Location
Santa Cruz borders Brazil to the East and Paraguay to the South and is mostly tropical and sub-tropical. Santa Cruz is a modern and prosperous city and Bolivia's financial center.
About the project
This specific orphanage was created to host children and young adult with physical, mental and other disabilities.
It was founded in 2007 by Padre Alirio Henao and is a non profit organization that receives donations from the government and from people of the community. The orphanage has space for 20 children with various kinds and levels of disabilities.
Volunteer work and contribution
As a volunteer you will be involved in:
- Helping children with their personal care
- Preparing workshops - non formal education such as handcrafts, English, art, music, theatre, etc.
- Taking the children to parks, market, zoo, etc.
- Helping the "Tias" (carer) with the daily duties such as cleaning, cooking, washing clothes, etc.
- Interacting with the children
- If the volunteer has a good level of Spanish, there is a possibility of doing more such as being part of the therapeutic groups
Working hours and day: Normally volunteers work 4 to 5 hours a day from Monday to Friday. It can be in the mornings or afternoons. Volunteers can also spend their weeks with the children if they wish to.
Accommodation
As a volunteer you will stay with a Bolivian family. Please note that there may be other volunteers staying with you. The family will serve 3 meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner - mainly Bolivian food consisting of vegetables, rice or noodles and/or potatoes, sometimes red meat, chicken or fish. Vegetarians should be fine but it is advised to inform the family on arrival.
Travel highlights
Santa Cruz is a vibrant, exciting region in which to volunteer. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting LA RINCONADA, a lagoon filled with some of the largest rainforest lilypads (called Victorias) in the world or Yvaga Guazu, a beautiful Ecological Park located 15 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz.
Minimum requirements
- Minimum age 18
- Good level of English
- Basic Spanish. It is recommended to learn as much Spanish as possible before coming in order to make your stay more enjoyable. Classes can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with children with special needs
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)