Short Term Volunteers
The Short Term Volunteer Program is an opportunity for young Christians to have a firsthand foreign mission experience under the tutorship of experienced missionaries. Most past participants of the program have included children of sponsors, members of sponsoring churches and volunteer agencies, and it is an alternative for those considering having a school “Gap Year”. Short Term volunteers have summed up to more than 300 young women and men from the U.K., Ireland, USA, Canada, Colombia, Spain, South Africa, Australia & Bolivia.
This program develops within the sphere of influence of “La Palmera” CCC activities. It requires basic knowledge of the Spanish language and demands a commitment to hard work and a positive attitude. While the project is explicitly Christian, both non-Christians and Christians are welcome, so long as all volunteers attend the church activities and follow the project rules.
Volunteers interact with the friendliest community of children they can meet, their extended family and friends, while getting busy at the school, the church and the community. Definitely, a most enriching experience in a foreign culture!
Once you have familiarized yourself with the work at the project and have prayed about whether God is leading you to come and serve, you will need to fill out an application form. The application is simply a way for us to get to know you, your beliefs and your background, please don’t be intimidated by its length (more details about its purpose are on the actual application).
Please email bcpfield@gmail.com if you are interested in applying.
Long Term Volunteer Opportunities (1 year or more)
Long term volunteers would be expected to follow the same criteria as short term volunteers. We especially would want volunteers to have some advanced level of Spanish prior to coming, or at least be willing to attend a language school, as these roles usually have more intensive Spanish requirements. Of course, we are always open to fresh ideas, let us know if you think of a role that could benefit the project and we will consider it.
Interested in volunteering at La Palmera?
Here are some questions you might ask…
Where is the project and what will it be like there?
Location: The Christian Cultural Center, La Palmera is situated in Trinidad, Beni, Bolivia. Trinidad is shown on almost any map of Bolivia. It is located in the northeast of the country in the Amazon basin just 14 degrees south of the equator and has a humid tropical climate. It is a small city of just over 90 thousand people, the majority of which live in one-story houses made of adobe bricks. Many of the streets in the downtown area especially are now paved with asphalt, but there are still a large number of dirt unimproved streets.
Language: It is important to remember that the language spoken here is Spanish (Latin American). You will be expected to attend meetings conducted in Spanish, and a basic understanding of the language will be a useful tool in communicating with those in the community whom you will be serving. It is advisable to learn as much Spanish as possible before coming to join the project as you can find it frustrating at times being limited by the inability to express yourself or participate fully in meetings and conversations. However, don’t let this deter you from coming to serve. ***If you wish there are also a number of language schools in nearby big cities that you can attend prior to coming in order to maximize your experience.***
In
what ways could I serve?
The most important activity you can be involved in is building relationships,
encouraging both the international and national personnel and the children
here. Also be prepared to get involved in all sorts of other activities,
using your skills and experiences and applying them to different areas.
We expect you to be creative and willing to be involved wherever the needs
may be. Below are some possibilities.
Activities with
Children (ages 5 – 18) in the school:
- Recreation (recess time)
- Devotional Periods
- Arts and Crafts
- Classroom Assistant
- Visitations to the homes of school children
- Camps (depending on the time of year)
- Neighborhood children’s Sports day
- Recreational activities within the outlying community
Activities with the church:
- Testimonies
- Special presentations
- Prayer meetings, Bible study, family service, and young peoples meetings
- Home visitations to church families
- Special events – family retreat and gospel campaign
- Missions Trips to surrounding areas
Activities with the community:
Where
would I stay?
Generally volunteers stay at a house located about two blocks from the project. We have four bedrooms/bathrooms there of varying sizes. Teams generally are accommodated in our large dorm rooms located at the project. Most lunches and evening meals will be provided and are included in your living costs. If you wish to rent your own home (a family for example) you can do as well for a fairly inexpensive rate.
What
health care can I expect?
Trinidad has several hospitals and there is a wide range of specialized
private medical services. Admission and treatment at local hospitals will
be your own responsibility, therefore we recommend you to undertake health
insurance or make provision for such eventualities. Any allergies, medical,
and psychological conditions must be reported in the application form to
the Short Term Coordinator prior to the departure from your country of origin.
This information will be treated confidentially. Failing to do so may result
on your visit having to be cut short on medical grounds. For basic treatment, we have a fully functional medical clinic to take care of minor injuries and illnesses.
What immunizations will I need to arrange before I come?
The required immunizations for your visit to Trinidad-Beni
are:
Required
Diphtheria*
Tetanus*
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Measles**
Parotitis (Mumps)**
Rubella (German Measles)**
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever (required to enter Bolivia)
Typhoid Fever
*Diptheria/Tetanus are commonly given in a single vaccine.
**Measles/Parotitis/Rubella are commonly given in a single vaccine called
MMR.
DENGUE FEVER: Trinidad lies in an at risk area for the virus dengue fever which is carried by mosquitoes. Generally this virus is a problem in the early months of the year when the rains are the heaviest. Unlike the mosquitoes that carry malaria, these mosquitoes are active during daylight hours in urban settings. Bolivia has had a huge epidemic in early 2009. While generally not fatal, this virus has symptoms of vomiting, fever, bone pain, headaches and nausea. This virus has no treatment or vaccine, so be advised to take proper precautions.
RABIES: As is typical of Latin America, Trinidad has many stray dogs which can carry rabies. Generally these dogs are afraid of people from being abused, but they are also at risk for carrying rabies. Generally it's not a problem (and therefore not required), but if you'd prefer to have a rabies vaccination please don't hesitate.
Visa Requirements
Most European and Canadian citizens can enter Bolivia without any additional requirements and will receive a 90 day stamp in their passports. However, as of December 2007, the Bolivian government now requires US citizens to obtain a tourist visa. This visa can be obtained upon arrival at any major port of entry. Generally, only a completed application form (provided at port of entry) and $135 payment in cash is necessary to receive this visa. However there are other secondary documents which you should be aware of and ready to show:
- Copy of your flight itinerary showing both your arrival and departure flights to/from Bolivia
- A valid Yellow Fever vaccination card (yellow trifold card) or be willing to sign an affadavit releasing the Bolivian government from liability should you contract the disease
- A letter of invitation from the place you will be staying or address of hotel (La Palmera Foundation will provide this beforehand if needed)
- A valid credit card good for the entire stay or $50 cash for each day you plan to stay.
If you will be staying for longer than a few months, it will be necessary to obtain a one year missionary visa. Staff at the project will assist in helping you to obtain this visa and this process can be completed with the local immigration office in Trinidad. The current cost is roughly 400 USD.