Volunteer unders this program sre placed at an Orphanage which is a non profit charitable institution providing a community service where all funds go to benefit orphaned and abandoned children in Bolivia. It is operated under the protection of the Catholic Church Administration with residence in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Their mission is to provide support for development of orphaned or abandoned children with social problems in a home and family atmosphere. In order to provide better future prospects, the villages offer a secure, permanent and protected upbringing with appropriate education to enable employment and future self sufficiency. This vocational work is done in an open way to provide a fair, equal and prosperous society.

The objective of the Villages is to provide a community service for the problems of abandoned children. It has no political affiliations or profit making aims.

The children's villages consist of individual family units, each housing a mixed gender group of 10-12 children of various ages. Each house is headed by a foster mother who manages the household independently. All live in harmony like a traditional family with mother and siblings. Siblings of blood are kept together. The children grow up in the children's villages and are being raised at home and in school on strong moral and religious principles.

Once they have reached age 15-16 and completed middle school, they live in separate boys' and girls' residences. Most of them will go on to study a technical or professional career, and a few will even continue higher education at the University. Each child makes their own career decision based on his or her individual talents and intellect.

The children remain in the residences until they are able to lead an independent life outside. Once their mission is accomplished, they integrate our youth into the society from which they came as respectable and educated persons.

Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Beginner Spanish knowledge is recommended.

Project Location
The project placements are located in the city of  Santa Cruz Most of the volunteer placements are located within 15 - 30 minutes away from their accommodation and volunteers use local transportation such as mini bus or taxis for their commuting.

Airport Receive/ Transfer: You will arrive at the international airport of Viru-Viru. The airport is located 20km north of Santa Cruz. Those volunteers who will be already in Santa Cruz will be met by the staff at a designated meeting point decided beforehand.

Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by our staff. We cover areas like, culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc.

Lodging: Accommodation is provided on a shared basis in a local Bolivian family home. The home stay accommodations are neat and provide a comfortable stay during your volunteering period in Bolivia. All accommodations have running water, electricity and all basic amenities  available.

Food: 3 meals a day would be provided as part of your program. Bolivian food is varied and you will be able to delight yourself with a great quantity of different plates that include meats and vegetables of all kinds.  Even so, if you do not like chilli or spicy plates, you should take precaution at the moment of ordering since most part of the food has this characteristic.

Insurance: All participants are covered for full comprehensive Travel and Medical insurance for their time of stay in our project. To view a copy of the Insurance Coverage provided, please click here

In – Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Start Dates
Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month throughout the year.

Program Costs
Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offer you the lowest prices with professional services to volunteer abroad. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

What are you Paying For ?
» 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
» Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
» Airport Pickup
» Orientation
» Food
» Accommodation
» Travel & Medical Insurance 

What's NOT Included ?
» Airfare
» Visa and Visa extension fee
» Airport drop, airport taxes
»Local Transportation
» Any personal expenses (You would need around $40 for weekly expenses)