water for a day or if the electricity is out for a short while. Also, as I was working at the school, it happend a few times that after arriving at the school in the morning I was told that I ca go home again because they have to do some projects with the students. Coming to an end, I can only say that I really enjoyed my time here and would always do it again. I got to meet great people I will for sure never forget and had the chance to learn a lot about a new culture. So I would definitely recommend it for everyone who is motivated, flexible and open- minded, I'm sure you would love it, like I did!

I was happy to find a very organized group that could offer me opportunities to volunteer my time within various areas of interest. Founder Glen Galindo is in-tune with traveler's desires and needs and short-term commitments. His staff are organized and responsive. I visited at a time that there were not a lot of programs going on due to holidays but this, too, provided me with time to just live in the community and get to know how the ebb and flow of life here which was very valuable to me. Minga House staff were very available and helpful with any questions or needs I had. I do want to advise potential volunteers that living in the Minga House is a valuable experience in that you share space and conversation with other volunteers from all over the world, and staff from Colombia. Be prepared to be flexible, patient, and as understanding as possible to situations that may be beyond anyone's control.

Volunteering in Minga House, is a real Colombian experience. Staff is really prepared to introduce you in this community, programs are very interesting and the immersion with the Colombian culture is totally engaging.

Great experience with nice people. Really motivated to help others in all types of activities. Good ideas everyday and give me all facilities to do it. They show me the beautiful coffee region and they make feel like an other member of the big family Minga House Foundation family.

At the beginning of this adventure (nothing planned, but much desired), i had a vague idea that this would mark and transform me in some way. I had a vague idea that i would cross borders and cross an ocean, to embrace projects in other countries on another continent. I just did not know yet that I would embrace projects and people for life. I've learned that even the 'hugs' are nationality. And we, Portuguese people, who embrace our western form, are surprised by the first intercultural embraces, but we quickly take over them and I venture to say that we will hardly we want to hug in half way again. If in general the Colombians are good hosts and know how to take the days with a contagious smile and happiness, I met in the Staff of the Minga House a unique genuineness. Each in its own way, but everyone makes it a point that we feel good and enjoy everything we can. Chinchina is a large enough locality to disarm us in the blink of an eye. It is part of the Coffee maker Cultural Landscape, but despite confront us with an almost idyllic scenario, the reality is counter-nature. In an environment where we are surrounded by mountains and nature in its purest state, we feel small, even though our face and heart are boiling great. Whether by the heat that is felt (almost always) still in the early hours of the morning, or by the swirl of emotions that are experienced. My experience focused mainly on the still recent Special Education Program, which I had the privilege of helping to structure. Here I had the opportunity to live very closely with the local community and to learn a lot personally and professionally. I met the daily life of the institution Vida Plan & Saludable and the delightful history of its founder Jasmine, who I am very grateful for the way she received and integrated me. It is good to be aware that although we have a mission, we are not backpacking knights, full of good intentions and ready to save the world. I believe we are mere (lucky) observers of those who open the doors of their homes / lives and let us in. Letting us be more than a few present bodies of fleeting stay. And it has no value. Below is a portrait of a very happy moment in one of the activities developed with the only local institution that is prepared to welcome and educate children and young people with special educational needs, but where all their needs are visible to the naked eye. Still, it's the joy that reigns in this house, and it's the contagious laughs that we take as the soundtrack. Minga House Fondation offer a wide range of programs in different areas in which we can participating. It also offers a history that captivates us from the first chapter and gives us the desire to follow in its unfolding, although at a distance of a many kilometers. It's amazing all the work developed by a group of people mostly still very young but with a huge capacity to make it happen. I can not fail to register a special thanks to Glen, Stiven, Ed., Daniela, Nestor and Hector for their time and dedication. Ah! And of course to the great volunteer partner Christian . As if all this was not good enough, during my free time I had the opportunity to travel through the surrounding regions and to get more involved and be in love at Colombian culture, gastronomy and unique landscapes! Certain, i want to go back.

