Community Development Volunteering in Colombia

Bucara Voluntours offers a meaningful way to connect with communities while exploring the vibrant culture of Bucaramanga, Colombia. This program combines social engagement with adventure, allowing participants to support local foundations while experiencing the best of Colombian life. Whether playing games with children, participating in language exchanges, or spending time at a dog rescue, every activity fosters genuine connections and cultural understanding. Participants can volunteer for as many days as they wish, engaging in sports, table games, or English classes with local youth. Beyond volunteering, the program offers outdoor activities such as hiking, paragliding, and cultural excursions. Spanish lessons with certified teachers help enhance communication skills, making the experience even more immersive and effective. From visiting coffee farms to learning Latin dances, this program offers a balance of social impact, education, and adventure in one of Colombia’s most welcoming cities.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

This Globalteer project in Colombia provides safe retreats for vulnerable children, protecting them from the many temptations of the city and providing them with free education and food. The children are provided with English classes, lessons in Spanish, arts, music, sports, and various vocational training. The project also supports a health program, psychologist, as well as providing all the nutritional needs of children.The project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and to train them in vocational skills so that they can become contributing members to their families and society. The project supports children from two years to 16 years old. Volunteers assist the local staff with various tasks. The Colombia Kids project is based high in the Andes Mountain range in the vibrant city of Medellin.

Contribute to social missions in the fishing village of La Boquilla in Cartagena, Colombia. Join volunteer projects that address extreme poverty in local communities, choosing from the following areas: - Music workshops - Coconut and product manufacturing workshops - Community work - Animal shelters - Youth support - Food distribution - Academic support and education Connect with the community and immerse yourself in the local culture while supporting the project you are most passionate about. A coordinator will call to help you pick an area based on your skills, experience, interest, and Spanish level. Explore a village with Afro-Caribbean roots and discover another side of Cartagena apart from resorts and tourist areas. Enjoy its natural beauty and learn about the city’s fascinating history. Develop your sense of discipline, responsibility, and motivation. Broaden your perspective through this volunteer experience. Being hardworking, patient, flexible, and proactive are important qualities to ensure a positive impact.

Colombia is a vibrant and culturally rich country in South America, known for its welcoming people and breathtaking diversity—from tropical rainforests and mountain ranges to historic cities and coastal towns. With over 50 million residents, it is a place of both modern energy and deep-rooted traditions. Despite significant strides in tourism and trade, Colombia still contends with social and economic challenges, particularly in rural areas. Volunteering here offers a chance to contribute meaningfully while gaining a deeper understanding of local life. Volunteer placements are based in Cartagena and offer a variety of focus areas: • Cultural Orientation Week • Teaching & Education • Kindergarten • STEM Education • Spanish Lessons • Construction Volunteers are supported with daily meals, accommodation, airport pickup, and 24/7 assistance. This experience offers both personal growth and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in local communities.

Programa Simon is a part of Fundación Camino de Vida, a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of children in Colombia. Programa Simon is one of four programs the foundation offers, but is the only one in operation at this time due to lack of funding for the other programs. Programa Simon was started by Sandra and Luis in 2004 when they saw a need for a childcare center in their community. The childcare center addresses the community’s need for a safe place for children of sex workers to be cared for while their mothers may be working. The center addresses the kids’ health, social, and recreational needs as well as provides them shelter, food, recreational play, and transport for medical care if needed. It is the only center offering services to this specific population. The mission is to provide high-quality childcare services to children of sex workers in Chinchina, Colombia. Contribute to this program, which operates from Friday until Monday at noon. Our project is important because it provides a space for mothers to leave their children outside of school hours and during a time when mothers may be working.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!