Now, I have been working for four weeks at an Hogar for girls between 10 and 20. It was very challenging work and I enjoyed it a lot. I would have liked to stay longer. Just when you feel that the girls are starting to trust you it is time to say goodbye. There are about 20 girls living at the hogar for various reasons. Some do not know their parents because they left them behind when they were little and some have parents that cannot or do not want to take care of them. Also, some were abused and some lived on the street before coming to the hogar. There are also some of them who are mentally disabled. A few girls had just arrived and others had been there for several years.

The first day was a bit difficult to be honest. Everything is new!Most of the girls were very quiet and suspicious. To see how the girls live and what problems they have had to face in their pasts is really moving. A tip: In Argentina you give everyone a kiss every time you come and every time you leave. I really like this custom because it helps to develop closeness from the beginning.

I had planned a few things to do with the girls – however it is very hard to motivate them. But I think that sometimes it is only important that somebody actually cares about them. I really liked them a lot! Of course there are cohabitants, psychologists and social workers working there but to give each girl sufficient attention is almost impossible and I think this is where volunteers can actually make a difference. Together with other volunteers we painted the walls in the courtyard with the girls and we made a little path in the garden.

We also did some shopping and I also played a lot of cards with them – UNO – some of them started to like it so much that they always wanted to play it. It was great to see that some girls that at first could not play the game without help really learned it well. I also painted with them, played memory, studied English, watched television, watched them dance, made a picnic, made friendship bracelets, ate ice cream, talked about boys and just spent time with them. All in all I really enjoyed the work with the girls and I hope you will too!

1. Passport and photocopies of your passport. The passport is an absolute essential travel item, but you never want to carry around your passport while in the country where you are volunteering. Keep it in a safe place and keep a photocopy of your passport on you at all times instead.

2. Bring photos of your culture. Photos of your family, house, town, animals, or other important things are nice to share with those you are volunteering with.

3. A book. Besides being enjoyable, books will help pass the time if your flight is delayed, the bus breaks down, or you cannot sleep.

4. A positive attitude. The whole reason you are volunteering is to have a positive impact so make sure you bring an optimistic outlook. Arrive eager to learn and bring a smile as well as an open mind.

5. Language dictionary. People always appreciate an effort to communicate in the local language so bring one along and use it.

6. Donations. Ask the organization’s leader what types of things would be most useful – books, clothes, money, etc.

7. Swiss Army knife. From opening a wine bottle to getting a splinter out of your finger, this is one of the most useful tools you can bring with you.

8. Camera . Photos are an excellent way to keep memories. If taking a photo of people, be sure to ask prior to snapping it.

9. Notebook . From writing down experiences and impressions to emails and travel tips, a notebook will come in handy throughout your volunteer experience.

10. Headlamp . Some of the places you may be volunteering may not have consistent electricity. Or, you may share a room with other people that want to go to sleep before you. In times like these, the headlamp is very helpful.

We spoke with Heather Graham, Casa Guatemala Project leader, about the project, its achievements, challenges, and goals.

VOLUNTEER WORK LATIN AMERICA: Can you briefly describe your project and its mission?

HEATHER: Casa Guatemala provides a safe, nurturing home, health care and education to Guatemala’s abused, abandoned, and malnourished children. It also provides an environment that allows its young adults to gain practical job skills through its various business operations.

VOLUNTEER WORK LATIN AMERICA: Tell me a little bit about yourself? How did you get involved with Casa Guatemala?

HEATHER: I first came to the project as a volunteer 10 years ago. I planned to volunteer for 3 months, but I ended up staying 3 years! Since those first 3 years, I have worked on and off with Casa Guatemala and about a year ago, I decided to work full-time as Casa Guatemala’s Project Leader.

VOLUNTEER WORK LATIN AMERICA: Can you tell me a bit more about Casa Guatemala’s projects?