I am a teacher and came to Minga House during my school vacation time. I had the opportunity to work on developing English curriculum and teach several classes in a local school. Everyone could not have been more welcoming and kind. The accommodations were extremely comfortable. The staff was really focused on fulfilling my needs and desires from the program. I taught a few days of English in the local primary school and was given a lot of authority to teach whatever I wanted, though they are working on developing a more standardized curriculum. Furthermore, coffee country is beautiful and well worth a visit.

First and foremost, one of the most important reasons why Minga House is an incredible option for volunteering abroad is because of the country it is situated in. Colombia is one of the most incredible countries ranging from its landscapes, to more importantly its people. I recommend Colombia to anybody thinking about volunteering abroad and are undecided, as this country is nothing short of amazing. The reality of volunteering abroad is that the organizations that you go through are very hit or miss. Some overly expensive, while some just don't offer or provide the resources necessary to have a meaningful experience abroad. Minga House is definitely one of those rare organizations that strives to meet your needs as a volunteer, while in the same breathe not overly expensive. The reason Minga House operates effectively is because of the "El Jefe", Glen. A man who works endless hours on his organization, but is also a genuine good guy who is easily approachable. Then from there the staff are nothing but a helping hand that are at your fingertips when it comes to questions or concerns. For example is Dani, an individual I largely respect because of how hard she works and the honest and genuine person she is. Minga House is an all around great option for anybody looking to volunteer abroad. Through Minga House I volunteered at the local Fire Department/ EMT building. This experience is something that I will never forget because of how nice the local firefighters are, as well as the direct and deep contact that you get in the local community. Working as a first responder in Chinchina, you will get to go help the locals first hand. As a volunteer, this experience couldn't have been more authentic because of how involved you are in the town of Chinchina. It will truly make you fall in love with this little town in the coffee region, as the people are as warm and strong as the coffee served.

Volunteering with Minga House in the Community Health program was probably one of the best summer experiences that I’ve had. During my two weeks I was able to work with admirable people, such as Don Ramiro who created the Camilo de Letti foundation, a nursing home for the homeless. By preparing meals, contributing to the organization of the house and providing company to the elderly I spent some of the most gratifying moments in my life. My time volunteering with the Foundation Vida Plena y Saludable, a school for children and adults with special needs was also very enriching and moving. I also deeply enjoyed helping out with the children in Programa Simon and playing soccer with the girls of a local youth home. If your interest is emergency medicine, I would strongly suggest participating in shifts with the local firefighter team, where I was warmly welcomed and given an awesome tour of the facilities. During my second week, as part of the ISL team I was able to participate in health brigades along with doctors and students. The possibility to work alongside doctors with people of humble backgrounds taught me so much about the medical system, the diagnostic process and the different manners with which patients should be approached with. I also want to recognize Minga’s staff, who were super collaborative, friendly and attentive during my stay, always willing to help find activities that suited my interests. As a way to maximize your visit, I would definitely recommend having a proficient level of Spanish and a positive and flexible attitude. Volunteering with Minga was certainly a very meaningful experience that I would expect anyone with the right mindset to enjoy as well.

I reached out to Minga House Foundation as I wanted to do some volunteering in my native country, Colombia. Reaching Glen through email, to learn more details about the program, was very easy and he got back to me very quickly. After speaking to him, he got me in contact with Dani, the volunteer coordinator, and with much efficacy through WhatsApp, she was able to make sure everything was ready for me to arrive at the foundation. Arriving at the foundation felt comfortable very quickly--all the staff there are extremely sweet, willing to help you out and make you feel at home. Upon arrival, you are given a tour of where you will be staying and you're also given a schedule with all the activities you will be doing for the upcoming two weeks (this is if you're part of the Global Health Team). If you're not part of the global health team, you seat with Stiven and plan out which activities you want to do throughout your stay. Stiven will offer you various volunteer opportunities and you choose which ones you think suit you best. Some activities you can try as you go and if you don't like that particular program, you can easily change to another. In all, this volunteering experience depends mostly on what you're willing to try and will enjoy. Also, what I really liked about this program is that they ask for feedback on the places they send you to volunteer at, very frequently, and try their best to use that feedback to improve your experience (so if you don't feel comfortable in a certain program, don't hesitate to let the Minga House staff know). My favorite part of my volunteer experience was when I was with the global health team and had the opportunity to help out in four medical brigades, all in different veredas (suburbs around Chinchina). Each of these brigades exposed us to the poverty and lack of health resources in these areas of Colombia, which demonstrated us the importance of global health teams attending these areas. I am very glad I had this experience which I know impacted me and I will carry with me as I continue my journey to become a health professional.

