SOCIAL MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM - Practice and develop your Social Media skills while experiencing caribbean culture

Program Description

The Social Multimedia project has a twofold purpose: to promote the foundation's mission and document our impactful work. Our main goal is to raise awareness of the rights of all children in Samaná. Through engaging Multimedia content on social media and local media outlets, in collaboration with our social media manager, we aim to address crucial issues such as parenting, child welfare, youth and family development, gender equality, women empowerment, sexual education, domestic violence prevention, and at-risk youth work and education. As a volunteer in this program, you'll play a vital role in producing short videos, documentaries, and radio/television broadcasting content. Your creativity and skills will be put to use in tasks like creating animated motion pictures, recording videos, photography, conducting interviews, and updating our social media platforms. By participating in the Social Multimedia project, you'll be contributing to meaningful causes and supporting our efforts to make a positive impact on the community of Samaná. Together, we can effectively promote awareness and bring attention to important social issues.

Youtube:  https://youtu.be/0ipn--79Y7A

Volunteer placement or internship

Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, ranging from a minimum of 4 hours daily up to to 40 hours per week - you decide! If you're joining as an intern, we understand that your school or university may have specific requirements. Please inform us in advance about your internship criteria, enabling us to tailor a personalized work plan to suit your needs. Share your expectations and goals with us, and we'll work together to ensure you achieve them. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the internship.

What to expect

In the Social Multimedia project, volunteers are empowered to be creative and proactive. While project topics are given, we value and encourage your own ideas and initiatives. A significant aspect of your role involves capturing and documenting our foundation's impactful work with the children, which includes taking and editing pictures and videos during program activities. You are warmly invited to share your production ideas with the volunteer team, and together, we will collaborate to bring your vision to life. This program provides a fertile ground to practice and enhance your existing skills while also presenting the chance to learn and develop new ones, making it an outstanding opportunity for personal and professional growth. By being part of this project, you'll have the chance to make a positive impact on our community in Samaná and create content that effectively promotes the foundation's mission and raises awareness of crucial social issues.

Holidays - Christmas Holidays from December 16 until January 06, 2025. 

Attention: Volunteers are welcome to stay at our Volunteer Guesthouse during Dominican Christmas and new year holidays! Even though working and business life comes to a halt through this two week period when the whole country is celebrating Christmas, our volunteers are welcome to celebrate Christmas and new year together with us and the Dominican people!

Activities can include but are not limited to 

• Take photographs and/or video documentation and report, interview, write and edit content related to our programs
• Edit for our online social media channels, the webpage, blog and through local media
• Support the day-to-day running of the NGO and attend meetings with authorities and community members
• Use Multimedia content to connect people emotionally to pressing social, gender and environmental causes
• Assist with computer literacy classes and online work skill training for local young adults
• Raise awareness for human and animal rights through artistic, creative and educational Multimedia content
• Assist with Social Community manager´s role to put together a content schedule for Social Media pages and help with editing and publishing content
• Write blog posts, articles, newsletters and other communication materials which can include a mix of media such as written content, videos, images and podcasts
• Assist with expanding our online presence improving functionality and SEO for our webpage and social media communication
• Help create, manage and grow the charity´s presence through blogs, Twitter, Facebook and other strategically relevant online properties
• Coordinate with local service operators, radio and TV stations for public awareness interventions related to various topics around children rights, education and health (advanced Spanish skills are required)

Requirements

This program welcomes a diverse range of participants, including students with free holiday time, pre-university students, and those studying or planning to study Multimedia, Marketing, or Journalism. Professionals in these fields are also encouraged to join. While prior experience with Social Multimedia, basic understanding of DSLR cameras, and familiarity with editing software and social media management/marketing are welcome, advanced experience is highly valued. Volunteers are required to bring their own laptop and Pen Drive, and if available, bringing their own camera to complement our Multimedia equipment is encouraged.

Availability

This program is ongoing throughout the whole year

Time Commitment

A minimum time commitment of 2 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year 

Placement Location

Samaná & Las Terrenas

About your Placement Location

The Aldeas de Paz Foundation is based in the charming coastal villages of Samana and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Samana, in the north-eastern corner, has about 15,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its safety, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. The community values social responsibility and exudes a secure, small European town vibe. The Dominican Republic's countryside is widely recognized for its peacefulness, making it one of the safest regions in the Caribbean. When you join our program, you'll experience a welcoming and secure environment while contributing to meaningful projects in this picturesque part of the world.

Accommodation

Discover our sought-after volunteer guesthouse apartments in Samaná and Las Terrenas, offering convenience, safety, and scenic beauty. Standard accommodation includes shared rooms for bonding with fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Choose from double, single, or homestay options to immerse in local culture. Enjoy free wifi and access to a washing machine. Collaborate with volunteers worldwide for a rich cultural exchange and lifelong friendships. Join us in creating a respectful and supportive community, ensuring a personally rewarding volunteering experience. Be part of this meaningful journey and leave with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.

Travel Logistics

Volunteer safety is our top priority. Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly English-speaking driver will be there to greet you and help with your transit to the bus terminal. They'll ensure you have a direct and comfortable bus ticket to Samana, your placement location (approximately 2 hours). Once you arrive, our dedicated staff and fellow volunteers will warmly welcome you and escort you to your accommodation.

Costs & Benefits

At Aldeas de Paz, we are committed to affordability and financial transparency with our open book policy. Our minimum contribution starts at just €155 per week (after the second week). This inclusive package covers Spanish language classes, comfortable accommodation in fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a dedicated program donation, personal welcome service, airport pick-up, bus transfer, bus fare, and a free transfer to your placement location.

This is included:

• Airport welcome service & transfer to your placement location 

• Fully equipped Accommodation in Las Terrenas or Samana depending where you will be placed
• Free WiFi & access to washing machine
• Free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement
• Placement introduction, certificate & student credit
• Full support and 24/7 backup from local staff
• Information about adventure packages & in-country travel

Special Offer

Enjoy free Spanish language classes for volunteers and interns, emphasizing practical communication skills. Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities naturally, similar to learning one's mother tongue. From day one, you'll use Spanish in real-life situations with role-plays, situational dialogues, and work projects complementing the basic syllabus. Beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Dominican culture for a continuous learning experience.

Program Highlights

• Immerse in the vibrant Dominican lifestyle, embracing the rhythm of Caribbean music
• Master Spanish fluency through free classes and embrace daily life with locals.
• Fuel your passion for learning and boost your career with international experience.
• Create unforgettable memories with weekend excursions alongside fellow participants.
• Relish the stunning beaches of Samana, conquer Pico Duarte's peaks, and explore Santo Domingo's historical colonial town.

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana unique?

Samana, a captivating peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, boasts breathtaking beauty. With its lush coconut trees extending into the sea, it feels like a secluded island. The town of Samana is a picturesque and tranquil port, where friendly locals engage in tourism, agriculture, and fishing, all accompanied by the lively rhythms of Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa music. A two-kilometer-long Malecon (seaside promenade) offers delightful strolls day and night, leading to a variety of charming restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing evenings. Surrounding the peninsula, you'll find hundreds of fantastic beaches, ready to be explored on day trips or weekend getaways. Embrace the Dominican lifestyle, enjoying the soothing rhythm of Caribbean music in this idyllic destination!

Contact Information  

Project/charity name: Fundación Aldeas de Paz

Address: Samana, Dominican Republic

Whatsapp: +1 829 7055 123

E-Mail: mail@peacevillages.org

Webpage: https://www.peacevillages.org/multi-media/

Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AldeasDePaz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Peacevillages