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Perfect 4.67rating (17)

Cultural exchange and school review

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Create spaces for effective participation.
  • Encourage participation and learning of values.
  • Improve learning

Highlights

  • Create spaces for effective participation.
  • Encourage participation and learning of values.
  • Improve learning
  • Give support and companionship
  • Show appropriate tools for learning.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    The cultural and educational exchange seeks to a better education and promote participation through spaces for the effective participation of the indigenous community.

    The cultural and educational exchange project seeks to promote participation and learning of values ​​such as solidarity, through spaces for effective participation in the community, contributing to the feeling of personal fulfillment and social responsibility of the people with whom we live.

    The ...

    About the program

    The cultural and educational exchange project seeks to promote participation and learning of values ​​such as solidarity, through spaces for effective participation in the community, contributing to the feeling of personal fulfillment and social responsibility of the people with whom we live.

    The indigenous communities have a traditional political structure and administration, but they also have to fight much harder than any other Panamanian to acquire better education, better working conditions and access to adequate health care. 

    The Embera, which is the community in which we collaborate, are distributed in various parts of the country, mainly along the Chucunaque and Tuira rivers in the Darién Province, in the province of Panama they are located on the banks of the Chagres River, Camboa, Gatún and Lake Bayano in MAJE, they live in a dairy house because of the location and levels of the river.

    ACTIVITIES

    At the school, you will play an essential role as a teacher's assistant, providing support in the classes being taught. In addition, you will have the opportunity to teach English to young people and adults in the community, as well as computer classes, teaching tools such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Your work will include the preparation of teaching materials and maintenance of the facilities, helping to maintain an environment conducive to learning and living together.

    You will also collaborate in the cleaning and planting of the vegetable garden, promoting sustainable practices and food production. In addition, you will provide follow-up and accompaniment in the workshops designed for the children of the community, contributing to their development and integral learning.


    FREE INITIATIVE 

    It is a space where volunteers can carry out workshops and activities that they are good at and share with the children.

    Depending on the number of volunteers we will divide into groups. We want the workshops, activities and school support to be a way of learning, sharing, having fun and getting out of the routine. It is therefore important that every volunteer who is part of the project brings a PROPOSAL FOR AN ACTIVITY OR WORKSHOP.

    This proposal can be related to your profession, your talents, hobbit or with themes such as sewing, art, yoga, gardening, recycling, self-knowledge and early stimulation.

    Regarding the workshops or activity that you propose in the form that we send to the volunteer, this must indicate: 

    • A proposal for the workshop or activity.
    • The age group it is aimed at.
    • Materials, as it will be you who will lead the activity

    .

    Requirements to participate

    • be of legal age.
    • Flexibility, adaptability, proactivity and respect for culture.
    • Make video calls.
    • Required to read and sign a volunteer form, declaration and agreement.
    • Send requested documentation



    Typical day

    Monday to Friday timetable for the project

    7:00 to 12:00 noon you support the community school. Afternoons you have them, but you can also organise activities with the children and young people of the community.Depending on the number of volunteers we will divide into groups. Since we seek that the ...

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday timetable for the project

    7:00 to 12:00 noon you support the community school. Afternoons you have them, but you can also organise activities with the children and young people of the community.Depending on the number of volunteers we will divide into groups. Since we seek that the workshops, activities and school support are a way to learn, share, have fun and get out of the routine. Therefore, it is important that all volunteers who are part of the project bring an ACTIVITY OR WORKSHOP PROPOSAL.

    During the afternoon the volunteer can organise English classes for young people and women in the community. Sports activities with the children.


    Free-time activities

    San Blas Islands

    Considered the most beautiful islands in all of Latin America.  Visitors choose them for their crystal clear waters and white sand.  These islands are 3 hours from Panama City.   

    Bocas del Toro

    It is very close to the Costa Rican border. On its beaches you can regularly go ...

    Free-time activities

    San Blas Islands

    Considered the most beautiful islands in all of Latin America.  Visitors choose them for their crystal clear waters and white sand.  These islands are 3 hours from Panama City.   

    Bocas del Toro

    It is very close to the Costa Rican border. On its beaches you can regularly go surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, enjoy the sun and the nightlife among many other activities.  

    Santa Catalina-Santiago Beach

    It is a small coastal town, during the day you can go to the beach and go surfing.  You can also book an excursion to Coiba Island. 

    Portobello and Mamey Island-Colón

    This beautiful and historic place located in the Caribbean area can be visited in a weekend. 


