Volunteer Opportunities in Santa Cruz Bolivia

Volunteer in the Bolivian Pantanal - Quijarro at the Brazilian Border

Bolivia Blogger — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:29:43 GMT

VOLUNTEER IN THE BOLIVIAN PANTANAL!

Help the Children of Quijarro!!!!!

Children from poor backgrounds need your help in all areas you can think of. From games, sports, chess, music, art and theatre to teaching English and things from your culture, any skills that you have will be of great assistant.

No particular level of Spanish is required (but beginner is recommended to enhance the experience for the children). Spanish lessons are available for a small fee.

We are beginning this brand new volunteer program with local school “Pinocho”. A new program and a large student population (350 pupils aged between 5 and 13 years) mean a big variety of ideas and activities can be suggested to the school director, by you! We are particularly interested in hearing your ideas to educate and involve the kids in recycling and ecological farming, and to encourage learning through games, song and physical activities. But all initiatives are welcome.

Special opportunities

As you will be one of the first volunteers here, those who join us in the next few months (June --August 2008), will have a lot of say in how the program will move forward.

Objectives

Our main objective is to give children of the poorer areas the chance to further their education and enjoy their childhood. Many children come from families where parents must work all day to provide basic needs such as food and housing and may not be able to give as much attention to education and play they deserve. Our organization hopes to give the children the knowledge, joy and self respect that every child in the world should have.

Costs

Volunteering at Pinocho school costs only your time and caring attitudes. However, volunteers will need to pay for their own accommodation and living expenses - this will vary depending on whether you choose to live on the Bolivian side in the town of Quijarro or on the Brazilian side at the town of Corumba. We suggest you budget for around $70 a week, which will stretch further on the Bolivian side.

Apply

To apply email Andres@jodanga.com telling us:

about yourself
when you are going to arrive
how long you can stay
what you can help the kids with

Please answer all of these questions and for the time being we are only interested in applicants who will be arriving within the next 3-4 months. If you are planning a trip to Bolivia/ Brazil a bit later on please email us closer to the time.

Los Cuatro Vientos - Hogar de Niños

Bolivia Blogger — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:53:52 GMT

Hogar Los 4 Vientos

About Hogar Los 4 Vientos
Hogar 4 Vientos is an orphanage located in the 7th ring of the city of Santa Cruz. There is currently 42 children, having been placed there after being abandoned, orphaned or found living in the streets. The children are aged 4 to 14 years.

The home is their house, their family, and their school. Cuatro Vientos provides all their necessities from the very basic needs to nutrition, education, health, and psychological assessment.

More information about the charity can be found on their website http://www.hogarcuatrovientos.org – note that it’s written in Spanish only and has not been updated in a while.

Volunteering
Prospective volunteers should be ready to help in a manner that assists the regularity of and does not disrupt the lives of the children (i.e. you are not always there just to play with the kids!). During the week the home is very academic, the children have college in the mornings which is followed by lunch. On these days, assistance is required between 3 and 5pm to assist the children with their homework. Weekends are more fun with assistance needed to supervise the children as the play – now is the time for more fun and games! They are particularly interested in volunteers happy to work on Sundays when just 1 supervisor is currently available for all the kids. You would be able to negotiate you volunteer hours for example choosing to work Saturdays and Sundays then 2-5 Monday to Wednesday with Thursdays and Friday to rest. We should note that volunteers willing to work on Sundays wil be favored over those who are not.

Prospective volunteers should be experienced in working with children, either in the education or other fields and speak a reasonable level of Spanish. Assistance is also sought in the health areas – particularly if you have skills in the area of psychological diagnosis. Other skills are also welcome – please email your enquiry.

Level of Spanish Required and Minimum Volunteer Periods
PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST THIS VOLUNTEER POSITION IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF SPANISH. Volunteers should have at least a high level of Spanish (or be learning and almost there) and be able to deal authoritatively with the children so they do not run amuck! To ensure there is minimal disruption to the children’s daily lives, minimum volunteer period is 3 months.

Costs or Inclusions
Volunteer assistance is very much appreciated and there are no fees or participation costs to volunteer. In most cases volunteers will need to organise and pay for their own accommodation and support themselves financially while working with this charity. In some cases, where a volunteer will be long term (3+ months), accommodation on site may be organised.

Apply
Send enquiries to info@jodanga.com

How I got in contact with this charity
I found this charity while roaming the 7th ring trying to find another orphanage, Hogar de la Esperanza, located nearby. I was lucky enough to meet the director, Spaniard Pedro Bermejo and discuss his volunteer program. He frequently receives volunteers through ONG organizations in Spain and we hope to fill the gaps with volunteers through this site.