I went to Chinchiná for 3 weeks and it was the best experience in my life. All the minga House staff are amazing, they were very supportive and helped me in everything I needed. The conditions of the house were very, very good and all the program. They gave me a plan in the first day and it was followed. And the plan includes time for helping the community and also some hours to discover Colombia and their lovely culture. The Colombian people are so sweet and they welcome us with their arms open. They need us but we also need to learn with them. And I will never have enough words to describe my feelings about this journey.

¡Hola! Soy Cristian Mendoza. Licenciado en Educación Física. Creador de contenidos en "Educacion Fisica el Profe Cris" facebook y youtube. Hoy compartire mi experiencia en mi estadia por Colombia realizando voluntariado sobre deportes y educación física. [La fundacion] Minga house fundation funciona como una familia de jovenes tratando de hacer un bien comun por toda la comunidad de la region y sus alrrededores. Impactando positivamente y dejando huella. Abriendo puertas a los extranjeros para que aprendan de Colombia y a la vez que sus ciudadanos aprendan de los extranjeros. [Labor de voluntariado] En mi estadia de 5 semanas estube trabajando principalmente en una academia de basquetbol y en una academia de futbol. En donde aprendi, me diverti, conoci muy buenas personas, a profesores talentosos y me empape de la la cultura por el deporte de los colombianos. Minga house se encargo de crear las conecciones y hacerme sentir comodo en las academias. Ademas de esto realice actividades recreativas con los niños de las comunidades remotas de caldas. Esto durante las brigadas de salud que se realizan alrrededor de 2 ocaciones por mes. Estas brigadas ademas de ayudarte en adquirir experiencia en tu rama, Transforman la manera de ver el mundo. te das cuenta de las realidades tan diferentes que existen y que aun con dificultades se puede llevar una sonrrisa y ser feliz. Ademas de esto. Incluso fui arbitro en un partido de Soccer entre el equipo departamental de bomberos y el de policias. Una autentica batalla de heroes. [Despues de Minga] Minga house me ayudo una vez terminada mi estadia con ellos a enlazarme con otro voluntariado en la costa de Colombia, departanento de magdalena ciudad de Santa Marta. Donde tambien trabaje con niños y aprendi bastante. [Vida social] Colombia te atrapa, hay actividades para todos los gustos, si escribo sobre esto no terminaria... solo dire que es ¡super chevere! [Conclusión] El aprendizaje que tienes en Colombia, las personas que conoces, los lugares, su gastonomia y sobre todo la importancia de tu labor social y el aporte a la comunidad son experiencias que quedaran siempre en tu corazon y en el de ellos. Gracias Minga House. Gracias a Gleen Galindo y a todo el equipo de trabajo. Excelentes profesionales. Mejores personas.

I spent two months at volunteering at a variety of places in Chinchiná with Minga House Foundation and I had an incredible time. However, it wasn't until a month into my experience that I found my favorite site that I had the most interest and passion in, the fire station in Chinchiná. More specifically, I spent most of my time in the back of the ambulance responding to calls. Although I am only an undergraduate and have no experience outside of the classroom, everyone at the station accepted me with open arms and were willing to teach me. Everyone at the station were friendly, wanted to get to know me, and made me feel welcome. It is an incredibly welcoming environment to be a part of which made it easier to volunteer/work in. I gained so much experience and discovered my passion for emergency medicine through my work at the fire station, and plan to become an EMT in the U.S. They allowed me to do anything I was comfortable doing with patients. If there was something I was not sure of how to do or uncomfortable, I was not expected to perform it, but they were willing to teach me how to handle/approach that situation when we got back to the station. As time went on, I started to have more responsibility, for example, start doing inventory of the ambulances. All in all, it was a great experience and would love to go back - except next time when I have experience as an EMT! TIP: If you become part of this program, be proactive! You honestly make your own experience here. If you have questions or comments, don't be afraid to ask. At the station, it is easy to get side tracked with all the daily side jobs that have to be done. If you ask, they will take the time to give you mini-lectures/workshops. If not, it is really easy to just sit there and do nothing until you get an ambulance call.

