Children's home support and activities

location
4 - 19 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Organise activities and sports for children in care homes in Bolivia.
  • Improve your Spanish through total immersion in host families and by volunteering in care homes
  • Change your perspective and understanding of and exciting country and culture

Highlights

  • Organise activities and sports for children in care homes in Bolivia.
  • Improve your Spanish through total immersion in host families and by volunteering in care homes
  • Change your perspective and understanding of and exciting country and culture
  • Discover one of the culturally richest countries in South America.
  • Set up creative and useful activities in care centers, based on your skills


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    The foundation works with residential care centers for children in Cochabamba, implementing projects related to health, vocational training or the environment

    Our volunteer program involves organising activities and support for children ages 12 - 18 in care homes in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Unfortunately, too many children in Bolivia end up in homes after being abandoned, neglected or abused. The town of Cochabamba alone has over 15 homes for children. ..

    About the program

    Our volunteer program involves organising activities and support for children ages 12 - 18 in care homes in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Unfortunately, too many children in Bolivia end up in homes after being abandoned, neglected or abused. The town of Cochabamba alone has over 15 homes for children. Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America so financial ressources but also human ressources are very scarce; volunteers therefore help carers to organise extra curricular activities with the children. You can organise anything from sports, to arts and crafts or environmental awareness raising or you can even help with equine therapy present in one of the care homes.

    After an initial interview with our team in France and Bolivia, we discuss the different centers we work with and offer you the most suitable option, according to your volunteer expectations and the needs of the care homes. 

    We organize an online meeting between you and our team before arrival and pick up at Cochabamba, Jorge Wilstermann airport. We provide accommodation with host families to ensure a confortable stay and to enhance linguistic immersion for our volunteers. We are committed to providing optimal support to volunteers who decide to join us in Bolivia. Therefore, we assist you in your initial days, including airport pick-up, city tour, SIM card purchase, explanation of public transportation, and guidance throughout your volunteering. To ensure a smooth experience, we organize weekly meetings with our volunteers to discuss the week's progress and address any problems or questions.


    Typical day

    Following the initial introduction days at the care center, we accompany you on your first official day of volunteering at the center. 
    Typically, arrival at the home is at 9 a.m. 
    During the day, you will have time, if you wish, to organise activities with the children, such as dancing or painting ...

    Typical day

    Following the initial introduction days at the care center, we accompany you on your first official day of volunteering at the center. 
    Typically, arrival at the home is at 9 a.m. 
    During the day, you will have time, if you wish, to organise activities with the children, such as dancing or painting for example. If you are at ease leading your own activities that is great, if not you can assist other activities and workshops organised by the local staff or other volunteers. 
    While specific tasks may vary depending on the center where you volunteer, all centers require educational support for different age groups. The level of support varies based on the beneficiaries' age. 
    At noon, you will have a shared meal with the center's staff and beneficiaries or you will return home for lunch with your host family. It is also important to adapt to the various needs of the centers and participate in daily activities such as laundry, assisting in other workshops, cooking, and providing individual help with homework.

    We strongly encourage volunteers to propose activities in the centers according to their abilities and professional experiences. For example, volunteers have previously organized art therapy sessions, workshops on emotional management, dance classes, and first aid workshops. The possibilities are extensive and tailored to each centers needs and each volunteer's skills and interests.

    Free-time activities

    There are numerous activities to enjoy outside the care centers in Cochabamba and the surrounding area. 

    • For nature enthusiasts, the city is located near the Andes Mountains, with easily accessible peaks for group excursions through travel agencies, such as the iconic Tunari Peak (5035m). 
    • Other ...

    Free-time activities

    There are numerous activities to enjoy outside the care centers in Cochabamba and the surrounding area. 

    • For nature enthusiasts, the city is located near the Andes Mountains, with easily accessible peaks for group excursions through travel agencies, such as the iconic Tunari Peak (5035m). 
    • Other nature activities include visiting lakes, waterfalls, and natural spaces near the city (Laguna Corani, La Angostura, Pairumani, Apote waterfalls, etc.). 
    • Although not the capital, Cochabamba is the country's third-largest city, with a metropolitan area of 1.5 million inhabitants. The city center offers numerous bars and restaurants for enjoying the nightlife. The "La Cancha" market is one of the largest in the country, offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, and other items at reasonable prices. The city's central location provides convenient road and air connections to many destinations within the country. 
    • Many volunteers take the opportunity to visit the Salar de Uyuni, located at only one night away from Cochabamba, while other tourist attractions are also available (La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Villa Tunari). 
    • For closer outings, Toro Toro National Park is only a 4-hour drive away.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at University level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    A psychological evaluation, Plane tickets, volunteer agreement, signed ethical charter, image rights authorization, criminal background check and medical certificate

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Professionals from social assistance or medical fields (e.g., physiotherapists, nurses) are particularly valued in the care homes. Also, artists, educators and youth workers are of great value.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by LifeTime Projects

    Fees include: 

    • Airport pick up from Jorge Wilstermann, Cochabamba airport 
    • Home stay 
    • Three meals a day
    • Medical insurance for European volunteers
    • Project support before, during and after your stay 

    Airport Pickup at J Wilsterman Airport

    A member of our local team will pick you up at Cochabamba, Jorge Wilstermann airport upon arrival. The airport is about 45 minutes from all local host families. 