HEATHER: Casa Guatemala has 3 main centers: Head offices in Rio Dulce; Orphanage, medical center, and school located 15 minutes away by boat; and our businesses – a day care center, Backpackers Hostel, a store, and a farm;

Children & School.
The orphanage is comprised mainly of older kids and groups of families, which typically have a lesser rate of adoption than younger, single children. We support these kids through high school, and we also serve a large number of indigenous children who live in extreme poverty. Casa Guatemala provides these students with room and board throughout the school year. In terms of education, we are lucky enough to offer pre-kindergarten through sixth grade on site.

Businesses.
Besides providing Casa Guatemala with a small source of revenue, the various businesses provide the children an opportunity to gain practical job skills. Above all else, though, it builds confidence and a sense of responsibility!

• The farm uses sustainable agriculture techniques and is a food source for the students. Children working at the farm learn valuable agriculture skills that they then use to become successful farmers once they leave the orphanage.
• The hotel and restaurant provide a plethora of job skills. Jobs range from housekeeping to reception, and students not only learn responsibility, but also valuable computer and customer service skills.

VOLUNTEER WORK LATIN AMERICA: Wow. You have a lot going on.

HEATHER: Yes, we do. We are very grateful for our volunteers. Without them, none of this would be possible.

VOLUNTEER WORK LATIN AMERICA: Speaking of volunteers, what role do they play and what can a volunteer expect if they volunteer with Casa Guatemala?

HEATHER: Volunteers are extremely important to the success of the projects and the growth of the students and children. We have two volunteer programs – a short (a.k.a. ‘vacation’ program) and a long program. For those interested in the short program, volunteers stay in the “Hotel Backpackers” and typically work in the school. Although activities vary depending on the skills and interests of each volunteer, volunteers may find themselves assisting with English class, arts and crafts, gym class, or help out in the library.

For volunteers interested in committing at least 3 months, we place them in more specific roles. These volunteers must be 24 years of age or older and must also have a basic knowledge of Spanish. Long-term volunteer projects vary greatly depending on volunteer’s skills and the needs of Casa Guatemala. For instance, a volunteer may be a “parent” in the children’s home where they oversee the day-to-day care. Or, for those with experience and interest in education, they may work as teachers in a variety of areas, including English, Math, etc. (Please note that those interested in a teaching position must be fluent in Spanish and commit at least one year.) Volunteers with a medical background may work in the clinic. Those with an agriculture background work on the farm. There are also special placements associated with music, arts and crafts, etc.  But again, it depends on the skills of the volunteer and the needs of Casa Guatemala.

VOLUNTEER WORK LATIN AMERICA: What advice do you have for future volunteers?

HEATHER: If you do not have Spanish skills, take a couple weeks of Spanish classes before traveling to Guatemala. It will allow you to build better relationships with the children and staff, and thus, it will heighten your volunteer experience.

* For more information about Casa Guatemala and other volunteer opportunities in Latin America, visit Volunteer Work Latinamerica

• Practice your language skills

Why not make the most of the opportunity to pick up a new and invaluable life skill – a second language? Even if you only know a few key phrases, do not hold back! The local people will appreciate your efforts and may even teach you some more.

• Be willing to learn

Willingness to learn is an essential trait of any good volunteer. The work you will be doing will be varied and will most likely be something you have never done before. Be ready for a few lessons, and enjoy the journey!




• Know why you want to volunteer and be able to communicate it

Having a sense of purpose is important. Most projects take great interest in the motivation behind the work of their volunteers. Make sure to give it some thought!

• Be flexible and open minded

No matter how much research you do, nothing will ever be just as you expect it. Do not let this put you off. Instead, welcome the differences and enjoy the surprises that you will no doubt face!



• Keep a positive attitude

At times your project may prove challenging or you may experience things that make you feel sad, but the whole reason you are volunteering is to make a positive impact on the lives of others, so chin up! Feel proud about what you are doing.

• Bring energy and enthusiasm to your volunteering

These are the most important traits of all. If you are enthusiastic about what you are doing, you will inspire enthusiasm in others. What better outcome than a group of energetic volunteers enthused by their mutual desire to make a difference? Yeah, we could not think of a better outcome either.

