Sports Coaching and Community Work in the Bolivian Andes

What is the Sports Coaching and Community Work in the Bolivian Andes project all about?

This varied placement focuses on sports coaching and community work in the Bolivian Andes, aiming to support disabled and disadvantaged children. There are three community-based activities offered to children from impoverished families in the area that you can help with. First, is the day care centre for very young children, which seeks to incorporate a number of physical and sports activities into its program. Next, there is an after-school club for children, aged 10-11, that benefits from the addition of structured sports activities. Lastly, there is a children’s home for victims of abuse, where support is needed to help build self-esteem, communication skills and complete therapy and structured sessions via sports. The idea is to develop the childrens’ English by creating cultural exchange between the students and the volunteers. Additonally, for those with sports therapy experience, there is the opportunity to get involved in equine therapy and other activities for children with disabilities.

Why choose this Sports Coaching & Community Work project?

Sports coaching is a fantastic volunteer placement where you have the opportunity to use your energies to motivate others. Work to promote gender equality and teamwork, whilst developing the skills and knowledge of local people toward sports. You will be able to introduce a range of sporting activities and exercises to the children and staff, creating lasting lessons that can be continued even after your trip is finished. This is a fun and active volunteer placement that will make your CV/Resume stand out.

Role of the Sports & Community Volunteer

As a sports and community volunteer in La Paz, you will participate in a number of different elements of the project. Depending on your skills and experience you may be asked to:

• run after school sports activities for children, aged 10-11 years old
• run exercises, games and physical activities with children, aged 3-4 years old, including those with special education needs
• support a local equine therapy centre by helping at children’s sessions
• participate in international relations and cultural exchange lessons with students, aged 13-16

Every volunteer will be assigned a primary and secondary activity and each volunteer’s activities will vary. You will be asked to participate in community work once a week, assisting with tree-planting and/or land-clearing in an effort to improve the environment. Overall, you will develop your Spanish and team-working skills.

What skills do I need to be a Sports & Community Volunteer in the Bolivian Andes?

Volunteers with all levels of sports coaching or sports skills are welcome. Therapists or those with experience working with young or disabled children are highly valued. You must be caring, patient, willing to listen and willing to work as part of a team. It is important that you respect local methods, even if they are different from your own.

Volunteers must be able to speak Spanish (level A1 Basic User of CEFR or better). Spanish classes can be set up alongside your volunteering to help develop your Spanish speaking skills. You will be asked to submit two personal references and send your CV/resume, before being accepted onto this project.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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