Fundación Luz Del Mundo

Bolivia Blogger — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:54:31 GMT

Luz Del Mundo

About LDM
Luz del Mundo, is a home/child minding centre in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Local children attend and are offered English classes as well as other extra curricular activities such as theatre and cultural studies. There is no cultural centre in Santa Cruz and the aim of these classes is to provide the children with a rich knowledge of their culture and enable them to demonstrate what they learn to others through performance.

The centre provides them with lunch and all of their learning materials, birthday and Christmas parties/presents, haircuts as well as encouragement and loving support that in a lot of cases they don't receive in their homes.

The information provided in this blog post is provided mostly through the Charities site: http://www.volunteersouthamerica.net/LuzDelMundo/ldm_index.htm

Volunteering
LDM need volunteers to help with teaching English, arts, culture, dance or theatre. They also welcome volunteers with other skills that could help our organisation.

It’s not essential that volunteers are qualified teachers, we would prefer native English speakers for teaching English, however a high level of English as a second language would be OK. The level of the kids is very basic and one of the most important things that they learn is pronunciation since in many cases these classes are the only chance they get at hearing English when they don’t have television or stereos in their homes.

The hours are flexible, however during the weekdays the mornings are best since the children go to school around midday, on the weekends any hours are suitable. Generally the work is about 2 hours per day teaching. After two hours the kids start to lose concentration.

Volunteers should be aware that they may be the only foreign volunteer on-site. Volunteers need to be independent and capable of organising their own work, unsupervised.

Note to volunteer applicants: *** updated 10 June 2007 *** LDM is 'fully booked' for June, July & August 2007 and can no longer accept volunteer applications for those periods.

Level of Spanish Required and Minimum Volunteer Periods
Best for volunteers to have basic Spanish speaking skills (or be learning at the same time as volunteering) and the minimum volunteer period is 2 weeks.

Costs or Inclusions
Volunteer assistance is very much appreciated and there are no fees or participation costs to volunteer. Volunteers will need to organise and pay for their own accommodation and support themselves financially while working with us.

Apply
Applications are generally organised through the LDM website but I often field questions and am in regular contact with the director of the charity and happy to answer any enquiries info@jodanga.com.

How I got in contact with this charity
Luz del Mundo, a drop in/daycare centre for young children, was the first charity supported by Jodanga Backpackers Hostel. When Andres Linale opened the hostel in May 2006, he wanted to contribute to his community as well as operate the business. He met Gabrielle, the director of the charity through his sister who works in the area. Andres was lucky to have Mary Sear staying in the hostel and interested in helping the charity. Mary was the first volunteer for this organization and laid the foundations for the program that now exists through the fabulous site volunteersouthamerica.net

Since inception, the program has reached its maximum of 3 volunteers per month on a regular basis. The hostel continues to assist not only by hosting many of the volunteers, but has provided school room essentials such as the foundations white board, Christmas presents for all 72 kids in 2005 and hosts fundraising activities – including a “spare change” box in reception and the resale of cheap second hand clothes with all money going to the LDM.

Hogar Teresa de Los Andes

Bolivia Blogger — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:52:10 GMT

About Hogar Teresa de Los Andes
It is a Catholic charity of a reasonable size funded mainly by the church and donations from locals.

More information to be written here soon.

Volunteering
Volunteers are needed in the mornings to assist the home with the organization of the disabled children who live on site. The volunteer will assist with breakfast and general getting ready in the mornings. Volunteers would work under the direction of the sisters in the home.

The director of the home, Sister Rosa is a wonderful person to meet and I’m positive that she would be open to all ideas prospective volunteers had for the home from teaching English to creative arts classes – if you have the time to be one of our first foreign volunteers with this charity I’m positive you will be rewarded.

Experience working with children or disabilities is a plus but not essential –volunteers should be patient and open minded about their experience. Catholicism or being religious is also not essential – just a desire to help where needed.

Level of Spanish Required and Minimum Volunteer Periods
Volunteers should have at least an intermediate level of Spanish (or be learning and almost there). Depending on the volunteer requirement at the time minimum volunteer period is 2 weeks.

Apply
Send enquiries to info@jodanga.com

How I got in contact with this charity
Hogar Teresa de los Andes is a charity famous in Santa Cruz for accepting absolutely anybody who needs help – regardless of age, sex, profession, or religion. I visited this charity on an occasion when 2 people staying at the hostel, expecting to volunteer in Luz del Mundo were unable to due to the maximum number of volunteers already being reached. I was disappointed that unfortunately the 2 decided not to volunteer because the charity was associated with the church. Lucky the church will still be there to help when the volunteers are not!

VEDA – Volunteers in Defense of Animals

Bolivia Blogger — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:55:12 GMT

About Volunteers in Defense of Animals
VEDA is an organisation whose principal objective is to establish and protect the rights of animals and encourage the education of these rights amongst the people.