Cultural Projects. These projects are great in allowing volunteers to learn a lot about the customs, culture and traditions of local people, while at the same time making a difference to the community of which they will become part. Placements include youth groups, communal associations, cultural institutions and local media.

Ecological Projects. Conservation often takes a back seat in poorer countries, so volunteers are crucial. The work can be physically demanding, but it is consistently rewarding. Placements include working at an eco-lodge, protecting sea turtles and educating local people about environmental issues.

Social Projects. One of the most varied categories, our social projects encompass many different areas of work, including working in orphanages, engaging in community-building projects and assisting in rehabilitation centers.

Education Projects. Volunteers in the education-sector are appreciated beyond expectation since education plays a vital role in the development of community. Placements include teaching English, providing classroom assistance, working with children with special-needs children, and improving accessible educational materials.

Health Projects. A slightly more specialized area. The drastic differences in health care systems in Latin America make volunteers in health projects completely invaluable. Placements include working in mental institutions, elderly homes, health clinics and hospitals.

For those who are interested in working longer term, we also offer a variety of internships (click here).

Whichever project you choose, the work you do will make a huge difference in the lives of the local people. Contact us at info4@volunteerworklatinamerica.org to see how you can make a positive difference in the lives of others!

A fantastic project in the second largest city in Colombia, this venture was founded to provide children affected by poverty, addiction and violence the opportunity to participate in sports, recreational and cultural activities with an aim to guide the process of social integration.

We spoke with Dutch coordinator Ed Veldhuisen about the inspiration behind this project, the challenges that it has faced and the impact that it has had on the lives of so many of the young people in this city.
 
 

What was the inspiration behind this project?

I came to Medellin to volunteer with children on the street and instantly realized the difference you can make to their lives.
The activities I organized quickly became very popular with the kids and I did not want to just abandon what was proving to be such a success!

How is the project run at present?

We are working with children from several institutes who participate voluntarily in the activities we organize.

We run an array of activities including regular football matches, ´Cooperation & Communication´ workshops, music lessons, performances and recordings, and even produce a regular newspaper written for and by the children of the shelters.
 
 
 

Which activities are most popular with the kids?

Our soccer practices have been a great triumph. We have two teams with an official league, which has given the kids a lot of focus. They work so hard for the Saturday games!

We also have an annual outing for all the children and volunteers. It is a tradition of the project that really establishes the sense of us all as one big family.
 
 
 

Why do you need volunteers?

All our activities are becoming increasingly popular with the children and this is great – our main aim is to encourage children living on the streets to participate in activities that will eventually inspire them to leave the street behind.
However with the increasing interest comes increasing responsibility! We need all the help that we can get in implementing the all the activities that the children need and deserve.
For example, we are hoping to start our own football competition, within which many of our boys will take leading roles as coordinators and referees. They will receive some money to thank them for their efforts which will be invested in their future studies. However this will not be possible without the valuable work of volunteers.
The kids also develop great bonds with the volunteers which is great for improving their social and interpersonal skills.
 

What are the key challenges facing the project?

The main aim of the project is to encourage children living on the streets to participate in activities that will eventually inspire them to leave the street behind. However this is not always an easy task. It takes a lot of regular encouragement and positive reinforcement to keep them on track. This is where volunteers come in. They really play a key role in inspiring these children to believe in working for a better future.

Where do you see the project going in the future? Is there an ultimate aim?

We have a lot of dreams to help better our children. We know that they have the potential to go far. We are working on improving the content and range of activities so as to get more children involved. What more could you wish than to give children from the streets the life that they deserve? And thanks to the work of our wonderful volunteers this dream is becoming a reality.
 
 
 
 
If you would like to become part of this fantastic project visit
http://www.volunteerworklatinamerica.org/volunteer/contact.asp

During our time here we worked with people with mental disabilities. Our day started at 8.30am and we worked for roughly four hours per day doing a range of activities. We spent a lot of time decorating communal areas such as the dining room and outdoor walls, along with private rooms too. We spent a lot of time drawing things that the residents could then color in themselves, as this was an activity that most of them were able to participate in and really enjoyed doing.

