La Paz
La Paz, perched at 12000 ft/ 3265 m above sea level, is the highest capital in the world. With an estimative population of 1.9 million, it is also the largest city in the country and the seat of government. The first look of La Paz coming from “El Alto” city, literally takes your breath away: the city sits in a natural bowl three miles/five km in diameter and the buildings cling to the sides of the canyon spreading downwards. On a clear day, the imposing snowy Mt Illimani (6402m) looms in the background. Its neighbor city El Alto, in reality an extension of urban La Paz, is one of the fastest growing cities of the world. The city’s many faces must be savored over time, not only to acclimatize to the altitude, but to experience it truly and enjoy everything it has to offer: walk through streets and alleys awing at the colonial architecture, visit lively markets, marvel at the interesting museums, chat to the locals in restaurants and cultural shows or relax over a coffee at a trendy café. There are also extraordinary attractions to be discovered in the surroundings such as the Andean peaks Illimani and Illampú, Lake Titicaca, the ruins of Tiahuanaco, and the adjacent tropical yungas.
A. Child Care at Orphanage
A centre in La Paz is devoted to the care of orphan children in the area. The centre aims to provide them not only with a residence, but also a family environment. Children live in these houses in groups of five or more (from 0 to 15 years old) together with a substitute mother. This organization also works to support families who are at social risk and providing older children with support and education so that they continue studying and working and are able to integrate into society.
Location: Mallasilla, La Paz city. 30 to 45 minutes from city centre.
Volunteer work:
- Help to take care of the smaller children.
- Interact and play with children of different ages.
Requirements:
- Language abilities: English (intermediate to advanced level), Spanish (intermediate).
- Age: Over 18 years old.
- Mentality: Open minded, in good mental health to face and solve difficult situations related to orphan children and poverty, autonomous and the ability to work without supervision and with children. Child care experience preferable.
- Safety: Reasonable level of fitness required. (High altitude)
- Communication: Cell phone with local SIM card.
- Time of year: All year round.
Inlcuded:
- Project support: there will be a VH representative assigned to each volunteer who will be in touch via phone and email during the duration of the volunteer period.
- Accommodation: Boarding school/homestay.
B. English Language Assistant.
A local NGO is working in conjunction with the municipality on a program to improve the quality of English teaching in several schools in La Paz and El Alto cities.
Location: Villa Fátima, La Paz city. 15 to 30 minutes from city centre
Volunteer work:
- Assist local English teachers in classes and help expose the local children to the English language
- Make them feel comfortable with the English language by encouraging them to learn and speak it.
Requirements
- Language abilities: English (intermediate to advanced level), Spanish (basic)
- Age: Over 18 years old.
- Mentality: Open minded, autonomous, the ability to work without supervision and with children, and eager to learn Spanish and be in contact with local children.
- Safety: Reasonable level of fitness required. (High altitude)
- Communication: Cell phone with local SIM card.
- Time of the year: February – November (school periods).
Included:
- Project support: There will be a VH representative assigned to each volunteer who will be in touch via phone and email during the duration of the volunteer period.
- Accommodation: Homestay.
C. Animal Care at Animal Shelter
As a consequence of La Paz´s overpopulation, animal life has been devalued and people are commonly indifferent towards animals. Between El Alto and La Paz, there are approximately 150,000 stray dogs wandering the streets. An NGO is giving medical care, food and shelter to abandoned and sick animals, including dogs, cats and wild animals which have been forced to live on the street. This organization is run thanks to financial support from different fundraising sources and donations. It manages 2 animal care centres and a veterinary centre. Once animals have been taken care of, they are put out for adoption.
Location: Pura Pura, La Paz city. 20 to 30 minutes from city centre.
Volunteer work:
- Supporting in the general care of the animals.
Requirements:
- Language abilities: English (intermediate to advanced level), Spanish (basic)
- Age: Over 18 years old.
- Mentality: Love for animals and animal care, autonomous, the ability to work without supervision, open minded and in good mental health to face situation of animals and poverty.
- Safety: Reasonable level of fitness required. (High altitude)
- Communication: Cell phone with local SIM card.
- Time of year: All year round.
Included:
- Project support: There will be a VH representative assigned to each volunteer who will be in touch via phone and email during the duration of the volunteer period.
- Accommodation: Homestay
D. German Language Assistent in Kindergarten
German mothers are giving German classes to Kindergarten children (6-7 yrs) up to High school age (16-18yrs), so that they can apply for scholarships in Germany. Although this program is being implemented at a private school, is not an expensive one and so many local children are able to attend here.
Location: Villa Fátima, La Paz city. 10 to 20 minutes from city centre.
Volunteer work:
- Assisting these mothers to teach German to the children.
Requirements:
- Language abilities: German (intermediate to advanced level), Spanish or English (intermediate).
- Age: Over 18 years old.
- Mentality: Open minded, autonomous, the ability to work without supervision and with children, and eager to learn Spanish and be in contact with local children.
- Safety: Reasonable level of fitness required. (High altitude)
- Communication: Cell phone with local SIM card required.
- Time of Year: February – November (school periods)
Included:
- Project support: There will be a VH representative assigned to each volunteer who will be in touch via phone and email during the duration of the volunteer period.
- Accommodation: Boarding school or homestay.
