ABOUT US Volunteer for Venezuela (V4V) is a sustainable and transparent grassroots NGO based in Santa Elena, Venezuela, near the borders with Brazil and Guyana in South America. We are independent from political, religious or business interests and maintain independence by completely funding and operating our programs with the practical and monetary contributions of volunteers and interns.
OUR MISSION We promote a Culture of Peace through enriching cross-cultural exchange for people of all races and nationalities and we practice voluntary community service where we provide additional opportunities in educational, recreational and environmental fields and assist our beneficiaries to develop their potential and improve their own lives.
OUR VISION We share the values of peace, justice and tolerance, fundamentally focusing on the preservation of indigenous cultures and the empowerment of young people while valuing local knowledge and working with cultural sensitivity. Our Volunteer opportunities are truly the microcosm of a world where people join together giving priority to improving life for humanity and promoting a Culture of Peace as a practical way to both prevent and resolve conflict.
OUR VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS We are exclusively financed and operated by volunteers and Interns. Volunteering with us is a great opportunity to work side by side with locals, learn new skills, study Spanish and immerse oneself in the Latin and indigenous culture. We offer Spanish Language immersion classes: Volunteers and 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.
INTERNSHIP We offer internship placements in addition to volunteer programs. Interns typically come for 6 weeks to 12 months and apply well in advance to inform us of the conditions under which they are doing their internship and the requirements of their university or academic adviser. We are very happy to be in communication with academic institutions and to provide all materials and references necessary for interns to receive course credit for their volunteer work. Certificates are also provided to all interns upon successful completion of their internships. Interns are given references upon completion of the program, and during the program staff generally communicate with academic or other supervisors which the intern may have. This communication is conducted in the specific manner agreed upon once the intern applies for the position. All travel costs to Santa Elena, Venezuela must be covered by the intern. Budget at least 35 € Euro for in-country travel (including meals along the way) on top of whatever your plane ticket costs. Most volunteers will spend less than Euro € 80 a month on other personal expenses while here, but this depends on how you like to live.
VOLUNTEERING Volunteering is a great way to experience another culture, make new friends and learn new skills. The beauty in volunteering lies in the fact that you are not simply passing through as a tourist. You are interacting with the community, building relationships and making a positive impact. It is an experience that may well change your life! Volunteers are the driving force of our charity work, both through their volunteering and through their financial contributions. We have various programs currently under way and run by volunteers, as well as the long term expectation of opening a multi-faceted Attention Center. Volunteers, through their donations and through volunteer work done on the Foundations grounds are helping us to create this center. We encourage volunteers to form schedules which work for them, and to work in any combination of programs. Volunteers decide how many hours they want to work. We recommend a minimum of 4 hours daily for 4 days a week. You may work as many days/hours you wish. We emphasize that we focus on excellence and not on quantity! All travel costs to Santa Elena, Venezuela must be covered by the volunteer. Budget at least 35 € Euro for in-country travel (including meals along the way) on top of whatever your plane ticket costs. Most volunteers will spend less than Euro € 80 a month on other personal expenses while here, but this depends on how you like to live.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION Your financial contribution depends on length of stay and starts at Euro 480,- per month all in, including: • Volunteer placement in the program/s of your choice • Accommodation and 3 daily meals • Placement introduction and hand-outs, supervision, regular briefings • Use of Internet, Mountain bikes, Gym, pool, home cinema with DVD collection • Up to 10 Spanish language lessons every week • Certificate and/or written reference upon completion • Full support and 7 days, 24 hour back-up from our local staff • Foundations T-shirt • Santa Elena bus terminal pick-up.
Our staff will welcome you to our home-base upon arrival to Santa Elena and ensure that all of your needs are met - from a safe and comfortable place to stay, to unparalleled access to perspectives and insight about the local culture
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.
