Center for Abused and Abandoned Children in Chile

  Chile

• Santiago: 
Santiago
• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Year Round; Flexible

Description: Give abandoned and abused children an opportunity to rebuild their lives by helping them develop self esteem and trusting relationships! This community-based organization provides a safe, secure environment to approximately 80 children sent to them by the Chilean court system. Whenever possible, counseling is provided to the child's biological family in order to reestablish a healthy relationship and assess the feasibility of returning the child to his or her natural parents. Despite such efforts, many children remain at the center for years waiting for adoption or some other alternative. While in the center, they are under the care of a surrogate parent, and share daily life with other kids creating a family atmosphere. A family based environment full of love, respect and shared responsibilities is fostered among the children in every possible way through counseling, school support, sports and recreational activities. The volunteer's challenge is to provide the children not only with basic needs, but also the necessary support and tools to face the future with hope and dignity.

Volunteers will work directly with the children in the center by organizing games, recreational activities, arts and handicrafts, acting classes, summer camps and academic tutoring sessions. Volunteers are also encouraged to be creative and to bring any of their own personal skills to work with the children.

Qualifications: Intermediate Spanish skills are required. Experience or education in counseling, and/or teaching is helpful, but not required. Volunteers must love children and enjoy working with them. Spanish lessons are available for an additional fee prior to beginning the project.

Cost in US$: USD 1,250 for a 2-week program

Experience Required: yes

Teaching or counseling experience, as well as experience with abused youth is helpful, but not required.

Age Range: Ages 18 and over

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

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985