I expected to have an interesting and perhaps challenging time working ar Malecon Cameguadua in Chinchina Colombia. An environmental disaster remediation project spearheaded by two Colombia companies and expandedto include the local community and the local fishing club, the long term goal of restoring areservoir to a viable fishing spot and a bird sanctuary are well on the way t completion. What I didn’t expect was to find a community of long-term ongoing friends and colleagues! I didn’t expect to find myself in the company of preeminent professional birding guides from Colombia, Panama, Argentina, and the United States. Part of my duties there were to assist in the day to day operation and maintenance of a world class birdwatching site, and a local pay-as-you-catch fishing site and that was fun and informative, and an excellent learning experience. But my duties also consisted of interacting with my colleagues, the local community, visiting birdwatchers, and the professional birdwatching guides on a day to day basis. Several times during my almost 4 month long tenure I was asked to do powerpoint presentations for visiting groups of students, teachers and parents from neighboring villages. My biggest problem was my inadequate Spanish, but the staff at Minga house ( more long term friends) and my colleagues at the Malecon were incredibly warm, helpful, encouraging, and welcoming. This was definitely a life changing experience for me. As a new retiree it was an excellent way to start the transition from full time employment to part time volunteer (25-35 hours a week) and it provided me not only with a purpose and goals, it allowed me to develop friendships and relationships that continue. Glen, Stiven, Jaidaber, Dani, and the rest of the Mingo house staff were there whenever needed or wanted for help, advice, assistance, and again the warmth and inclusiveness of the Colombian culture were amazing. When I look at my facebook page today, I see dozens of friends from Chinchina and Manizales. I keep in touch on a regular basis via WhatsApp, and I have already booked a return ticket to Colombia. This time my goals and activities will be different, and I will not be volunteering at the Malecon Cameguadua. However I will be spending time in the Chinchina/Manizales area, and I will be in the company of good friends enjoying ourselves in the beauty and variety of this amazing and ecologically diverse country

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I came to Colombia to immerse myself in the Spanish culture. I was teaching at a school in Medellin and it was school vacation. I decided I would spend my break volunteering in the Eje Cafetero region which was on my list of places to visit. For me this was the perfect opportunity to explore the area. What I gained and would learn from this experience would set all my other volunteer work at shelters apart. Jeff Munoz-Perez is the Veterinarian for the government funded dog and cat refugio based in Palestina for the Eje Cafetero region. As a veterinarian Jeff spends his time in what he described to me as two worlds. The first being the refugio where the animals have a history often of cruelty and suffering which he finds an emotional charge to his work as a veterinarian gaining invaluable insight with his work. The other is with cardiac diseases, respiratory issues of dogs, cats and horses. He also works in different clinics doing ultrasounds and domiciliary services and is an avid researcher in kidney disease. Having an active participation in Jeff’s day to day routine at the refugio was eye opening for me and on occasions emotionally challenging. From bathing puppies (the fun part), administering medication, checking the animals health, prepping for surgeries, emergencies, castrations (If you are squirmish at the sight of blood this may not suit you.) and gaining an understanding of the decisions a veterinarian faces including life and death. Being in a rural area means that Jeff not only spends his time at the refugio but the people of the area will call on him for veterinarian assistance or emergencies on their farms. I saw this firsthand, it was warming to see the relationship he has built with the local people, not just the animals and it showed me the type of person Jeff is, and a valuable member of the community. If you are looking for a Colombian bilingual immersion, have a love for animal health and welfare or a medical science background, I highly recommend this program. It was inspiring for me to see the dedication, passion and day to day challenges faced as a veterinarian. I have left with a new appreciation and respect for veterinary science. Living in this beautiful community and spending time every day with Colombian people has given me the most amazing cultural immersion and has left me in awe of this place.

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