VEDA is involved in the rescuing of both domesticated and wild animals and the required nursing or rehabilitation after their rescue.

Not just animal lovers will sympathise with the goals of this organization – I’m positive that many a traveler has felt uncomfortable about the way animals are treated in countries less privileged than those from which they are from – from dogs wandering the streets to “pony rides” for the kids, a sad look in an animals eyes will tug at your heart strings.

VEDA believe its possible to live in harmony with animals and its there mission to realise education campaigns about the need to be responsible with domestic animals, to communicate the advantages of animal vaccination, ensure the enforcement of local laws protecting animals, provide information about the adoption of abandoned animals, promote vegetarianism and lessen the abuse of animals for scientific purposes, for recreation, exhibition and for illegal sale.

More information about the charity can be found on their website http://www.veda-bolivia.org/index.htm – note that it’s written in Spanish only.

Volunteering
Opportunities for volunteers are varied and interesting. Volunteers will collaborate with the care and attention of the rescued animals with VEDA members. The work would include anything from visiting animals (lots of puppies!) that are recuperating in veterinary clinics – here you will take them for walks and check that they are not in need of any immediate attention. In other cases, where animals have been placed in temporary homes, you will assist in providing basic care, anything from feeding, cleaning, administering of medicines, bathing and brushing. Depending on the time you have to volunteer and your level of Spanish, you may be able to assist with education and publicity campaigns for VEDA and animal protection. Work will be for approximately 4 hours per day, 6 days a week.

GREAT WAY TO PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH COMPREHENSION!! At this time, we are also seeking volunteers to assist with the translation of the VEDA website into other languages – English, French, German – and others welcome if you can. For this volunteer job you don’t even have to be in Santa Cruz!! You can offer to translate just a page or the whole site – all help is welcome and needed. I will assist in the editing of anything written in English but please if you wish to translate into other languages its best if it’s your first language.

Experience working with animals is a plus but not essential, a love and patience for animals is absolutely essential.

Level of Spanish Required and Minimum Volunteer Periods
A basic level of Spanish is ok for this volunteer position, and a number of members of this charity speak English - a great opportunity to combine with Spanish lessons and learn even faster by practicing with those members who only speak Spanish. Volunteers should be available for a minimum of 2 weeks and the maximum number of volunteers at any time is 2.

Costs or Inclusions
Volunteer assistance is very much appreciated and there are no fees for participation or costs to volunteer. Volunteers will need to organise and pay for their own accommodation and support themselves financially while working with this charity.

Apply
Send enquiries to info@jodanga.com

How I got in contact with this charity
In my hunt for good causes in Santa Cruz I started an internet search for organizations that were not orphanages – and came across this webpage and their corresponding facebook group. From their online communications, the coordinators of this charity are clearly passionate about what they do – and I was happy to contact them to see if we could help with the recruiting of volunteers.

August Volunteer Activities - Part I

Bolivia Blogger — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:39:07 GMT

Well, I am pleased to say that so far our little volunteer site has been a success in getting some much needed help to organizations in Santa Cruz. This month we placed our first 3 volunteers through the site – 2 Aussies who were VEDAS first ever foreign volunteers had this message:

As volunteers we worked with a group called VEDA. A group who help save and

clean up and adopt out street dogs. This comes highly recommended from us.

The work and cause we persued was completely satisfying and we now have made

friends for life...The head in Santa Cruz, Lenny, is the most amazing lady

and will surely treat you like gold if you take on the role. We ended up

helping with the computer side of things but all sorts of help is needed,

mainly in washing the dogs and helping with cleaning. I am sure if you are

passionate about animals this is for you. Two weeks plus would be a good

time frame. Enjoy helping the animals.

Eliot and Chelsea

(Australia)

Eliot and Chelsea were lucky to be in Santa Cruz at a time where there was a number of dog shows - as well as the international day of the dog - they even ended up judging a dog show! They have helped put in place a more formal program for volunteers who arrive at VEDA so we hope to have some more arriving in Santa Cruz soon.

Additionally, we are very appreciative for Lotte Hardman who has translated 2 of VEDAS key webpages into English and Diane Capistran in Canada who is working on translating the site into French. This will be a fabulous opportunity for VEDA to contact more people globally abou their cause. Do you think you would be interested in helping us further??? We still need more pages translated into English and we still need more volunteers here in Santa Cruz - especially those witha longer period of time who can help the organisation plan their first home for lost dogs (at the moment dogs are kept with local volunteers!)

Our third volunteer is working with Hogar Teresa de Los Andes, helping to feed the disable children in the afternoons and on weekends. We hope to have some comments from her soon.

Why Visit Santa Cruz Bolivia?

