Volunteer in Bolivian Andes

  Bolivia

Cochabamba

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Registration is open for our March, April, September, October and November programs. Nestled in the breath-taking Andes Mountains, the spirit of the Incas dwells in Cochabamba. In this bustling city of 400,000 people, colorfully dressed Quechua women sell their wares at the largest open-air market in South America, where the ancient sound of the pan-flute can be heard throughout the stalls. The city often boasts of its perfect climate with a daytime seasonal average of 720 F with no humidity.

Amizade volunteers have the opportunity to experience both the urban and rural aspects of Bolivia. Within the city one can find beautiful plazas, ornate fountains, and exquisite churches. In the countryside, volunteers will encounter charming people whose lifestyle has remained virtually unchanged for 100 years.

Despite the picturesque scenery and perfect climate, Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in all of the Americas. Cochabamba faces major problems such as shortages of water for farming, poor soil, and lack of industry. Health and educational services for people living on the outskirts of the city are extremely lacking.. Our service project takes place at the Hogar de Ninos, an orphanage in Vinto, a small city outside of Cochabamba. Volunteers will be working on the dining facilities, including the kitchen, dining hall, and main office. There are many opportunities for volunteers to interact with the children and staff at the orphanage. In addition to the service project, volunteers may also have the opportunity to go for a hike in the Andes Mountains, visit an open-air market, trek through a rain forest, explore Incan ruins, and learn about Spanish and Quechuan cultures.

Highlights: In communities on five continents, over 2,000 Amizade volunteers have cooperated with community members to complete sustainable, community-identified projects that address needs in education, the environment, health and well-being. Within the context of a unique cross-cultural experience that offers educational and recreational opportunities, Amizade volunteers have constructed an orphanage that houses forty children in Bolivia, built a vocational training center for street children in the Brazilian Amazon, and completed historical restoration and environmental preservation in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Current opportunities exist in Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Nepal, Northern Ireland, the USA, and in several other communities around the world. Amizade offers pre-scheduled programs for individuals and customized programs for groups.

Additionally, through a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, the Amizade Global Service-Learning Center facilitates courses that combine intercultural service and academic coursework for college credit.

Volunteer program fees range from USD 500 to USD 2,500. The program fee includes room and board, transportation during the program, recreational, cultural, and educational activities, Amizade staff, and a donation to the community.

Qualifications: Volunteers do not need any special skills, just a willingness to help. Local masons and carpenters instruct Amizade volunteers on every part of the project.

Cost in US$: 1,350

Salary / Pay: none

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Someone with a willingness to learn and serve a needy community.

Age Range: 12 - 99 years old

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of varies between 6-20 volunteers

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Amizade Global Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs's Mission Statement: Amizade inspires individuals and communities through worldwide service and learning.

Year Founded: 1994