Why Care & Community in Bolivia?

Bolivia, landlocked in South America, is a cocktail of Andean peaks, tropical forests, bustling ex-colonial cities and peaceful traditional communities. Much of it is still far-removed from the tourist trail, yet Bolivia contains a wealth of stunning natural landscapes, colourful markets and Indian villages which are waiting to be explored.

Volunteering in Bolivia

We run a number of placements throughout the Cochabamba region, where we help run an orphanage and help at government-run orphanages and foster homes for young boys and girls. The placements are varied, from big city-based orphanages to small rural foster homes. Conditions are basic, but your help is really needed. Volunteers also get involved in community projects. Recently volunteers have built a greenhouse, painted murals and constructed a new garden.

Why Volunteer in a Care and Community Placement?

Voluntary care work is extremely beneficial to all those involved, whether it is in a developed or a developing country. Throughout the world, there are vast numbers of children who are orphaned or neglected, and in need of love, care and affection. These are things which you do not need to be trained or qualified to give. The only qualities that the volunteer needs to possess are a care for fellow human beings and a desire to improve the lives of those with domestic or physical circumstances less fortunate than their own.

People are often unaware of the impact they can have on another person's life, with even the smallest gesture. Spending as little as one month working in an orphanage, a volunteer can have a hugely significant and positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children.

While the input of the volunteer is beneficial to the placement, in turn the placement proves beneficial to the volunteer. Volunteers are in a privileged position to be able to work in an environment culturally different from their own, where they can have unique experiences and develop a greater understanding of how other groups of people think and live. They go home with more self-confidence and a greater knowledge of the world.