The project is a really lovely place to be. However, you do have to use your initiative as a lot of the time you are left to your own devices. Do not be afraid to try out your ideas! There is a lot of scope to use your creativity and if things don´t work out first time… it does not matter!

Spending a month there is a perfect as it allows enough time to get to know everyone really well and gives you plenty of time to experiment with lots of new ideas and activities that you think may be beneficial and enjoyable for the residents.

The only remotely ‘negative’ remark that we could make about our experience is that we had to buy all the stuff that we needed for the activities that we organized. However the project does not have the facilities to pay for everything that volunteers may require for their activities and we understand that. A good way to combat this concern was to try to make as much as we could using recycled newspapers, cartons and anything else that proved useful!

In conclusion, we are really glad we had the opportunity to spend a month at this project. It was a great experience and was also a very good means by which to explore the sector of social work in a foreign country. We were able to compare some elements from Peru with the social care system in Europe and feel that each could learn from the other.

The whole trip and our experience during our volunteer work has left us with nothing but positive memories.

Volunteer Latin America has a wonderful project running in Colombia, in the midst of the tropical Amazonas, in which volunteers work to enrich the lives of such elderly people.

Based in Leticia, just minutes away from the renowned Amazon River and located at the junction of the Colombian, Peruvian and Brazilian borders, volunteers have their own private facilities in either a shared bungalow or with a guest family from the local community.

Working for around four hours per day, volunteers organize recreational activities, creative workshops and games for the residents.

Participants are forever reporting how rewarding this work is. The residents truly love being surrounded by bright and energetic volunteers, and thrive on the activity that they provide.

Alongside supplying recreation, volunteers also assist in serving meals and drinks.
Most importantly of all, however, are the relationships that are born. Simply spending time with these elderly people means everything to them. They enjoy listening to you and they enjoy being listened to.

In order to fully participate in this project it is desirable that volunteers speak some Spanish. However it is possible for volunteers to take some additional classes in a small but professional language school.

This project promises to give each and every volunteer an unforgettable experience from which you can leave knowing that you have made a positive impact on the lives of some very special people.

If you consider yourself to be a creative, caring and compassionate individual, want to really learn about a different culture and to do so in a unique environment in which you can really make a difference, then this project will be perfectly suited to you.

Please see the website for more information: www.volunteerworklatinamerica.org
Or write to: info2@volunteerlatinamerica.org

After that I worked in the “Terapia de Lenguaje” (Language Therapy) where I learned more about the children and their disabilities. This work was, somehow, more scientific and focused on medicine. I was not only allowed to observe but also to help easing the children’s problems concerning their speaking abilities. Together with Cinthia (the doctor in charge) I massaged our patient’s facial muscles, played with them and trained their motor and mental skills in an entertaining way. Here we also had external patients who sometimes were of older age. Next to the practical work I enjoyed still being able to be close with my friends from the "hospitalización" where I worked the weeks before.

I can only recommend the work here when you want to help the people who really are happy about each and every second you give them. It is a great thing to do and easy to adapt yourself to when you are willing to contribute and are open towards new and unfamiliar experiences.

At 10 am everyone came together, the community of the blind people, their families and friends and others who were invited.

At 11 am there was a mess and at 12 am they started a program with music, dances, theatre and a speak of different persons. Afterwards we had a delicious lunch with chicken, potatoes, a big piece of cake as a dessert and wine.

Full and happy we started to dance and to clink glasses with the lovely pisco sour (a favorite national cocktail in Peru made of Pisco with lemmon), beer and wine – the party kept on going until the night J


The Union the Ciegos offers different options for volunteers who are interested in living and working for a some weeks on Cusco.

There are opportunities to organize several workshops and also to do some garden work. At this moment, one of our volunteers is teaching English to a group of blind people.

If you are interested, please write:
info4@volunteerworklatinamerica.org or info@amautaspanish.com

www.amautaspanish.com
www.volunteerworklatinamerica.org