Creative Corners - Destinations - Orphanage for boys and girls aged 6-12 with unique arts program

Orphanage for boys and girls aged 6-12 with unique arts program

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Project

The project for orphaned, abused and abandoned children is part of a state-run temporary home and is home to around 75 children mainly between the ages of 6 and 12. The majority of the children study at the school within the home, with a few older children studying at a local public school.

A unique creativity program was started at this home in 1992 which has been regularly staffed by volunteers who have their own workshop where they conduct artistic activities with small groups of children in the afternoons. Each child gets to do the activity once during the week and the activity changes or develops on a weekly basis. The focus of the volunteer program is to provide the emotional support and love that the children desperately lack, and give them the opportunity to express themselves through creative and artistic work thus strengthening their self-esteem.

It can be a very rewarding yet sometimes challenging project as the children have endured a lot of suffering – but they are keen and the results of your efforts, the smiles and eagerness to learn a new song or skill are all the encouragement you need….

Why we need you

To keep this wonderful program going year round! There are many opportunities here to project lead or to work alongside other volunteers running art activities with small groups. Apart from the arts workshops there is also scope for other activities outside the workshop including circus workshops, devising and writing plays, organising a choir, singing groups, guitar lessons, performances, photography workshops – the list is endless. A Christmas musical and circus show have been past projects there and they would love teachers to help to make these annual events.

If you have experience in teaching, psychology or physical therapy it is possible to volunteer in the school or work with the Bolivian professionals in addition to involvement in the creativity program.

Price

• £695 for 2 months £195 for each additional month

• £575 for up to one month

What’s included

• Airport collection
• Organised and personally visited accommodation in a family home stay in La Paz.
• Comprehensive Travel insurance
• Quality pre-departure information, visa advice

Skills needed

• Basic Spanish required or be willing to learn before you go!
• Have the ability to relate to and interact with young children between 6 -15 years old.
• Have an interest in working with children that have been abandoned, neglected or abused and may
therefore present emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Be able to organise workshops, creative games and activities for the children at the home.
• Initiative, patience, imagination and enthusiasm.
• The ability to work independently without supervision.