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:46:40 GMT

Santa Cruz is a city often overlooked by backpackers and travelers as they rush through their South American trip. But if you take the time to explore and get to know the people you will find a city rich in stories, hospitality, and a city creating its own history in the making.

Santa Cruz is a city of contradictions - its geographic location brings the first. The city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra is located in the eastern part of the country at 416 m above sea level. While Bolivia is well know for its Altiplano and the Andes mountain ranges, being famous for having the highest “everything” but the largest single territory of the whole country is found within the tropical department of Santa Cruz. The weather is semi-tropical and usually sunny, blessed with a temperate climate through winter; baking summers often require the refreshment of a swimming pool or visit to the local aqua park.

A source of political conflict and contradiction within the country is perception of affluence. If you visit this city after the rest of Bolivia you will think you have traveled to a completely different country. It is a wealthy city – the average (reported) cruceñan wage is more than 4 times the average Bolivian wage, if you stick to just the first 3 rings (about ¼ of the cities actual physical space) you will see big houses, expensive 4x4 vehicles, fancy restaurants and clubs and bars that charge similar prices to its neighboring country, Brazil. But all this façade hides a city that it’s growing quickly (now 10+ rings) and will struggle to keep up with basic services for those who are unable to pay for it - the poor, the unemployed, the disabled, the old and of course the children.

Of course the worst contradiction of all is the nasty rumor that there is nothing for travelers in Santa Cruz. The city may not have the worlds highest this or the coldest that… but surely a few things like – a beach dumped in the middle of the city (Las Lomas de Arena), mirrors mirrors down the mountain (Espejillos), UNESCO World Heritage sites (Missiones Jesuiticas), and a giant rock used for historic communication 1500 years before Incas which are just some of the things a guide book WONT tell you about is enough to get you interested…..?

About the Author

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:47:49 GMT

Here is where I tell you the reason I created this site! First in the interest of transparency, I should tell you that I am the manager of Jodanga Backpackers Hostel Santa Cruz – but this business is entirely separate from my endeavors to assist in the coordination of volunteers throughout various projects in the city. If you stay at Jodanga Hostel during your time in Santa Cruz you are supporting my cause (I gotta work for a living!) but if you choose not to I will still be there to support and/or coordinate your volunteering project while you are here.

I am a young Australian who worked too hard right after leaving school – then cracked up (so to speak, don’t take it too seriously) on my vacation in South America (supposed to be 3 months before heading to Canada to further the career). My 7 years experience has been as a finance and then marketing consultant for big companies and big brands, when I reached Bolivia, with just 2 weeks before I was supposed to “head back to the real word” the question hit me – Why? Why should I go and follow the same career followed by many in the rich western world? Why can’t I use my skills here? Why can’t I do something worthwhile for someone else in this country instead of furthering my own aims?

These are similar questions asked by many young people as they roam the globe in search of insight and greater knowledge and I feel lucky that I after 7 months living in Santa Cruz Bolivia I am finally able to begin etching an answer – hopefully its YES! You can!.

Enough of the D&M though – just by visiting this site and considering the opportunities to volunteer in Santa Cruz, you are helping me achieve my objective of helping people who need it more than ourselves! I congratulate your choice to volunteer and hope you take it on – not just as a great way to travel the globe but as a responsibility we have to our fellow mankind!!

I am available round the clock via email at lauren@jodanga.com or if you feel like a free live chat skype me: talesfromloz

PS – this is my first attempt at a website / blog all by myself so I welcome your pity and suggestions – please bear with me!

Chau

Loz

VEDA – Voluntarios en defensa de los animales

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:21:00 GMT

Sobre los voluntarios en defensa de los animales
VEDA es una organización que tiene como objetivo principal establecer y proteger los derechos de los animales y alentar la educación de estos derechos entre la gente.

VEDA está envuelto con el rescate de ambos animales, tanto domésticos como salvajes, y con el requerimiento de enfermería o rehabilitación después del rescate.

No sólo los amantes de los animales se simpatizarán con los goles de esta organización – estoy segura y positiva de que muchos viajeros se han sentido incómodos por la forma en que tratan a los animales en países con menos privilegios que de los lugares que provienen – desde perros que vagan por las calles a ser “caballos” montados por los niños, una mirada triste en los ojos de los animales tirará de los cordones de su corazón.

VEDA cree que es posible vivir en armonía con los animales y es su misión realizar campañas de educación sobre la responsabilidad con los animales domésticos, de comunicar las ventajas con las vacunaciones a los animales, reforzar las leyes protegiendo a los animales, proporcionar la información de los animales en adopción u abandonados, promover vegetarianismo y disminuir los abusos de los animales para propósitos científicos por ocio, exhibición y por ventas ilegales.

Para más información sobre esta entidad benéfica puede buscar en otro website http://www.veda-bolivia.org/index.htm - nótese que está escrito sólo en Español.

