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Community and Youth Development Venezuela
This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the lives of children and teenagers in one of Venezuela’s friendliest, yet seriously underprivileged communities. The project is located in Gran Sabana national park, home to some of the country’s most impressive scenery. Spending time on this project you will gain invaluable insight and experience, living and working in this exceptional community. You will quickly get to know the rich and diverse culture and customs of Venezuela while working with people who really need your help and ideas.
You will work with a team of volunteers, local coordinators and children of the community, to develop all aspects of this flourishing community development programme. All ideas, skills and interests are welcome which makes this an ideal project for those who really want to help make a difference to this close-knit community.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years. Maximum dependent on potential participants’ health.
The Volunteer Project
As a Youth, Care and Community volunteer working with children in our attention centre for special needs kids you will be helping to teach life-skills and you’ll get involved in the day-to-day running of a care centre, paying the children personal attention. You will be helping to shape the lives of young people, ensuring they are better prepared for life.
Sport, art, music and drama are always popular on these placements. Start a choir, put on a play or organize general fun activities for these lively, friendly children!
You might like to be part of a team working on community projects such as painting classrooms, community centres, or playgrounds or decorating the children’s ward and generally lending a hand where it's needed. Community projects are typically under-funded and under-resourced, so volunteers and resources are always welcome.
Duties and activities that you will be involved with include:
• Play and take care of underprivileged children, bringing joy and love to local day care centres. Assist in promoting integration for children and teenagers with special needs at the attention and training centre “Tucusito” (Anyone, from volunteers with no previous experience through to professionals are required).
• Assist with recreational and developmental activities, help organise special events or take special needs children out for a walk, football game or an ice cream as part of our "Family Support Service"! (Little previous experience required)
• Bring joy and warmth to hospitalised children by participating in regular visits to the paediatric ward for recreational activities like story telling, theatre and play sessions. (No previous experience required)
• Make and decorate wooden didactic toys and materials for a playtherapy program for underprivileged children and special needs kids. (Light woodwork, painting, sanding, decorating etc. No previous experience required)
• Assist teaching ceramics or help as a teaching assistant at the local music school (orchestra and choral) or with computer classes for children and teenagers. (Little previous experience required)
• Help restore and maintain children’s playgrounds, school facilities and furniture. Assist with painting and restoring work, help with landscaping, redecorating and maintenance or by passing on vocational skills. (No previous experience required) Project Support
Our trained and experienced onsite coordinators will be based at the project to provide full support throughout your time in Venezuela. They will provide you with competent field support and assistance, and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
Project Orientation
On your first day of the programme you will have a full orientation with our onsite staff. The programme coordinator will provide training in order for volunteers to gain knowledge of the work they will be involved in, discuss project and volunteer expectations, and get an insight into Venezuelan culture. They will answer any additional questions you may have. Topics covered will include:
• An introduction to Venezuelan culture and values
• Your health and safety whilst in Venezuela
• Workplace ethics and essential information before starting your project
• Money and transportation in Venezuela
• An introduction to the area where you will be working
• Local food and practices
• Areas of Venezuela worth visiting in your free time After this meeting the coordinator will arrange suitable times with the volunteer to visit the other projects, in order to better understand the overall goals, objectives, and strategies of the programme.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation at the project is in a cooperative living situation where you will live and share tasks with other volunteers and project staff. A personalised weekly work plan will distribute communal tasks amongst all volunteers. Living in this situation will enable you to get directly involved with the running and workings of the programme. You will become part of a ‘united’ family, enjoying both the external volunteer work and internal community within the beautiful grounds.
There are gardens, terraces, kitchen facilities, a gym and pool, a craft and wood workshop, fireplaces etc. The emphasis is very much on making friends and sharing the experience with likeminded people.
You will be sharing facilities, although single rooms are available upon request. There is a weekly laundry service, and 3 meals a day are included, as well as snacks and refreshments.
For further information, or to secure your place on this programme, please call the Latin America Team today on 01892 516164, or email us at latinamerica@realgap.co.uk
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