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Fantastic 4.56rating (10)

Empower Rural Youth

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

Highlights

  • Create fun and playful activities for children aged 7–14 in a rural youth center
  • Support a safe and positive space where kids learn values, confidence, and social skills through games
  • Combine this project with morning English teaching for a full‑day community impact

Highlights

  • Create fun and playful activities for children aged 7–14 in a rural youth center
  • Support a safe and positive space where kids learn values, confidence, and social skills through games
  • Combine this project with morning English teaching for a full‑day community impact
  • Experience authentic rural life and connect deeply with a welcoming Colombian community
  • Live with a local host family and enjoy true cultural immersion in a peaceful mountain environment

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Provide a safe, fun, and creative space for children aged 7–14 through games, arts, and recreational activities while their parents are at work.

    Children and young teens in rural communities often spend their afternoons alone at home or outside without supervision while their parents are still at work. To prevent this, the community created a youth center that welcomes children aged 7 to 14 every afternoon for a safe, fun, and creative ...

    About the program

    Children and young teens in rural communities often spend their afternoons alone at home or outside without supervision while their parents are still at work. To prevent this, the community created a youth center that welcomes children aged 7 to 14 every afternoon for a safe, fun, and creative environment.

    As a volunteer in Colombia, you will support this youth center by helping facilitate recreational and playful activities, not formal education. The goal is to offer a space where children can explore, express themselves, and grow through games, creativity, and positive interaction.

    From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., volunteers assist the local team with activities such as:

    • cooperative games and group dynamics

    • arts, painting, drawing, and creative workshops

    • playful activities that teach values, ethics, and social skills

    • fun introductions to basic IT and digital tools

    • music, movement, and expression activities

    • emotional support and conversation spaces

    • light homework help only when a child requests it

    The focus is 100% recreational and experiential. Children learn by playing, creating, exploring, and connecting with others—not through school-style lessons.

    This program provides a safe and inspiring environment that supports the children’s emotional, social, and personal development while giving parents peace of mind during their workday. Your presence brings joy, motivation, and positive role modeling to a community that deeply values this support.

    In addition to participating in this project, volunteers could join other community initiatives at no extra cost, such as the the elderly centre, or the program supporting people with special needs. This flexibility adds dynamism to the experience, allowing volunteers to explore different social environments and avoid the monotony of working in a single setting. By combining activities, volunteers gain a deeper cultural exchange and a more comprehensive understanding of community life in Colombia.


    Typical day

    A typical day in this program is relaxed, playful, and centered around creating a safe and positive environment for children aged 7–14. Many volunteers combine this project with the Teaching English program in the morning, which creates a meaningful full‑day experience of community engagement.

    Aft

    Typical day

    A typical day in this program is relaxed, playful, and centered around creating a safe and positive environment for children aged 7–14. Many volunteers combine this project with the Teaching English program in the morning, which creates a meaningful full‑day experience of community engagement.

    After finishing the morning activities at the school, volunteers have a break for lunch and some rest before heading to the youth center.

    The children arrive around 2:00 p.m., full of energy after their school day. Volunteers welcome them and begin the afternoon with light, fun activities such as group games, drawing, painting, music, or creative workshops. The atmosphere is informal and friendly—this is not a school setting, but a space for recreation, creativity, and personal growth.

    Throughout the session, volunteers support the local team by guiding activities that teach values, teamwork, empathy, and confidence through play. Some children may ask for help with homework, but this is optional and never the main focus.

    The afternoon ends around 4:00 p.m., when the children return home safely. Volunteers then help tidy up the space and prepare ideas for the next day’s activities. Evenings are free to relax, explore the community, or enjoy time with the host family.


    Free-time activities

    The town of La Mesa, where this program is based, offers a wide variety of activities for volunteers. The region is surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

    During your free time, you can visit beautiful natural ...

    Free-time activities

    The town of La Mesa, where this program is based, offers a wide variety of activities for volunteers. The region is surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

    During your free time, you can visit beautiful natural attractions such as the Orchid Sanctuary in the Tequendama region, La Monja Waterfall, La Cruz Peak for hill walking, or enjoy trekking along the Apulo River. Bird watching is also popular, and there are many charming nearby towns to explore, including Anapoima, San Antonio del Tequendama, Mesitas del Colegio, and the impressive Tequendama Waterfall.

    Thanks to La Mesa’s proximity to Bogotá, volunteers can easily visit the capital city to enjoy museums, restaurants, cafés, bars, and cultural events. On weekends, we offer organized tours to explore other regions of Colombia such as Santander or Boyacá, where you can visit waterfalls, lakes, caves, and enjoy extreme sports.

    Some volunteers also take the opportunity to travel further and visit iconic destinations like Tayrona National Park, Cartagena, Caño Cristales, palm tree farms in Armenia, or coffee and sugar cane plantations.