    Accommodation

    Home stay is organised with local families. You will have a private room and three meals a day provided by your family. Guest families are selected strictly based on hygiene and cultural awareness. 

    Food & Beverages

    Guest families provide drinking water and three meals a day. Meals are usually typical Bolivian dishes, Cochabamba is renowned for it's varied and delicious specialities! Vegetarian and other dietary options are available. 

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is J Wilsterman Airport (CBB) in Cochabamba. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We welcome volunteers throughout the year.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,590€
    5 weeks 1,870€
    6 weeks 2,150€
    7 weeks 2,430€
    9 weeks 2,990€
    11 weeks 3,550€
    19 weeks (max. stay) 5,790€
    Average fees 351€/week

    Program fees

    351€ per week 4 - 19 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 19 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with LifeTime Projects during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    LifeTime Projects

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (9 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2014

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Laetitia

    Spoken languages: English, French, Spanish

    About the project

    We believe that the best way to discover a new culture is through working on a social project with the local population and living their daily life with them.

    Meet your organization

    LifeTime Projects is a French based non profit organisation. 

    We work in the following fields : 
     - Child protection
     - Women's rights
     - The protection of the environment and animal welfare 
     - Eco citizenship

    In the following countries : 
    - Bolivia
    - Cameroun
    - Colombia
    - Guatemala
    - England
    - France 

    We believe in : 

    Living in total immersion in the country you visit 
    By discovering the world with LifeTime Projects, you will experience unforgettable moments. Whether during your mission, with your host family or with the people you meet, you will discover the culture and traditions of a country directly. Thanks to this complete immersion in the life of the country, and having built a project with the locals, you will return with a real knowledge of the local culture.

    Take part in concrete actions
    Do you have difficulty measuring the impact of good deed ? The best way to measure the usefulness of your actions is to carry them out directly, in the field! That is why LifeTime Projects supports you in the design and organization of your humanitarian mission or gap year in total immersion.

    Change your world view, make a difference
    Our humanitarian and ecological missions are designed to have a maximum impact, not only locally but also on the volunteer who will return to his or her daily life enriched by a new perspective on the world.
    We act where people need us most and where our presence is most wanted. You will come back with the feeling that you have made a difference and made your contribution to a more understanding world. We believe we all have a lot to learn fro each other and putting different cultures together is enriching and strengthening for all. 

    Your footprint
    We hope to leave our mark, that of sharing, love and mutual respect, in the hearts of the people we meet and work with (note that our organization is independent of any political party and religious organization).
    Whether in Cameroon, Bolivia, Guatemala, Colombia, France or England, discovering the world allows a better understanding of its challenges. What seems distant from France takes a whole new dimension before, during and after the experience of a mission with LifeTime Projects.
    Participating in an international development mission with LifeTime Projects also means contributing to sustainable development by helping people and changing their view of the world. 

    9 reviews · rating4.9

    Paula Zivić rating5

    2023 at Eco citizenship

    I spent 3,5 weeks in Rincon del mar with LifeTimeProjects. I got to experience so many different things and i am so grateful for that time. Not only did I feel unbelievable safe but Rincon is beautiful itself :) Manon, the project leader is super nice and helped me alot with understanding the ...
    Matthew Grady rating3.8

    2022 at Eco citizenship

    This was my first time volunteering so I don’t have much to compare it to. I spent six weeks in Rincón del Mar and I would recommend it to anyone. It is possibly the safest I have ever felt anywhere in the world. I signed up for four weeks and ended up staying for an extra two (the more time you ...
    Google Translator: I really enjoyed my experience with LifeTime Projects! I went to Yaoundé, Cameroon, for 3 months on the project Impuls'Her Projects. I gave entrepreneurship, literacy and computer lessons to young Cameroonian women in orphanages and reception centers. I was very well accompanied ...
    Christine Horville rating5

    2019 at Creative workshops and cultural exchange

    Google Translator: This year I joined the LifeTime Projects Association to go to Cameroon and share my time and knowledge with orphans and women of the Impuls'Her project. LifeTime Projects invests in several orphanages in Cameroon, in the capital Yaoundé. They welcome children from birth to ...
    Google Translator: I have participated in a current socio-cultural project in Rincon del Mar, a town located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, through intensive action in workshops and activities related to art, culture and the environment. I had the opportunity to teach and / or share my ...
    Christine Broad rating5

    2018 at Creative workshops and cultural exchange

    How to help Atta ‘s women improve their autonomy Six Atta women were trained in organic palm oil soap making, to produce and sell soap on markets and earn money to allow their daughters to go to school. The whole village ( women , school , Church ) was informed ( Phast méthod ) on how to ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Bolivia > Cochabamba

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