Voluntariado
Oportunidades de voluntariado es variable e interesante. Los voluntarios tendrán que colaborar con el cuidado y la atención a los animales rescatados con miembros VEDA. El trabajo incluirá desde visitar a los animales (¡muchos cachorritos!) que se están recuperando en la clínica veterinaria – aquí ustedes los llevarán a dar un paseo para ver que no necesiten atención médica inmediata. En otros casos, donde los animales fueron dejados en hogares temporales, ustedes lo asistirán proveyendo cuidados básicos, cualquiera desde alimentación, limpieza, administración de medicamentos, bañándolos y peinándolos.
Dependiendo en el tiempo que tenga para el servicio voluntario y en el nivel de español que tenga, podrá asistir en las campañas de publicidad para VEDA y protección animal. El trabajo será aproximadamente de 4 horas diarias por 6 días a la semana.

¡LA MEJOR MANERA DE PRACTICAR SU COMPRENSIÓN DEL ESPAÑOL!
En este momento también estamos buscando que asistan con la traducción del website de VEDA en otros idiomas – Inglés, Francés, Alemán – y otros serán bienvenidos si pueden. ¡Para este trabajo voluntario ni siquiera tienes que estar aquí en Santa Cruz! Puedes ofrecerte en traducir sólo una página o todo el sitio – toda la ayuda es bienvenida y necesaria. Yo asistiré en la edición de lo que sea que esté escrito en inglés pero por favor, si desean traducir en otros idiomas, es preferible que sea su primera lengua.

Tener experiencia trabajando con los animales no es esencial mas es algo positivo, amor y paciencia por los animales sí es necesaria.

Nivel requerido de español y el período mínimo para voluntariados.
Un nivel básico de Español está bien para esta posición de voluntariado y un sin número de miembros que trabajan en esta entidad benéfica habla Inglés – una gran oportunidad de combinar con lecciones de Español y aprende inclusivamente más rápido practicando con los miembros que sólo hablan Español. Los voluntariados deben ser disponibles para trabajar mínimo por 2 semanas y un máximo de números de voluntarios en cualquier tiempo es de 2 personas.

Aplicación
Manden sus investigaciones a lauren@jodanga.com

Cómo me puse en contacto con esta caridad
En mi caza por encontrar buenas causas en Santa Cruz empecé a buscar por Internet organizaciones que no fueran hogares – y me crucé con esta página y su grupo correspondiente en facebook. De su comunicación en línea, los coordinadores de esta entidad benéfica son claramente apasionados sobre lo que hacen – y yo estaba muy feliz de contactarlos para ver si podíamos ayudarlos reclutando a voluntarios.

Hogar Teresa de los Andes

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:18:00 GMT

Hogar Teresa de los Andes
Es una entidad benéfica católica de un tamaño razonable, fundado, más que nada, por la Iglesia y donaciones de la gente del mismo lugar.

Más informaciones serán publicadas aquí pronto.

Voluntariado
Se necesitan voluntarios en las mañanas para asistir el hogar junto con la organización de los niños discapacitados que viven en el lugar. El voluntariado asistirá con el desayuno y la preparación general para las mañanas. Los voluntarios trabajarán bajo la dirección y guía de las hermanas del hogar.

La Directora del hogar, Hermana Rosa, es una persona maravillosa para conocer y estoy segura que ella estará dispuesta a recibir cualquier recomendación o ideas de los voluntarios potenciales que tengan para el hogar desde enseñar inglés hasta dar clases de artes creativas – si tiene el tiempo de ser uno de nuestros primeros voluntarios extranjeros en realizar esta caridad, estoy segura que será recompensado.

La experiencia en trabajar con niños o discapacitados es un requisito positivo más no esencial – el voluntario debe de ser paciente y de mente abierta sobre sus experiencias. El catolicismo o ser religioso no es algo esencial – sólo es el deseo de ayudar donde es necesario.

Aplicación
Manden sus investigaciones a lauren@jodanga.com

Cómo me puse en contacto con esta caridad
Hogar Teresa de los Andes es una institución benéfica muy conocida en Santa Cruz por aceptar absolutamente a cualquier persona que necesite ayuda – a pesar de la edad, sexo, profesión e inclusive religión. Visité este lugar en una ocasión cuando dos personas, que se hospedaban en el hostal, esperaban ser voluntarios en Luz del Mundo pero debido a que el número de voluntarios había llegado al máximo, no pudieron cumplir con su servicio. Estaba decepcionada que los dos hayan decidido no hacer de voluntarios porque el hogar estaba asociado con la Iglesia. Por suerte, ¡la Iglesia aún estará ahí para ayudar aunque los voluntarios no!

