The centers for children in Colombia are not organized the way most people are used to seeing in the USA, UK or any other Western countries. Children from all over Colombia find themselves here in Bogota due to displacement from the more rural areas. Wars and fighting in the 1980s and early 1990s have forced thousands of families to flee their homes and head to the large cities.

Children are in desperate need for some love and attention and volunteers are the perfect people to get the job done. Children are often sent to ‘centers’ for certain hours of the day to receive education, interaction and food. Volunteers must understand that the children usually do not live at the Centre and are only there for a few hours in the day. We need as many volunteers as possible to ease the workload for the local workers who care for these children. 

 

Placement

Hogar Madre Teresa This is a centre for the children of central Bogota. Most of the children here have a family but they cannot afford to look after them. The care workers and sisters take in the children everyday just to give them shelter and feed them. There is a great need for volunteers here. There can be up to 40 children on one day and not nearly enough helpers to look after them properly.

The volunteers' main job will be to keep the children entertained and care for them. They will be able to dance, play games and organize group activities with the children as well as teaching English and reading books with them. The sisters here also speak English very well so it is easy for all volunteers regardless of Spanish ability to communicate with the local staff.

The work can also involve some cleaning, cooking and generally helping out with the feeding program. It is so entertaining to be in the company of these children, many volunteers feel they never want to leave. This project is 100 meters down the road from Hogar de Cristo (another placement) easy and safe for volunteers just to go back and forward from each one if needs be. 

 

Cost & How to Apply

  • This program is offered as part of a structured package with prices starting from US$270 (1 week) to US$3120 (24 weeks)
     
  • Included in this price is placements, in-country 24/7 support, information pack, airport pick up, orientation, program supervision, meals and accommodation for the duration of your stay
     
  • If you are thinking about booking this program on the application there is a section "Have you been referred by an Ambassador or Partner?". Here you can type code: ONEWORLD365 and you will be entered into a monthly draw to win a full refund of your registration fee