Why Volunteer in Venezuela
Why Venezuela
When you hear of volunteering in South America you come across the more obvious geographical regions on where to spend the time you have – Argentina for its western influence, Peru for its indigenous culture, Mexico for its food. Venezuela is not commonly among these countries.
Why is this? Is it because only those more experienced with the rare landscape and vast cultural differences of Latin America can appreciate Venezuela for its uniqueness? Or is it simply because it is considered too dangerous for foreign presence?
There is no denial that the political situation in Venezuela is one of the most controversial in this period of time. However, it is quite healthy to see this in a different light to what you're used to. Here's an opportunity to witness life in a country with a system so completely different to what you know, a lifestyle so obviously opposite to what you may be familiar with – all of this in the safety of a great distance from the politically active capital Caracas. [+] read more about Safety Concerns
Don't expect instant gratification for your volunteer work. Come here to give, not receive. Be self motivated.
∼ Chris Harris / Northamptonshire, England
How we make a difference
Venezuela is one of the richest countries in Latin America. Natural resources are plentiful, and the government sponsors many social programs. This leads many to the question: why does Venezuela need volunteers and social development?
While many Venezuelans live comfortably, there are many others who are neglected. Resources can never be divided equally, and social programs don't reach every citizen. Particularly in a region such as La Gran Sabana, many Venezuelans are largely forgotten. Our educational programs reach many children in communities which despite of the wealth of Venezuela, lack infrastructure or resources to properly promote education to youth and to make sure that children attend schools.
How our programs help cultivate change
As everywhere in Venezuela, there are a multitude of disadvantaged children and youth at risk in Santa Elena. This sector can really benefit from the programs and cultural exchanged cultivated by Aldeas de Paz.
An Environment Worth Saving
With respect to the environment, La Gran Sabana is one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in the world, yet it will not stay this way forever and the efforts of Fundacion Aldeas de Paz and its Volunteers to change people's views about pollution, how they deal with their garbage and so on, along with the hands on efforts of things like tree planting small but important here in La Gran Sabana as much as elsewhere.
Cultures Worth Preserving
Finally, as in so many parts of the world, indigenous people continue to live in difficult situations in Venezuela. Fundacion Aldeas de Paz works with the indigenous villages of the region, which have a longer term plan of creating respectful small-scale tourism to provide an income to some of its citizens and to develop the community. Our volunteers are helping in this process firstly through cross-cultural exchange and secondly through their volunteer work in the community.
Our Values
Our focus is on small communities, individuals within these communities, and the personal growth of volunteers into future leaders.
We supply each volunteer with the information and resources to create transformative experiences in themselves and in the progrmas where they choose to focus their energy. This leaves both the volunteer and beneficiary with tools to drive change in their futures.
Contribution
Apply your skills to help out others — every volunteer can define a personal plan of action
Preservation
Care for our surroundings — We make the local environemnt and indigenous cultures an important part of our work
Cultural Exchange
Meet new people and learn about a new culture — We provide a connection between worldwide volunteers and local cultures
Care
Demonstrate care to the community and help it learn to care for itself — We lead by example within the community