Proyecto Alegria: Wholesome Activities for Street Children

  Dominican Republic

Las Terrenas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Rolling, throughout the year.

Description: In Las Terrenas there are approximately 30-40 street kids that do not go to school, work in shoe-shining, and/or helping carry bags at local stores. Most of these kids do not know how to read and write, even if going to school, and some of them do not go to school at all. There's anecdotal evidence that suggests that they are sent by parents to ask money from tourists at key places, usually by helping to carry their shopping bags; also that some of them are sexually abused; and that some may be used by drug dealers to push drugs. Altogether it makes for a bad situation for them and for the community.

These kids are not violent or criminal, but lack good nurturing, individualized attention and educational support. This program seeks to provide an opportunity for their personal growth, their recreation and their education. Volunteers work with these children, making sure that they've had a decent meal, provide a wholesome environment where they can do arts and crafts, may teach them sports, drawing, painting, swimming, or any other related activity. The most important thing is to be a friend and to bring the child to our library, read books to them if they don't know how to read, help them with course work if they're going to school, and to give them something meaningful to do and to think about.

Because of the intense nature of this work we recommend volunteers to be fluent in Spanish, at least enough to be able to communicate. Also that volunteers commit to at least a month of service. In addition to working with the kids, volunteers will spend half their time at the library as library volunteers, getting to know the larger audience and using the resources to prepare for their individual work with the children. We prefer that volunteers work with at least two boys at the time and to do so at the library. We request that no private encounters take place and that a conservative behavioral stance be taken so as to prevent the occurrence of mistaken impressions in the community.

Highlights: Las Terrenas is a beautiful place with miles of undending beaches, mountains, great restaurants (French, Italian, Spanish, German, Dominican and many others), natural wonders like waterfalls, springs, caves, trails, humpback whales, national parks and many opportunities to help the community to be even better. A former fishing village it has now become a hectic metropoli with lots of tourist development going on, including many new buildings and shopping plaza. It's being called the "Montecarlo of the Caribbean." This opportunity would place you in the midst of a multicultural community with over 1,500 French families, hundreds of Italians, Germans, Spanish and people from at least 25+ nationalities in addition to hundreds of Dominican families. If you are socially-concerned there are opportunities to get involved in literacy, environmental, health and educational projects as well.

The Foundation operates a library and has an ambition of transforming it into a truly media and educational center for a variety of practices that include arts, music, information technology and the environment. You would help make it a reality.

Qualifications: Preferably, we are seeking someone with minimal experience in working with children; someone who is compassionate, creative, a self-starter, experienced, willing to teach and to learn and to be a pioneer. Training or experience in teaching and involving youth and community groups is very important.

Volunteers are expected to work at least 20 hrs. a week and those who dedicate more time can run individual projects with children, youth and/or the community during the week. Spanish language ability is a plus. A positive, culturally-respectful attitude and good energy are essential. People who play musical instruments, have ESL experience, like to do crafts or teach a sport (volleyball, soccer, swimming) can use their talents as well. In addition, people who can teach computer navigation, literacy and have experience with building self-esteem and small group activities will be greatly appreciated.

We strive on creativity and positive energy. We foster self-initiative, creative environments, individual talents and the best that people can offer to children and youth that can use a good role model and a positive and productive summer experience (there's nothing else in town). Be a part of this exciting opportunity to make a contribution to children and youth.

Cost in US$: $200 program fee, plus room and board.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: College student or graduate, but we've had younger and older volunteers.

Age Range: 18-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi's Mission Statement: To enhance the quality of life of the people with whom we work, using suitable resources, in an authentic and continuous learning environment. [Mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con quienes trabajamos, usando recursos idoneos, en un ambiente autentico y de aprendizaje constante.

Year Founded: 2005