EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT - Assist enhance early childhood education in disadvantaged communities

Program Description

Volunteers at a Samana daycare center create a meaningful impact on children's lives, even with basic Spanish skills! This rewarding role involves interacting with children and guiding their growth. Duties include assisting a supervisor and promoting early childhood development (ECD) through play-based learning. ECD focuses on emotional, social, language, cognitive, physical, and motor skill development. It helps close the achievement gap between low and high-income students before formal schooling begins. (Children of low socioeconomic status (SES) often start school behind their higher SES peers.)

Volunteer placement or internship

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

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! Expect to play a vital role in providing love, care, and attention to children as a volunteer. Mentor them, offer affection, and organize activities to support local staff. Your dedication at the daycare center will profoundly impact the children's lives. While the role demands commitment, it's fulfilling if you enjoy interacting with children and guiding their growth. We adapt programs to community needs and volunteer capacity. Specialization is possible, but you may engage in a combination of activities. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their ideas and initiative. This is an excellent opportunity to develop and learn new skills.

Holidays - Summer Holidays are from June 14 until August 30, 2024 as well as Christmas Holidays from December 16 until January 06, 2025.

Attention: Volunteers are welcome to help out at our Summer Camp from July 01 until July 26 at our attention center in Samana (see Youth Care & Community program) and also 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

• Assist with age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, reading, writing, dancing, singing, playing games
• Take care of children and assisting the local staff in everyday activities 
• Help monitoring children to ensure they remain safe as they go about their activities
• Research, plan and prepare educational, development and care-related activities 
• Assist stock supplies and help with cleanup of school rooms or play areas
• Help staff during meal times and assist toddlers and preschoolers 
• Engage children in interactive activities and read books to them
• Engage the children in whatever activity or skill you possess, such as dancing, singing, painting.     

Requirements

No previous experience or special skills are required. Basic Spanish skills are required but there are many activities where little Spanish is needed and even beginners can be involved with meaningful work. Additionally we offer free Spanish language classes on a regular basis! Enthusiasm, self-reliance, patience, and an open mind are essential. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. We provide full support, and 24/7 backup. Ideal volunteer is proactive, result-focused, patient, and can work autonomously with supervision. Bring arts & crafts materials. Join us to make a positive impact!

Availability

This program is ongoing throughout the whole year. During summer holidays we offer summer-camp activities with the help of volunteers. Last week of December and the first week of January are Christmas holidays!

Time Commitment

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

Placement Location

Samaná

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/childhood-development/

Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz

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