🌍 Volunteer at a Charitable School for Disability in Colombia!
The experience
Nestled near San Gil, Santander, our charitable school provides education and care to 25-30 children, teens, and adults with disabilities. A safe haven, the school offers art, music, equinotherapy, and more, fostering joy and inclusion. Volunteers gain priceless cultural immersion, connecting deeply with local staff and students while enjoying Colombia’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
What you offer
5 hours of help per day
Child Care:
Caring for, playing with, and spending time with children.
Social Work:
Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
What you get
2 days off per week
Private Room:
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Breakfast:
You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch:
You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner:
You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Free Laundry:
You can use our laundry room freely.
Use our equipped kitchen:
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Basic Internet Access:
Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Requirements
Intermediate Spanish
Over 18 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
English:
Our school, located just outside of San Gil, Santander, is a charitable institution dedicated to providing education, care, and support to children, teens, and adults with disabilities. With 25-30 students, many of whom stay with us during the week due to challenging home environments, we are a haven of love, safety, and learning. Our vibrant community values inclusion and fosters creativity through activities such as art, music, equinotherapy, and hydrotherapy. Volunteering here offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while immersing yourself in Colombian culture and forging unforgettable connections.
Español:
Nuestra escuela, ubicada a las afueras de San Gil, Santander, es una institución benéfica dedicada a brindar educación, cuidado y apoyo a niños, adolescentes y adultos con discapacidades. Con 25 a 30 estudiantes, muchos de los cuales permanecen con nosotros durante la semana debido a entornos familiares desafiantes, somos un refugio de amor, seguridad y aprendizaje. Nuestra comunidad vibrante valora la inclusión y fomenta la creatividad a través de actividades como arte, música, equinoterapia e hidroterapia. Ser voluntario aquí ofrece una oportunidad única de generar un impacto significativo mientras te sumerges en la cultura colombiana y creas conexiones inolvidables.
Activities & Shift
English:
Volunteers assist teachers during classes and activities, providing care and support to ensure a positive learning environment. Activities include art, music, sports, equinotherapy, hydrotherapy, and playground time. Volunteers help with tasks such as classroom organization, guiding students through lessons, and maintaining focus during activities. Shifts generally run from Monday to Friday, starting at 7:30 AM and ending around 4:00 PM, with breaks for meals. Weekends are free, offering volunteers the chance to explore the stunning natural and cultural attractions around San Gil.
Español:
Los voluntarios asisten a los maestros durante las clases y actividades, brindando cuidado y apoyo para garantizar un entorno de aprendizaje positivo. Las actividades incluyen arte, música, deportes, equinoterapia, hidroterapia y tiempo en el parque infantil. Los voluntarios ayudan con tareas como la organización del aula, guiar a los estudiantes en las lecciones y mantener el enfoque durante las actividades. Los turnos generalmente son de lunes a viernes, comenzando a las 7:30 AM y terminando alrededor de las 4:00 PM, con pausas para las comidas. Los fines de semana son libres, ofreciendo a los voluntarios la oportunidad de explorar las impresionantes atracciones naturales y culturales alrededor de San Gil.
Rules
English:
- Volunteers should have at least intermediate Spanish skills (preferably fluent) for smooth communication with staff and students.
- Approach your work with patience, empathy and a cheerful attitude to build strong connections with the children.
- Meals are shared as a group but if necessary or desired the volunteers are able to use the kitchen for their own meal preparations.
- Weekends offer free time to explore the town of San Gil or Barichara and its beautiful surroundings, as activities at the school are minimal during those days.
- We encourage volunteers to stay in San Gil or Barichara during weekends, as only the nuns are present at the school during this time.
Español:
- Se requiere un nivel de español al menos intermedio (preferiblemente fluido) para una comunicación fluida con el personal y los estudiantes.
- Abordar su trabajo con paciencia, empatía y una actitud alegre para construir vínculos sólidos con los niños.
- Las comidas se comparten en grupo, pero si es necesario o se desea, los voluntarios pueden usar la cocina para preparar sus propias comidas.
- Los fines de semana ofrecen tiempo libre para explorar el pueblo de San Gil o Barichara y sus hermosos alrededores, ya que las actividades en la escuela son mínimas durante esos días.
- Se recomienda que los voluntarios permanezcan en San Gil o Barichara los fines de semana, ya que no hay nadie en la escuela aparte de las monjas.