    There is always plenty to do, and the region’s warm climate makes outdoor activities especially enjoyable. Volunteering in Colombia offers not only meaningful community impact but also the chance to experience the country’s real culture, landscapes, and traditions.


    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 (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Criminal background Check, CV, Vaccination, Travel Insurance and Photocopy of Visa.

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Volunteers should enjoy working with children and be open to rural community life. Creativity, patience, and good communication skills are very helpful. Experience in teaching, sports, arts, music, or youth activities is a plus but not required. Volunteers who appreciate nature, cultural exchange, and community projects adapt very well to this program.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What the fees pay for: 

    Donations for the project site and 24/7 support from the coordinator. 

    Hosting:

    Accommodation in a single room if fewer than 6 volunteers or a twin bedroom only two per room if more than 6 at once. 

    Food: 2 meals M-F. 1 on Saturday, 0 Sunday. 

    1 local tour, Orientation, and first-day guide to the project site.

    Internet free wifi,

    Washing Machine, 

    Fresh fruits from the gardens.

    Pick up from the Airport.

    All Administration costs are included

    Important: Program fees are charged differently depending on your region.

    • Volunteers from Europe: Fees are charged in EUR.  

    • Volunteers from outside Europe: Fees are charged in USD.

    The USD amounts shown on Volunteer World are automatically converted by the platform and may vary slightly due to exchange rates.  

    Your final fee will be confirmed directly with the organization in the appropriate currency (EUR or USD).

    Airport Pickup at El Dorado International Airport

    We provide airport pick-up at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.  

    Due to Bogotá’s driving restrictions (“pico y placa”), we can only drive on even-numbered days.  

    For this reason, volunteers should plan their arrival for an even day of the month.

    Please note that these driving restrictions are set by local authorities and may change without prior notice.  

    If your flight arrives on an odd day, we will help you arrange a safe alternative transfer or suggest adjusting your travel date when possible.

    Accommodation

    The volunteer accommodation is located at the Volunteer in Colombia headquarters in Paraíso Village. It is a small, peaceful country house surrounded by mountains, gardens, and a nearby river. The bungalow can host up to 7 volunteers at the same time and is connected to the coordinator’s main house.

    We offer:

    • 3 single bedrooms (available when requested or when fewer than 6 volunteers are staying)  

    • 1 twin room for two volunteers  

    • 1 double bedroom for a couple or a single volunteer if needed  

    All rooms are well‑decorated and include a desk, lamp, electricity, and access to hot and cold showers in two shared bathrooms. Bed linen is provided; volunteers only need to bring their own toiletries.

    Shared spaces include the gardens, dining room, and kitchen. The volunteer bungalow also has a small sitting area for relaxing or reading.

    Because this is a rural environment, volunteers should be prepared with:

    • light, long‑sleeved clothing  

    • insect repellent and sunscreen  

    • a hat and a flashlight for walking at night  

    • dark‑colored clothes (laundry is done with cold water)  

    The area is very quiet and tranquil, ideal for reading, writing, or enjoying nature. Volunteers may encounter small country animals such as crickets, spiders, mosquitoes, birds, and harmless insects. Bringing books, movies, or personal entertainment is recommended.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals provided are home‑cooked and based on traditional Colombian cuisine. Food is prepared with fresh local ingredients and reflects the simple, healthy diet of rural communities.

    We provide two meals per day from Monday to Friday:

    • Breakfast: eggs, hot chocolate or coffee, cereal or bread

    • Dinner: a home‑cooked meal including vegetables, rice or pasta, salad or soup, and meat or chicken. Normally is lighter than lunch.

    On Saturdays, one meal is provided. No meals are offered on Sundays, giving volunteers the flexibility to explore local restaurants or cook their own food.

    Volunteers may use the kitchen and BBQ area in the evenings or on weekends if they prefer to prepare their own meals.

    Any additional food or meals eaten outside are not included in the program fee.

    We can accommodate basic dietary preferences when informed in advance, although options may be limited due to the rural setting.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota. We assist you to find cheap flights to Colombia. 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 Colombia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Start Dates: Every Monday, all year round

    Volunteers arrive through Bogotá – El Dorado International Airport (BOG). From Bogotá, they travel to the rural community where the program takes place. Arrival is flexible, and volunteers may arrive on Saturday or Sunday, depending on flight availability and travel plans.

    Airport pickup and coordination begin once the volunteer reaches Bogotá. We help organize the onward journey to the community and ensure that arrival times fit safely within local transportation schedules.

    If you arrive earlier or outside the weekend, we can still support your travel plans, but additional accommodation or transport costs may apply.


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

    Program Fees

    $299 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

    4.56
    10 reviews

    2023
    I embarked on this experience with enthusiasm and passion, since I've always had a desire to help others. Living in a rural area, I had ...
    Viviana Colagrossi

    Empower Rural Youth

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Blanca
    10
    reviews
    4.56
    Fantastic
    2014
    Founded

    Verified

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Blanca
      Excellent response rate
    English, Spanish

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details