Equally importantly, the staff and the volunteers play a vital role in the child’s development by providing love and attention giving the children self-respect and confidence allowing them to find their rightful place in society.
There are 400 children in the home, aged from 0 to 18. There are several buildings in “the village” including a day nursery, a school, a single mothers’ institution, a house for teenage girls, a house for teenage boys, a baking business, a carpentry and a dressmaking business.
Volunteers are always welcome to assist in every area of the home, giving you the opportunity to have a varied and fulfilling experience.
There are opportunities to volunteer at the home from 2 weeks to 1 year. For all placements of 4 weeks and above, there are 10 Spanish lessons included, with the opportunity to extend these lessons if you wish.
Located about 20 minutes from the centre of Santa Cruz.
When volunteering at the Children’s Home, you are sure to have busy and rewarding experience. There are opportunities to work in the nursery and the “village” with different age children and depending on your skills and aspirations, your exact working schedule will be arranged with the staff when you first arrive. Expect to work approximately 5 – 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday. There are often special events that take place during the weekends, which you may be involved with.
Flexibility is crucial as your responsibilities are wide and varied. Teaching English is a regular activity you’ll be asked to assist with, but expect to get involved with workshops such as cooking, music, dancing, crafts or even carpentry. A healthy body is a key component to a child’s development and there are regular sports activities to help with.
You may also be asked to assist with off-site activities, such as non-formal education with street children, or simply taking children to the doctor or dentist.
Don’t forget that you need to complete your 10 Spanish lessons when you first arrive. Your Spanish will naturally improve, however, if you are keen, you can book more formal Spanish lessons with our Spanish teacher - Blanca De Callau.
Accommodation and food are provided with a host family for the entire duration of your placement. There is no better way to learn firsthand about life in a foreign country than by living among local people, participating in their lives by helping with chores and being treated as a member of the family. The friendships made while living with a family can last a lifetime.
Your home stay will be in an urban area near the children’s home. You will be part of the host family, sharing their food and living as they live. Most Bolivians live in small, modest houses, and you be provided with a clean private room. Learning to adapt is part of the pleasure of living in a foreign land, and these will be the memories that will stay with you.
Local Bolivian food will be provided three times a day. Typical Bolivian food consists of rice, beans, vegetables, chicken, pasta, meat (occasionally), soups, etc.
Most of our host families have experience with international volunteers and some members of the families may speak English. Generally the host families regard volunteers as a member of the family. Please treat you host family with the same courtesy and consideration they show for you.
- Minimum duration is 2 weeks – maximum duration is 1 year
- You can join the programme every Monday throughout the year
- Flights are not included
- You need to book your flight to the international airport of Viru-Viru just 20km north of Santa Cruz, where you will be met and taken to start your induction.
- If you arrive earlier than the start date, we can arrange for transportation from the airport and hostel style accommodation for you.
- All effort is made to place you with a host family that lives within walking distance to the children’s home. However, it may be necessary for you to take public transport to the home. (Public transport is not included)
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- 24 hour support is provided by our local partner.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.
- Minimum age = 18yrs
- Spanish language skills are not required for this project, but any Spanish you speak will enhance your experience. Remember that Spanish lessons are included in the programme.
- There are no specific skills required, just a genuine interest to help children to learn.
- An open mind and an ability to show initiative are the best attributes you can posses.
- Please be aware that in addition to covering transport and accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the on going efforts of the project.
- Minimum duration is 2 weeks and costs £400
- Each additional week costs £110 - You may extend your stay up to 1 year
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Children’s Home Bolivia
