YOUTH CARE AND COMMUNITY - Help us enhance the lives of children and teenagers

Under-resourced and under-staffed community projects are waiting for enthusiastic volunteers to bring their own ideas for projects and help out with already-established projects. We cannot pretend to remedy serious social and economic conditions but our volunteers in Santa Elena have plenty of opportunities to make a difference to young people who would otherwise lack educational and creative opportunities. Whether your skills lie in music, sports, drama, art or handwork, we can offer you a unique chance to implement your own ideas, while giving you valuable experience and realizing personal ambitions and goals. The Casa de la Cultura and Fundación del Niño are some of the organizations which are open to the input of volunteers with their own projects. This includes English teaching, theater workshops, music projects, computer instruction and ceramics classes. In the past, volunteers have formed teams working on community projects such as the maintenance and improvement of playgrounds and community centers, he organization of recycling programs, environmental education activities in local schools and the planning of cultural events in conjunctions with the town council. In addition to established community activities and programs, motivated volunteers who bring ideas for projects have the chance to set up their own volunteer opportunities with the financial and organizational support of our charity. The foundations established relationships and contacts with various schools and social organizations in the town and the help of the Volunteer Coordinator enable volunteers to create their own exciting work placements. Improve the pronunciation and conversational English language skills of young children and adults. You can let your creativity run wild with songs, games and other learning activities in classes of about 6-12 pupils. To participate you do not necessarily need to speak fluent Spanish, although some Spanish knowledge helps. We also would like to set up a month-long summer camp for underprivileged and stret children from around Venezuela on the Foundation grounds, and are looking for a committed volunteer to organize and implement this exciting idea. There are no limits to the work a motivated and enthusiastic volunteer can set up in Santa Elena, but achieving a successful independent project does require a longer stay than participation our already established volunteer programs.

ACTIVITIES CAN INCLUDE: • Teaching English, math or science classes in local schools (likely to a large class) • Teaching English classes at Chavez's Misión Ribas program (3 months minimum commitment) • Organizing special educational events or workshops (ask us how to realize your own project) • Assist teaching at the local music school or arts, craft and ceramics at the cultural center • Help with our Mobile School in a local indigenous neighborhood • Participate in visits to the local pediatric ward for recreational activities like story telling, theater and play sessions • Make and decorate wooden didactic toys and materials for our play-therapy program and as give aways • Attend play-therapy seesions at local day care centers, providing stimulation and social acclimation to local children • Help restore and maintain childrens playgrounds and school facilities. Assist with painting and restoring work, help with landscaping, redecorating and maintenance

REQUIREMENTS: No previous experience or special skills are required, but participants need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and have a desire to work with children. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are also important qualities. Take delight in the children's progress through interaction and play, as well as the charming nature of the bonds formed between children and volunteers. Some knowledge of Spanish language would be advantageous. Previous teaching experience is helpful but not necessary. Staff and other volunteers will support you when you start teaching. In schools you may be working with other teachers and/or other volunteers. It is best to come with ideas and enthusiasm, take initiative and dedicate a lot of creativity to the position. However, Volunteers with experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

AVAILABILITY: Ongoing throughout the year

SPECIAL OFFER: Spanish Language immersion classes - Volunteers or Interns receive up to 10 Spanish language lessons every week. Classes focus on developing communication skills so that students are able to put their knowledge to practical use as soon as they step outside the classroom. Our teaching method enables students to develop four basic skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. The idea is to learn Spanish in a natural and spontaneous way, just as students have learned their mother tongue. Our students speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical real-life situations: the basic syllabus is supplemented by special exercises, such as role-play, situational dialogues and work projects. Outside the classroom the learning process continues as you are immersed in Spanish language and culture.