Volunteer information.

 

WILL IT BE EXPENSIVE?

What will it cost seems to be an awkward question but actually very easy. If you stay with us we ask for a donation of $10/day/person (US dollars). For stays longer than two weeks a donation of $7/day/person or we negotiate on an individual basis. The ten dollars/day covers the basic expenses. It's for a room, services and meals. You'll have access to the kitchen so you can purchase what you need  for  snacks. You'll have  access to your email, (well most times) use of phone for local calls and mission related transportation.

Get to Cochabamba, Bolivia and we will meet you at the airport or bus terminal.

This is the form you would need to send prior to coming . Hey we're flexible except when it comes to bad influences on our children. . In case youre a minor needing  parental  or guardian permission ask them to sign and bring signed form with you.

Volunteer Information Form

WHAT TO EXPECT

It is actually very intense but also pretty laid back. If that sounds strange read on. Intense in that our main priority is in getting 30 plus kids off to school. On time, clean and up to date with homework. Tutor work is therefore important. This can include craft time, art work and such. We keep the rooms tidy; the children clean and assist them in learning these skills. Then we take walks to the park and kick a footy, use the slides etc, talk and sing, enjoy a movie, just be their companions and so it can be fairly laid back at times. Shopping, doctors, dentists, washing clothes, washing bodies and washing dishes. All have their part in what is a normal kid's day.
The vast majority of the work to be done involves serving, working, playing , and just being with the children. If you like that then we, they and you are happy.

EXPECT to also be involved in:
Teaching children to write their name, tie their shoes, bake a cake, peel a bag of spuds and so the list goes on. Teaching, teaching, and teaching.
That is the aim: To achieve an end goal that produces well rounded adults. Relationships, necessary skills of self -care, functioning to their intellectual best are all things we wish to teach and we do have an emphasis on teaching / imparting spiritual things and good moral development.
The citizens of tomorrow need so many skills. Add the fact that many have come from high risk, abandoned or orphaned states and the need increases dramatically. As one volunteer put it. “The intense part for me was to learn just what sort of lifestyle these children had and having to simply accept it as there is nothing you can do.”
Then there is an endless amount of associated work. Yard work, household maintenance and just the ongoing things to attend to as in any normal home. Even my web page needs a skilled person to attend to my updates and put my photos up as the names and numbers change.

 

EXPECT this from Cochabamba.
Firstly it is safe. Sure, be wise, and gringos look like fair targets but basically the place is safe. The people are poor and crimes are usually opportunistic. Be cool. Don't flash money, don't go with people you don't know and so-on.
Remember that life here is much different to what you are used to.
But a big PLUS: The weather. The city of eternal spring it calls itself. No need for heavy coats, and the like. Although it's near the equator, Cochabamba sits at an altitude of 2500m so you won't be sweltering in tropical heat. Gear is also very cheap to buy and so you'll be able to kit yourself out fairly reasonably. Rainy season is early new year and then basically sunny skies for the following nine months.


EXPECT to find it a challenge.
Everything takes longer, altitude means you probably get tired faster. Things will frustrate and you can expect challenges in all areas of your life.
Then if you intend to stay a wee while (over 90 days) you need to leave the country and re-enter to have your passport stamped

EXPECT to visit and sightsee.
Count on some extra money for travelling. You'll want to see Bolivia while you are here. We will advise. ATM's allow for debit and credit card withdrawals. Bolivianos here but many transactions can be made in dollars (US)  so dollars are also OK Traveller's cheques. But you pay twice. Don't be fooled.
Cochabamba city, with its 300 000 people is big enough so you won't die of boredom. As Bolivia's third biggest city it's catching up with the rest of the world. There are internet café's, a theatre, 2 movie theatres, 10 pin bowling and a few eating places to check out and meet a few other foreigners or locals. It's close to the jungle and miracle of miracles NO MacDonald's but we do have other burger stores and the like.
Cochabamba is central to most areas. For example La Paz is 7 hours and about $4 bus fare (Lake Titicaca, Tiahuanaco, Isla del Sol) and Santa Cruz, 10 hours by bus. Oruro is four hours away and the Salt Lakes (Salar de Uyuni) a few more hours from there. Overland buses are cheap, basic and reasonably on time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.C.M.

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