Hogar de los Cuatro Vientos

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:15:00 GMT

Sobre el hogar de los cuatro vientos
Es un hogar localizado en el 7mo anillo de la ciudad de Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Actualmente, se encuentran 42 niños que son declarados en abandono, orfandad o por vivir en las calles. Los niños varían entre los 4 a 14 años de edad.

El hogar es su casa, su familia y su colegio o escuela. Los Cuatro Vientos les proporcionan todas las necesidades básicas desde nutrición, educación, salud y asistencia psicológica.

Para más información de la caridad, entre y busque en su página Web:
http://www.hogarcuatrovientos.org – nótese que está escrito en español y que no ha sido actualizado.

Voluntariado
Voluntarios con potencial que puedan ayudar asistiendo con regularidad y que no trastornen la vida de los niños (¡usted no está ahí para jugar con los niños siempre!) Durante la semana el hogar realiza actividades académicas como clases en las mañanas seguido del almuerzo. En esos días es necesaria la asistencia entre las 3 a 5 de la tarde para ayudar con las tareas. En los fines de semanas es necesaria la supervisión de los niños mientras juegan – ¡ahora comienza los juegos y la diversión! A ellos particularmente les interesa los voluntarios alegres que trabajen los Domingos, y sólo uno sea disponible para supervisarlos. Ustedes pueden negociar las horas de voluntariado; por ejemplo, trabajar los Sábados y Domingos y luego, de 2 a 5 de la tarde los Lunes a Miércoles para descansar los Jueves y Viernes. Los voluntarios con potencial deben de tener experiencia trabajando con los niños, tanto en la educación como en otros campos y que puedan hablar español de un nivel aceptable. La asistencia también está resuelto en las áreas de salud –especialmente si tiene desempeño en el área de la diagnosis psicológica. Otras habilidades también son bienvenidas - por favor mándenos sus investigaciones.

Nivel requerido de español y el período mínimo para voluntariados.
Los voluntarios deben tener al menos un estándar alto de nivel intermedio de Español(o estar en aprendizaje y que se halla cerca) y tener la capacidad de tratar con los niños autoritariamente para que ellos no se hagan los tontos. Para asegurar que no haya alteración en su diario vivir de los niños, el período mínimo de voluntariado es de 2 meses.

Costos o inclusiones
La asistencia voluntaria es bien apreciada y no hay honorarios o costo de participación para el voluntariado. En la mayoría de los casos ustedes tendrían que organizar y pagar su propia estadía o acomodación; y mantenerse económicamente mientras trabajan con la entidad benéfica. En algunos casos, si el voluntario se va a hospedar por un período largo (3 o mas meses), se le organiza su acomodación en el lugar.

Aplicación
Manden sus investigaciones a lauren@jodanga.com.

Cómo me puse en contacto con esta caridad
Encontré este lugar mientras exploraba por el 7mo anillo en busca de otro hogar, Hogar de la Esperanza, ubicado cerca. Tuve la suerte de encontrarme con el Director, Spaniard Pedro Bermejo, y discutir sobre el programa de voluntariado. El frecuentemente recibe voluntarios a través del ONG organizaciones en España y esperamos llenar los espacios con los voluntarios a través de este medio.

Fundacion Luz del Mundo

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:09:00 GMT

Sobre LDM
Luz del Mundo guardería/centro cultural en Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Niños locales tienen clases de Ingles, igualmente actividades como teatro y clases cultural. No hay un centro cultural en Santa Cruz y el motivo de estas clases es para facilitar los niños un mayor conocimiento y permítanles demostrar que están aprendiendo.
El centro facilita con almuerzo y todos sus materiales de escuela, regalos/ fiestas de cumpleaños y Navidad, y peluquería. Igualmente se dan los niños amor y asistencia que no reciben en su casas.

La información proviene de este sitio de caridad:
http://www.volunteersouthamerica.net/LuzDelMundo/ldm_index.htm

Voluntariado
LDM necesita voluntarios para ayudarlos a enseñar Ingles, arte, cultura, baile y teatro. Ellos también dan la bienvenida a los personas con otro talentos que pueden ayudar a su organización.

Los voluntarios no necesitan ser profesores calificados. Preferirían personas que hablen Ingles como primera lengua, pero un nivel alto estaría bien. El nivel de los niños es muy básico entonces la pronunciación es una de las cosas mas importantes que aprenden, puesto que en estas clases es la única vez que escuchan Ingles si es que no tienen una televisión o un radio en sus casas.

Las horas son flexibles, pero de preferencia las mañanas son mejores ya que los niños van a la escuela en las tardes. En los fines de semanas todas las horas son aplicables. Generalmente el trabajo es más o menos 2 horas por día. Después de 2 horas los niños pierden la concentración.