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Flexibility, adaptability, proactivity and respect for culture at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Passport and Travel insurance with civil liability and accident

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Committed Available for other activities Motivated Participative Empathetic Observation skills Enthusiasm Intermediate level of Spanish Adaptability

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

      What is provided to the volunteer
      • Information and accompaniment before and during your incorporation.
      • Accommodation during the induction and your participation as a volunteer.
      • Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday.
      • Orientation to the project and the village 
      • On-site coordinator.
      • Certificate of volunteering.

        Not provided 
        • Airfare, bus, taxi, other.
        • Vaccinations and visas if required.
        • Airport pick-up.
        • Internal transport, including to and from projects.
        • Excursions.
        • International medical insurance (compulsory).
        • Cost of criminal and sexual police background check (required for this project).
        • Cost of transport to and from the project site and accommodation. 

        Accommodation

          • The volunteer will have two living options. On the one hand, they can live with a family in the community, where they will be provided with 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), from Monday to Sunday. 

          • The second option would be to stay in a room in the school, where one of the teachers also stays. You will be provided with 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), from Monday to Sunday. In this case, the 3 meals will be made by the volunteer himself/herself. The ingredients for these meals are provided on a weekly basis.
          Housing in the community

          It is essential to keep in mind that you will be immersed in an indigenous community, whose lifestyle differs significantly from the urban environment you are used to.

          In their language, these dwellings are called "Dé" or sometimes "Tambo". These dwellings are characterised by their elevation, with the floors situated at a height of approximately two metres. They are built with sturdy palm trunk columns that provide stability. The elevation is a precaution against possible flooding and to prevent animals from entering the community. The roofs of the houses are made of palm stalks and the front of the houses are left uncovered.

          In these houses, people rest on mats with mosquito nets in designated areas.

          The bathrooms in the community are of handcrafted design, with options that include toilets. In addition, there is a communal toilet and shower area for visitors. This way of life is an immersion into the authenticity and simplicity of indigenous culture, offering you a valuable learning and personal enrichment opportunity.

          Space in the school

          In the school, the available space is divided into two areas. One is for the use of the teacher and her daughter, while the other has been set up specifically for volunteers.

          The current toilet is located at the back of the school parallel to the dining room.

          Inside the volunteer room, the teacher has a small cooker and a freezer that are used for both food preparation and food storage. Living with the teacher and her daughter in this environment provides a unique experience of cultural immersion and collaboration in the daily life of the school community.

          Food & Beverages

          • All 3 meals are provided from Monday to Sunday. Drinks are not included, only water for own consumption.

          Internet Access

          Limited access at the project site
          You don't have to pay anything yet

          What's NOT included?

          What's NOT included?

          Airport Pickup at Tocumen International Airport

          An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

          Flight Tickets

          The nearest airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Panama. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

          Travel Insurance

          Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Panama provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

          Vaccines

          If you are intending to volunteer in Panama you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Panama. VACCINE CHECKER

          Details on arrival

          • Arrival and joining the project for those who live with a family. 

            • You must arrive on a SATURDAY (see list of arrival days).
            • Sunday is induction day.
            • The first day at school is MONDAY.


            For those who take the option of living at the school in a space set up with one of the teachers, you must arrive on a SATURDAY or SATURDAY:

            • You must arrive on a SATURDAY or SUNDAY (see list of arrival days).
            • The first day of induction and in school is MONDAY.

            This project is open during the Panamanian school term, which usually runs from March to mid-December each year.


          As a guide from arrival in the country at the Tocumen airport to Parará Puru-Chagres, where the volunteer activities will take place. A document-guide will be sent when you contact us. (GUIDE TO GET TO PANAMA AND HOW TO GO TO YOUR VOLUNTEER IN AN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY) 

          Availability
          Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

          Program Fees

          $213 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

          Payment methods

          Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

          NO CREDIT CARD FEES


          Duration

          4 - 12 weeks

          Deposit

          Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


          Final Payment

          You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

          You don't have to pay anything yet

          4.67
          17 reviews

          2023
          Traveling, meeting new people and lending a helping hand to those in need is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Our volunteer ...
          Alfredo Caranna

          Help in Construction

          Location


          Meet your project coordinator

          Evelin
          17
          reviews
          4.67
          Perfect
          2015
          Founded

          Verified

            Very high response rate
          Spoken languages: Spanish, English
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          Contact Evelin
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          Spanish, English

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          Travel dates

          1. - 1. Jan 1

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