Volunteer in a Children’s Centre in La Paz Bolivia

What is the Volunteer in a Children’s Centre in La Paz Bolivia all about?

Volunteer in a Children’s Centre in Bolivia managed entirely by local families from a small community. Opened in 2004, the aim of the centre’s founders was to establish a community nursery near La Paz, where children could learn through play and creativity. The centre is run by ten local women known as the “Tías” (aunts) and they provide a safe environment for up to 90 local children, including babies aged 6 months to 4 years old. Following the initial success of the centre, an after-school club was established for children aged 7-12 years. Here, children attend a homework club then spend the last hours of the day enjoying creative time. These projects also benefit the community as they enable mothers to be able to take up employment opportunities. The Children’s Centre near La Paz aims to provide a safe and happy integrated childcare program for the impoverished, local community.

Why choose this Volunteer in a Children’s Centre programme in La Paz Bolivia?

Volunteers bring enthusiasm, ideas, and an extra pair of hands to the children’s center. Your involvement allows the “Tías” to run a wider range of activities for all of the children, which aids the childrens’ development and brings joy to their days. Volunteers with experience in early childhood education or special education can help to develop the teaching skills of the “Tías” and other staff. This is an excellent project for anyone practising early childhood education to gain experience from working in an intercultural setting.

Role of the Community and Education volunteer

No day will be the same when volunteering at the children’s centre, so flexibility is important. Your skills and experience will determine what your responsibilities will be, but activities may include:

• working alongside educators to run the nursery and take care of the children
• helping prepare and serve meals – and cleaning up afterwards
• running games and activities with children, aged six months to four years old
• taking care of the children, feeding and washing them etc…
• helping with homework club
• running sport or art activities with children, aged 7-12 years old
• maintaining the website and generating fundraising ideas for the centre

You will be assigned a primary and secondary activity for the duration of your placement. Every volunteer will also be expected to participate in community environment work once a week, either planting trees or clearing public areas. You will also be invited to festivals and cultural activities, which happen on a regular basis.

What skills do I need to be a volunteer at the Children’s Centre?

Volunteers with all levels of experience are welcome. Trained teachers specializing in early years, primary years, TEFL, Montessori or Special Education Needs are welcomed. Volunteers with a passion for art, dance, theatre and music are also sought. All volunteers must be caring, patient, willing to listen and willing to work as part of a team. It is important you respect local methods, even if they are different from your own.

Participants should speak basic level Spanish for this placement (level A1 Basic User of CEFR / those wishing to help with homework will need level B1 or above). Spanish lessons can be arranged alongside your volunteering for a small additional fee. Volunteers will be asked to submit two personal references and your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project, as well as attending a short telephone interview.

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