Youth, Care and Community
Under-resourced and under-staffed community projects are waiting for enthusiastic volunteers to bring their own ideas for projects and help out with already-established projects.
Enhance the lives of children and teenagers
We cannot pretend to remedy serious social and economic conditions but our volunteers in Santa Elena have plenty of opportunities to make a difference to young people who would otherwise lack educational and creative opportunities. Whether your skills lie in music, sports, drama, art or handwork — Aldeas de Paz and Santa Elena can offer you a unique chance to implement your own ideas, while giving you valuable experience and realizing personal ambitions and goals.
Partner with Local Organizations
The town’s Casa de la Cultura (Cultural Center) and Fundación del Niño (Children’s Foundation) are some of the organizations which are open to the input of volunteers. This includes English teaching, theater programs, music projects, computer instruction and ceramics classes. In the past, volunteers have formed teams working on community projects such as the maintenance and improvement of playgrounds and community centers, the organization of recycling programs, environmental education activities in local schools and the planning of cultural events in conjunctions with the town council.
Create your own exciting work placements
In addition to established community activities and programs, motivated volunteers who bring ideas for projects have the chance to set up their own volunteer opportunities in Santa Elena with the financial and organizational support of Aldeas de Paz. The foundation’s established relationships and contacts with various schools and social organizations in the town and the help of the Volunteer Coordinator enable volunteers to create their own exciting work placements.
Lead spoken English classes
Improve the pronunciation and conversational skills of young children and adults. You can let your creativity run wild with songs, games and other learning activities in classes of about 6-12 pupils. To participate you do not necessarily need to speak fluent Spanish, although some Spanish knowledge helps.
Summer camp preparations
We also would like to set up a month-long summer camp for underprivileged and street children from around Venezuela on the Foundation grounds, and are looking for a committed volunteer to organize and implement this exciting idea. There are no limits to the work a motivated and enthusiastic volunteer can set up in Santa Elena, but achieving a successful independent project does require a longer stay than participation in Aldeas de Paz’s already established volunteer programs.
Possible Activities
- Teaching English, math or science classes in local schools (likely to a large class)
- Teaching English classes at Chavez's Misión Ribas program; 3 months minimum commitment
- Organizing special educational events
- Assist teaching at the local music school or arts, craft and ceramics at the cultural center
- Help teaching simple wood work and pass on vocational carpentry & building skills
- Help with our Mobile School in a local indigenous neighborhood
- Participate in visits to the local pediatric ward for recreational activities like story telling, theater and play sessions
- Make and decorate wooden didactic toys and materials for our play-therapy program
- Attend play-therapy seesions at local day care centers, providing stimulation and social acclimation to local children
- Help restore and maintain children’s playgrounds and school facilities. Assist with painting and restoring work, help with landscaping, redecorating and maintenance.
Requirements
No previous experience or special skills are required, but participants need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and have a desire to work with children. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are also important qualities. Take delight in the children’s progress through interaction and play, as well as the charming nature of the bonds formed between children and volunteers.
Some knowledge of Spanish language would be advantageous. Previous teaching experience is helpful but not necessary. Staff and other volunteers will support you when you start teaching. In schools you may be working with other teachers and/or other volunteers. It is best to come with ideas and enthusiasm, take initiative and dedicate a lot of creativity to the position. However, Volunteers with experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
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