Voluntarios necesitan ser conscientes de que probablemente son el único voluntario en el sitio. Los voluntarios tienen que ser independientes y competentes por organizar su trabajo solo.

Nivel de español esencial, y mínimo tiempo de voluntariado
Es mejor para los voluntarios si tienen mínimo un nivel básico del idioma (o están aprendiendo en el mismo tiempo). El mínimo tiempo de voluntariado es de 2 semanas.

Costos o inclusiones
Asistencia voluntario es bien apreciado y por eso no se cobra nada a los voluntarios. Los voluntarios necesitan organizar y pagar por su alojamiento y comida mientras trabajan con nosotros.

Inscribe
Aplicaciones generalmente son organizado través de la página web de LDM. Pero a menudo yo pregunto, y estoy en regular contacto con el director de la caridad y estaría alegre para responder algo preguntas lauren@jodanga.com.

Como yo conecté esta caridad.
Luz del Mundo es un guardería para niños jóvenes, era la primera caridad aprobado por Jodanga Backpackers Hostel. Cuando Andres Linale abrió su hostal en mayo 2006, el quiso contribuir a su comunidad y también operar su empresa. El encontró a Gabriela, la directora de la caridad a través su hermana, quien trabaja en este área. Andres fue afortunado al tener a Mary Sear alojada, e interesada en ayudar la caridad. Mary era la primera voluntaria para la organización, y puse los fundamentos para el programa que ahora existe con el sitio fabuloso volunteersouthamerica.net

Ahora el programa tiene un máximo de 3 voluntarios por mes a un basamento regular. El Hostel continúa asistiendo no solamente con ayuda con voluntarios, también se facilitó a la escuela elementos esenciales como la pizarra, regalos de Navidad para los 72 niños en 2005 y facilita actividades para obtener fondos – incluido una caja de monedas en la recepción y la venta de ropa de segunda mano. Todo el dinero va a LDM.

Sobre la Escritora

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:04:00 GMT

Aquí yo cuento el motivo para hacer esta página web. Primero el interese de transparencia, yo debo contarles que soy la gerente del hostal Jodanga Backpackers Hostel Santa Cruz – pero esto es totalmente separado de mi trato en asistir en la coordinación de voluntarios en varios proyectos en la ciudad. Si se aloja en Jodanga Hostal durante su tiempo en Santa Cruz esta ayudando mi causa (necesito trabajar para vivir!). Pero si decide alojar en otro lugar todavía estoy aquí para ayudarle con su proyecto voluntario en Santa Cruz.

Soy una joven Australiana quien trabajó demasiado duro después de finalizar la escuela – y fracasé (¿) en mi vacaciones en Sudamérica. (Más o menos 3 meses antes de irme a Canadá por mi carrera profesional). En mis 7 años de experiencia he estado como consultora de financia y marketing para empresas grandes y marcas famosas. Cuando llegué a Bolivia 2 semanas antes de mi regreso a ¨la vida real¨ me pregunté -porque? Porque necesito ir y seguir el mismo camino seguido por muchos en el mundo rico oeste? Porque no puedo utilizar mis talentos aquí? Porque no puedo hacer algo lucrativo por alguien aquí, solamente continuando mis objetivo?

Estos son preguntas similares a las preguntas que se hacen muchos jóvenes que viajan por el mundo, buscando cosas que hacer por la vida. Y yo me siento afortunada que después de 7 meses en Santa Cruz finalmente estoy lista para empezar a preparar una respuesta – ojala que sea SI! Tu puedes!

Suficiente de la D&M – solo con visitar y considerar los oportunidades para voluntarios en Santa Cruz, esta ayudándome a realizar mis objetivos de ayudar los personas que mas necesitan de nosotros! Yo los felicito por la elección para ser voluntario y espero que no te lo tomes solamente como un viaje por el sino también como una responsabilidad que tenemos para nuestros semejantes.

Estoy disponible 24 horas vía email: lauren@jodanga.com o si quiere hablar live skype: talesfromloz.

Ciau
Loz

¿Porque visitar a Santa Cruz, Bolivia?

Bolivia Blogger — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:59:00 GMT

Santa Cruz a menudo es una ciudad pasada por alto, cuando mochilleros y viajeros van a través de sus viajes por Sudamérica. Pero si tu te tomas el tiempo para explorar y conocer a su gente encontraras una ciudad rica con cuentos, hospitalidad, y una ciudad construyendo su historia.

Santa Cruz es un ciudad de contradicciones – su posición geográfica es la primera. La posición de Santa Cruz de las Sierra en la parte este del país, a una altitud de 416 m. Mientras Bolivia es muy conocida por su Altiplano y los Andes, famosa por tener ¨todo¨ en lo más alto, pero el territorio mas grande del país se encuentra en el departamento tropical de Santa Cruz. El clima es semi-tropical y normalmente soleado. Con un clima templado en el invierno. Caliente en el verano, a menudo se necesita una piscina refrescante o una visita a Aqualand.

