Kaya Volunteering for Educational Projects in Bolivia

  Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Every Monday

Description: Kaya provides many English teaching placements but we also provide alternative education programs such as working with blind, deaf and children with Down syndrome. Education for these minority groups is poor and they are in great need of outside help. Be ready for minimal teaching aids and know now that you will be the main teaching resource. It is a great opportunity for the children to learn from a native speaker and hear the correct pronunciation, and all you need is a good level of English to participate in many of the placements.

Creative Education in Bolivia:
Give disadvantaged children the extra help they need to succeed in school and at life. This project involves after-school tutoring of children who need some additional assistance. The enrichment programs help to boost their self-esteem and academic performance. Because the programs are based on creative outlets, this project is perfect for a volunteer who enjoys art, music and a lively atmosphere with children. Volunteers with a psychology background or currently studying psychology are terrific assets. To prepare, volunteers will work alongside Bolivian staff to make materials and learn songs and games in Spanish and English.

Teach English in Bolivia:
Help the youth of Bolivia succeed in a global economy by working to improve their English skills. These teaching and teaching-assistant projects are located in the centre of the colonial city of Santa Cruz. Volunteers teach during school mornings and/or afternoons, and generally enjoy a flexible schedule. Students range from 6 to 18 years and each class has about 40 students. Volunteers will help the students learn English through conversation workshops, songs, games, and other fun activities. Volunteers also have the option of joining in with extracurricular activities including sports, arts and music.

School for Deaf Children in Bolivia:
All types of teachers are needed for this small mixed-gender school for deaf students. There are about 100 students, classified in 5 levels, from 6 to 15 years old; the school also conducts workshops for people from 15 to 23 years old. The school places from 15 to 20 students per class, and employs 10 teachers. Volunteers are needed to assist with classes in mathematics, literature, sciences, history, sports, music, dances, and also in the workshops: cooking, dressmaking, cosmetology, and carpentry.

Special Education for Children with Down Syndrome in Bolivia:
Lend your skills and compassion teaching in a school for children with Down Syndrome. The project helps children to develop skills in areas such as cooking, gardening, computers, arts and crafts. There are about 150 students, classified in 3 levels, plus workshops for adults. There are 5 students per class, and 22 people staff. Volunteers are needed to assist with classes such as math, literature, sciences, history, sports, music, dance, and also in the workshops: cooking, ceramics, gardening, and computers.

Highlights: Everything in Bolivia is 'the highest in the world' - the mammoth Lake Titicaca, its capital La Paz, the silver mines of Potosi. Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America characterized by extreme differences in climatic and environmental conditions - from the soaring ice-capped Andean peaks to the dry salt flats to the steamy Amazon jungles. Its beauty does not just lie in its geography but is reflected in vibrant indigenous cultures, colonial cities and ancient civilizations.

The people of Bolivia are some of the poorest in South America, yet are also known to be some of the most welcoming, making it a travel-friendly country.

The Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats:
This is the largest salt flat in the world covering an area of 10,582km2. It holds around 10 billion tons of salt and half of the world's lithium. Its vastness is unbelievable as it stretches off into the horizon and touches the sky.

Cordiellera Real:
Marvel at the most imposing mountain range in Bolivia, with 6 peaks reaching over 19,000 ft. One of the least-trekked areas of the Andes, it contains a high concentration of active wildlife including condors, bears and the occasional puma. There are treks for various levels of experience.

Lake Titicaca:
Standing at the base of the majestic Andean mountains, 12,500 ft. above sea level, is the vast and imposing Lake Titicaca. This giant body of water spans across Bolivia and Peru and is the largest lake in South America. Along its banks are ancient ruins and indigenous villages to explore.

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, traveled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the program placements. For this reason, there would be no worries for the participants.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

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

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008