Location
Barcelona is Spain's second largest city, with a population of nearly two million people, and the capital and largest city of Catalonia. The city, located directly on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, has a rich history dating back at least 2,000 years. This beautiful city is full of what European cities are known for (outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums, and churches) and is fantastic for walking with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations. The core center of town, focused around the Ciutat Vella provides days of enjoyment for those looking to experience the life of Barcelona while the beaches the city was built upon provide sun and relaxation during the long periods of agreeably warm weather.
About the project
The mission of this program is to promote the full development of the children and youth (from 6 to 16 years old) of Barcelona through activities that promote universal values to improve the social reality of their environment by acting on the three aspects of a person: soul, body, and mind. Support is provided for children that supplements the education systems that need extra help. All this is done within an educational, social, democratic, and civic spirit to contribute to human improvement. Kids in social risk are offered a space for them to get to know and explore their interests and talents.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will help monitors prepare the assignments and execute the daily schedule that includes: Guiding the children through the leisure activities, help them conclude on the meaning of each game undertaken and determine if there were any learning disabilities. This way, they will be able to keep track of each child and adjust the guidance properly. They work between 4 and 6 hours per day, 5 days a week. Volunteers have two days off.
- Provide indoor and outdoor activities and games for children during the school vacation periods
- Be part of the new trend of non-formal education and instill values that will help kids relate with other people
- Assist an international NGO that has plenty of experience in the field of leisure time activities for children
- Have a lot of fun playing with the kids, sharing your culture and learning about theirs
- Create true friendship with kids that will see you as their role model and with other volunteers like you from all over the world
- Assist kids with their homework to help them finish their education and prevent school desertion, spend some hours every day at the school with a professional educator trying to detect and to solve the learning troubles of the children during the classes
Accommodation
Accomodations are located in the center of Barcelona with easy access to many different facilities such as supermarkets, banks, public transit, restaurants, ATMs, etc.... Volunteers stay in shared apartments / shared rooms. There will be two or more volunteers per room. There is electricity, hot water, but no washing machines. Internet access and linens are provided. Towels are only provided in residences. The bathroom is shared with other volunteers. Food is not provided but there is a kitchen to cook in.
Orientation
Orientation takes place the first Monday of the program. There is a welcome lunch where all participants enjoy local food and a relaxing time with volunteers from other countries and cultures. Following lunch there is an intercultural workshop; through dynamic activities and group discussions participants will learn more about the new culture, customs, and other important aspects prior to their volunteer program. They can use this moment to talk with the tutor about their questions and receive useful information.
Minimum requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years at the start of the program
- Minimum education: High school diploma or equivalent
- All volunteers should have a complete health insurance
- Personal characteristics: flexibility, adaptability, sense of responsibility, and sensitivity towards other cultures, ways of life and conceptions of work
- Commitment to the host organization and its protocols
- A sufficient level of Spanish that guarantees the communication with local people and the successful development of the program (which level depends on what kind of project the participant is looking for)
- A minimum volunteer time of 4 weeks