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International Volunteer Work with Children in Bolivia with Projects Abroad
Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America. Orphanages and other similar establishments lack the funds required to provide more than a basic level of care, which is why Projects Abroad volunteers have such an important role to play.
You can gain international work experience by volunteering abroad with children in Bolivia whatever your age, abilities or level of experience. Whether you are on a gap year - or even a ‘gap month’ - from further education, or are coming to us during a vacation from work, a career break, or during your retirement. All we ask is that you have enthusiasm for and a commitment to the work, the staff team and the children!
Volunteering Abroad with Orphans and Children with Special Needs
Projects Abroad volunteers work in several orphanages and day care centers in Bolivia, all located in the Cochabamba area. Some projects work with just boys or girls while other homes have children with mental and physical disabilities. We also have care projects working with a range of ages from babies and toddlers to teenagers. Please let us know of any preferences you may have so we can match you to a suitable placement.
Volunteers often work in pairs at a placement, meaning you can share ideas and perhaps take some of the children out on a trip. Our staff in the Cochabamba office are always happy to help you with new ideas and materials. A member of staff at your placement will act as your general supervisor and be available for help and advice.
We also have a community soccer and social care project in Bolivia which combines coaching soccer with a variety of care work.
Despite being hard work I absolutely loved my time at the orphanage and frequently express a wish to return. The kids are just amazing, they are so funny and sweet (most of the time!) and just seeing how happy they are when you come to their little “casita” every day makes the experience so incredibly rewarding. They didn’t just smile or call your name (which quickly became “Tia Annie”) when you arrived; there would be screams, shouting, waving, running and about ten tiny children all grabbing onto any body part of yours they could find so that you couldn’t even move every single day. Read more...
Volunteering Abroad on a Care Project in Bolivia
In whichever volunteer care project in Bolivia you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. Many of the children are desperate for attention and on some placements there are children who have psychological or physical health problems, thus need a great deal of special attention.
Your main areas of work will vary depending on the age of the children you are working with. You may be feeding, bathing and generally looking after babies and toddlers. Or, you may be helping with homework, music, art and sports - really anything you’re interested in. On many placements, you'll also need to teach life skills like the importance of hygiene, self-discipline and good communication.
Some children don't go to school, so basic literacy lessons in Spanish are also welcomed. Let us know beforehand if you can help in this area.
At some of the orphanages there is also a need for help with building and fixing up garden areas, buildings and playgrounds. Volunteers have been getting together once or twice a week to work on such community projects, painting walls in the orphanages, creating a garden or helping with clearing up and rebuilding.
This project is available for less than a month if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for shorter durations for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone participating for a longer period.