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The Project
This volunteer project in Bolivia is based in an orphanage for children with disabilities, it was founded in 2007. The project is a non profit organization that receives donations from the government and from people of the community. At present there are only 20 children here, but they have a vision of expanding the facilities to provide support for more disabled children, often who are abandoned by their families.
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Why the project needs you
Disabled children need more care, attention and assistance than able bodied youngsters and this
charity cannot pay for enough staff to provide that. These children need to feel that they are a
valuable member of society to develop and with volunteer help the centre hopes to improve
facilities, activities and the lives of these children. Volunteers with experience working with the
disabled are a great help to the centre, and those with specific skills are invaluable.
Project Location
Santa Cruz de la Sierra ("Holy Cross of the Hills"), in the tropical lowlands of east-central Bolivia, has
been growing at an unprecedented pace in the past 15 years and its boom continues. Besides
being renowned for its historical 18th-century Jesuit missions, Santa Cruz is well known for its
cuisine, which benefits from the agricultural richness and diversity of the region. Its local culture
and traditions are similarly distinctive - a visit to Santa Cruz during its frenetic and colourful
Carnival season will leave a lifelong impression! Besides having all the amenities of a modern city,
Santa Cruz is within easy reach of Bolivia's most stunning natural offerings including remote Andes
peaks and steamy rainforests. Santa Cruz is known as almost a country unto itself, whose residents
are very proud to call it home.
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Project Facts
• Duration: 2-26 weeks
• Cost: £675 ($1181) for 2 weeks, £175 ($306) each extra week. Discounts for stays of 3 months or more
• Requirements: Age 17+
• Location: Santa Cruz, Bolivia
• Project Activities: Playing with and entertaining the children, cooking, feeding and cleaning, preparing fun
educational workshops
• Working Hours: Monday-Friday 4-5h a day
• Project Availability: Weekly start dates
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What is included
• Accommodation: Single or shared room in a home-stay
• Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Except Sundays)
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Training: Orientation and project induction provided
• Support: 24 hour support
• Excursion Planning: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra)
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What is not included
• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Lunch and Dinner on Sundays
• Optional Spanish classes available at $7/hour
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Role of the volunteer
Volunteer will help children with their personal care, prepare workshops (non formal education such as handcrafts, English, art, music, theatre), take the children to parks, markets and the zoo, and play with the kids during the day. On top of this, you will be expected to help the “Tias” with the daily duties such as cleaning, cooking, washing clothes, etc. Volunteers with previous experiences, and/or a good grasp of Spanish can participate in the therapeutic groups and/or participate in the areas of work where they have expertise, such as Physiotherapy or nutrition.
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Skills Required
No specific skills are required, but a lot of patience is necessary. Any professional skills that can help with the children’s development are welcomed. In addition, the orpahange gives specialise medical service, so if you have a background in Nutrition, Physiotheraphy, Psychology, Social Work, Pediatrics, Pedagogy then please do let us know.
Volunteer Testimonial
"The highlights were definitely meeting so many wonderful people and visting really interesting places, the project was brilliant too and I was sad to leave! I have really learned that I can travel independently and meet new people and contribute to something so significantly. Kaya were fantastic at providing everything and even emailed us whilst we were away to make sure everything was ok, the staff were really helpful." - Danniella Firth, UK
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Your life outside the project
Santa Cruz was originally known as more of an entertainment capital than a cultural or business mecca, but today it's a mixture of all three. Even so, most of its modern amenities fade away rather quickly the farther outside the city you traverse. Just outside the city limits are flourishing and diverse ecosystems, tropical agriculture, and rural populations. Within the urban areas you can picnic along the banks of the Pirai River, marvel at the exotic species found in the Municipal Zoo, browse art galleries, museums, and shops, hang out in the cafes or plazas, or explore the beautiful cathedrals and missions. About 440 km outside the city is the spectacular Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado, a national park boasting waterfalls, exotic wildlife, rainforests and rivers. Another exciting day trip is the ruins complex of El Fuerte de Samaipata, an Inca fortress that has been designated a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. Bring a camera, as something interesting is always around the corner.
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Ideas for Independent Travel
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.
Project Quality
Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers are placed in local home-stays where they either have their own room or share with another volunteer. Three meals a day are provided by the home-stay family, all included in the placement fees, with the exception of lunch and dinner on Sundays. This way a portion of your volunteer fee goes back into the local economy, and you gain first-hand experience of true local family life.
In-Country Coordinators
Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.
24/7 Emergency Support
As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.
Kaya Help-desk
Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.
Briefing Pack & Materials
Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.
Airport Pickup
When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.
Cultural Excursions
Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.
Arrival Orientation
Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.
Language Classes
You can opt to take Spanish classes during your project, for $7 per hour, just ask your local coordinator to arrange these.
Local Community Benefits
Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.
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