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Updated 2026 Teach English & Empower Local Youth

3.5
(7 reviews)7

The experience

Garay Otavo is a community-based cultural project and educational initiative in Puerto López, Meta. Volunteers create impact by supporting English classes and sharing their skills through workshops or cultural exchanges with local youth. I am a Municipal Youth Councilor, and Joe is a music teacher at a public school. Daily life is simple and collaborative. We host women or couples, with shared room and bathroom, basic conditions, hot climate

What you offer

6 hours of help per day

Teaching Sports: Teaching or assisting the host, guests, or local communities in practicing sports or physical activities.

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Child Care: Caring for, playing with, and spending time with children.

Teaching Languages: Teaching a language to the host, guests, or local communities.

What you get

3 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Beginner Spanish

Between 18 and 35 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Be from outside Colombia

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

2025–2026 ✨

Garay Otavo is a cultural and educational project in Puerto López, Meta – Colombia. We work with children and young people through English classes, creative activities, and community projects, promoting cultural exchange, learning, and youth empowerment.

In 2025–2026, our program enters a renewed stage with clearer organization, better communication, and a warm, welcoming environment for volunteers.

🌍 What will you do?

Support English classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Join youth and community activities based on your skills and interests (art, music, media, sports, culture, leadership, etc.).

Share your ideas and talents — we love co-creating projects with our volunteers!

🏡 What we offer

A safe, friendly, family environment

Basic accommodation

Lunch from Monday to Thursday

Cultural exchange and language practice (no Spanish required!)

The chance to make a real impact in a local community

⏳ Duration & flexibility

Minimum stay: 2 weeks

Core schedule: English classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Other activities are planned together with you and our team

If you enjoy education, community work, and cultural exchange — and want to live an authentic experience in Colombia — we’d love to meet you! 💛✨

Apply and let’s create something meaningful together.

Activities & Shift

🗓️ Main Activities

English classes with children and youth
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Community & youth activities
Planned together with the volunteer and the team, depending on your skills and interests.
(Art, music, sports, communication, leadership, creative or cultural workshops etc)

⏱️ Shifts

4 days per week

5–6 hours per day

Fixed schedule on class days (Tuesday & Thursday)

Flexible schedule for other activities, agreed in advance

🌱 How we work

We value communication and teamwork.

Volunteers are guided but also encouraged to bring ideas.

Activities are organized to keep a healthy balance between work, learning, and free time.

This is a collaborative and cultural exchange experience, not just a task-based volunteering.

Rules



📋 Rules

Be respectful, responsible, and open-minded

Show commitment during agreed schedules

Treat young people with kindness and professionalism

Communicate clearly with the team

Keep shared spaces clean and organized

Positive attitude always ✨

🍽️ Food & Kitchen

Sometimes we cook together when we can, but not every day.
Volunteers are welcome to use the kitchen, buy their own groceries, and store food in the fridge.

We only ask that you:

Clean everything after cooking

Respect shared spaces

Leave the kitchen just like you found it

Simple, fair, and chill 🌱

🧼 Cleanliness & Shared Spaces

Please clean and organize the spaces you use.

Keep common areas tidy and pleasant for everyone.

We believe shared care makes shared living easier.

🐱 Pets

We live with friendly cats who move freely in the house.

Please be comfortable around animals and treat them with care.

💛 Spirit of the House

This is a cultural exchange, not a hotel.

A positive attitude, responsibility, and openness are essential.

We value cooperation, respect, and good energy.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The house where the volunteer project takes place is old and simple, with basic infrastructure. This is not a hotel or a touristic hostel. Some spaces and furniture are old but functional. The bathroom is shared and requires mindful use. We are looking for flexible and understanding people who respect the local and community context. If you are looking for modern comforts or a touristic experience, this position may not be suitable for you.