El origen del conflicto político y la contradicción dentro del país es la percepción de lujo que se tiene. Si visitas la ciudad después de conocer a los otros lugares de Bolivia, pensaras que has viajado por un país totalmente diferente. Es un ciudad rico – el salario cruceño medio (reportado) es mas de 4 veces el salario mediano boliviano. Si tomas solamente dentro del 3er anillo (casi ¼ de la ciudad) veras casas grandes, automóviles 4x4´s, lujosos restaurantes, discotecas y bares, donde se cobran precios similares al país vecino Brasil. Pero detrás de la fachada, se esconde una ciudad que tiene un crecimiento rápido (ahora tiene mas de 10º anillos), y que lucha por mantener servicios básicos para todos aquellos que no pueden pagarlos – los pobres, los desempleados, los inválidos, los ancianos, y naturalmente los niños.

La peor contradicción de todos es que se dice que no hay nada por viajeros en Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz tal vez no tiene lo mas alto, o lo mas viejo. Pero absolutamente tiene muchas otras cosas – par ejemplo una playa en la ciudad (Las Lomas de Arena), espejos debajo de las montañas (Espejillos). Un patrimonio cultural declarado por la UNESCO (Misiones Jesuíticas), y una roca gigante usado por los incas para la comunicación hace 1500 años. Estos son solamente algunos ejemplos que un libro de guía NO dice. ¿Esto es suficiente para llamar tu atención?

Barman - Jodanga Backpackers Hostel

Bolivia Blogger — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:32:45 GMT

About Jodanga Backpackers
Jodanga is the hostel that I manage – more information at www.jodanga.com or email me. This job is not strictly a volunteer position but those interested in volunteering in Santa Cruz may be interested in this role as a way to reduce their cost of living while working on another volunteer project.

The Work
We are looking for a volunteer/backpacker to work in the Jodanga hostel poolside bar. The work would be 4-5 nights a week (nights will vary but it will definitely include Friday and Saturday) hours would be 5pm til 11pm on quiet nights, and finishing at 1am on busy nights.

The work would include the making and serving of drinks purchased by guests with drinks tickets in the bar (you would not be working with cash). Other items on our menu include coffees, fresh juices etc. You may be asked to assist in the preparation of any BBQ dinners or lunches held at the hostel. The bar area must be kept tidy, clean and organised during and at the end of your shift.

Some nights you may be bored as hell as no one wants to drink but you still have to be in the bar until the end of your shift – lucky we have Cable TV and music connected out there for these nights! Other nights will be stressful as lots of people want lots of different things from you at the same time. You should be prepared for and able to handle both of these situations.

Level of Spanish Required and Minimum Volunteer Periods
You will speak English and have at least a basic level of Spanish (or be learning and almost there). The minimum work period is 4 weeks, we prefer to hire someone working on another volunteer project in Santa Cruz but this is not essential. Bar or waiting experience is desirable or not essential.

Costs or Inclusions
We request only a very very low per night fee (heavily discounted on our advertised price) to cover your costs of staying in the hostel. It will include accommodation in dormitory, breakfast daily, free internet access and access to all hostel facilities (kitchen, lounge, cable TV etc). We will also consider discounts or freebies on services for the right candidate If you choose not to stay at the hostel – we will pay a small salary.

Apply
Send enquiries to lauren@jodanga.com. Include your reason for interest in the role and the period of time you can work.

Andoriña Hostel Samaipata – General Help

Bolivia Blogger — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:55:30 GMT

Andoriña Hostel
Andoriña is a fabulous hostel in Samaipata – find out more at www.andorinasamaipata.com where you can get an idea of the hostel (and it art gallery and find out more about the region of Samaipata

The Work
Working in Andoriña means mainly being available for telephone calls, receiving people, visitors, preparing small food like pancakes, juices, coffees, etc. Also inform visitors, sell tickets to Sucre etc. General hostel management duties. Most of the day there’s music, in the morning tranquil, silence between 13-15.00, and more lively music in the afternoon and night. There are balconies, hammocks, and a private room (a biiiig bed for you only), breakfast and lunch included.

You will work five days a week with two days free, working hours mostly 15.00-22.00 and 13.00-20.00. You can whenever you want, after arranging with us, go on a hike, tour or go anywhere for a short break.

Level of Spanish Required and Minimum Volunteer Periods
You should talk English, reasonable Spanish and maybe other languages. The work is for 5-6 weeks (or more).

Costs or Inclusions
Includes accommodation (double bed!!) and breakfast and lunch daily.

Apply
Applicants interested in working from August for at least 6 weeks should send a letter of interest to noilenna@hotmail.com.