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NEW: Grandparent Getaways! Volunteering for Seniors February 6, 2010

Grandparent Getaways!

Project

This is a new specially designed 5 week project for over 55's.  We need Grandparents to work in an orphanage for 120 children, especially to provide attention to the 50 babies under 3 years old.  There are set departure dates where we are looking for groups of 3-6 Grandparents to travel and live together in one or two apartments in La Paz Bolivia.  You will have a "Cultural Ambassador", Eileen Martin,  to guide you through your entire stay.   Eileen, 62,  a retired art teacher from the United States came to Bolivia to volunteer in 2009 for four months but enjoyed it so much she has decided to come back in 2010 and bring all her friends with her!


These placements are specially designed to provide extra support so that your volunteering experience is easy, comfortable and most importantly unforgettable.


Why we need you

The orphanage is a state run home and therefore lacks sufficient funds, staff and resources.  What we need volunteers for is to hold the babies, play with the them, sing songs, play games and help take the children outside for a little sunshine!  A little love here can go a long way and the children just cant wait until their next cuddle.

Departure Dates 2010

  • 1st March - 5th April
  • 12th April - 10th May
  • 17th May - 21st June
  • 28th June - 2nd August


Please contact us for dates in the second half of 2010.

Price

• £695 for 5 weeks - approximately US$1125 (as of 4th Jan 2010 subject to exchange rate)


What’s included

• Airport collection 

• First night group dinner (drinks not included)

• Organised and personally visited accommodation in a family home stay in La Paz including a basic breakfast

• Comprehensive Travel insurance

• Quality pre-departure information, visa advice

• Local Sim card for mobile phone with $4 credit

• Point of Contact and La Paz based cultural guide

• Last night group Pena (Bolivian Folk music night - drinks not included)

• All pre-departure information and advice

• Assistance with travel planning and trip reservations and arrangements

• Local transport and entrances to Valley de la Luna

• Local transport to Copacabana Lake Titicaca, 1 night accommodation and afternoon tour to Isla de Sol

• Organised tour/day trip to Tiahuanaco


Accommodation:


• Participants stay in Creative Corners home-stays with local families where a basic breakfast of tea, jam and bread is provided.  


• Participants have use of the kitchen if they would like to prepare food at home.   


• Each participant is provided with their own set of keys to the home. 


• All participants have access to public transportation and stay no more than 10 minutes from the city centre. 


• Family and friends are able to contact participants at their home-stays as contact information is provided in advance along with Bolivian cell numbers as all participants are provided with a local sim card and phone number on arrival.


Proposed itinerary:

Week 1: 

Participants arrive at El Alto Airport (LPB) La Paz Bolivia where they will be met by their homestay family and Cultural Guide.


There will be a few days rest and acclimatisation with a tour of the city and a welcome dinner.


You will be introduced to the orphanage and begin work on day 4.  You will work either 9.00 -12.30 or 2.30 - 5.00pm


When you are not working their will be options for group activities, rest or personal exploration of the city.  If you would like to work at another orphanage or both mornings and afternoons there is also this option and can be arranged on arrival.

Weekend 1: ‘Day of break’ options include; Explore La Paz, Sagarnaga, Witches markets, or Valley de la luna.


Week 2: 

Continue Volunteering Program

Weekend 2: Overnight Trip.  On Saturday travel to Copacabana and Lake Titicacca.  In the afternoon visit the island of the sun and stay the night in Copacabana in Hotel Colonial.  Sunday relax/explore and get the bus back to La Paz.

Week 3.

Continue Volunteering Program


Weekend 3: Day trip to Tiahuanaco Bolivia's most important archaeological site.

Week 4.

Continue Volunteering Program


Weekend 4: Explore La Paz city and shopping!

Week 5.

Last week of Volunteering Program

Final Night in La Paz attend a local Pena.  Peña Marka Tambo Jaen 710.   The most authentic Bolivian traditional music and dance show.


Skills needed

• A  keen interest in working with young children and babies

 

How to Apply

• Download and complete the application form below and send to enquiries@creative-corners.com

On receiving your application we will

•  acknowledge receipt and start to process your application,

• send you an online invoice via paypal to pay the £100 deposit

• check your references,

• conduct a phone interview

Then we will...

• confirm your travel dates and help you find a good deal on a flight

• send you your travel information including country and project information, tips for travel, details of accommodation and medical and visa advice.   However we do recommend you seek independent advice on international travel from the embassies and International foreign travel website.

Then you will...

• Book your flight tickets, organise visas and immunisations

• Email or Fax a copy of your ticket, first page of your passport and itinerary to our office.

Full payment must be received at least 8 weeks before departure.


See Travel-Quest Special Categories sections for more seniors holidays and vacations for the over 50's.

 

Related document

Download iconGrandparent Getaway Application Form (668.825KB)

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