Medicine & Health – La Paz, Bolivia

Come and share your skills with the children.

We care for children and teens living on the streets and others coming from situations of abandonment and extreme neglect by their families. That’s why the children live in the Foundation’s homes, where staff work to create a safe, welcoming physical and emotional environment that allows the children to develop properly. We currently work in the cities of La Paz and El Alto with a total of 58 children across 4 centers. The program’s goal is to help street and high-risk children and teens overcome their vulnerability by exercising their rights.

Activities

• You’ll attend to and review the health conditions of children living on the streets, as well as those living in the Foundation’s villages, providing local first aid when needed.
• You’ll teach local residents about healthcare. You’ll teach the children about daily hygiene, brushing teeth, bathing, physical exercise, etc. And teach the caregivers about the benefits of a nutritious diet and balanced eating habits. Seminar on women’s hygiene and care.
• Support in the Health Area: the children and teens have many health needs, so they need to attend medical appointments and check-ups, and first-aid care can also be provided within the homes.

A volunteer’s day to day

The volunteers sharing the experience with you come from all over the world and are very different people. But sharing such a profound experience gives the volunteer hostel a warm atmosphere of companionship and friendship that you feel the moment you land. It’s something close, something special. So, among friends, your day starts with breakfast before heading to your project, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms, since volunteers are highly valued and loved in Bolivia.
When you finish, you’ll return to the volunteer house, where you’ll have lunch, and in the afternoons you’ll have free time to explore the city or do cultural immersion activities.
And on weekends… free to rest, or to travel!

This is the trip we offer you… are you really going to put it off?

Accommodation and meals

The accommodation option in La Paz is a Volunteer House, sharing a room between two people, or — for an additional cost — choosing a single room, with basic amenities.
Meals include breakfast and lunch; dinner is arranged by each volunteer, but don’t worry, because food is inexpensive and you can cook your own dinner each night with other volunteers.
That way you can organize different dinners together, where everyone brings their own food culture and you’ll discover new flavors and local cuisine.
Each volunteer will be in direct contact with the project coordinator to ensure you have the information you need, so your stay is as pleasant as possible and you experience a cultural exchange with the other volunteers (local and international).

The facilities include:

•  Shared room (maximum 4 people; single room available at an additional cost).
•  Communal kitchen.
•  Pantry to store your food.
•  Shared Western-style bathroom with toilet and shower.
• Hot and cold water.
• Filtered water.
• Wi-Fi.

What to see in La Paz

Witches’ Market: This colorful market is a true immersion in Andean traditions. Here you’ll find everything from amulets and medicinal herbs to llama fetuses and ritual objects. It’s an
ideal place to buy authentic souvenirs and learn more about the Aymara worldview.
Cable car: La Paz’s cable car system is one of the largest and most modern in the world. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is a fast, efficient way to move between
different points.
Moon Valley: This lunar landscape, formed by wind and rain erosion, is a natural wonder. The rock formations and ochre colors create a unique setting for hiking and enjoying
nature.
Murillo Square and the Palacio Quemado: Murillo Square is the political heart of Bolivia. Here you’ll find the Palacio Quemado, the seat of government, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. It’s an ideal place to watch the daily
life of La Paz residents and learn a little about the country’s history.
Jaén Street: This pedestrian street is an oasis of calm in the city center. Its colonial houses, flower-filled balconies, and art galleries make it a charming place to stroll and enjoy
the architecture.

•  You’ll work in the urban areas of La Paz and El Alto and in the Foundation’s villages.
•  The program starts and ends in the city of La Paz.
•  Project duration: as long as you want… (minimum 2 weeks).
•  Arrival date: Friday or Saturday, your choice.
•  Working days: 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00.

Our organized programs include everything (or almost everything), plus 24/7 supervision and support at the destination, so all you have to worry about is having a good time and living your experience.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES

•  Personalized pickup at El Alto airport, La Paz, and transfer to your accommodation.
• Orientation and training about La Paz, local customs, and the Children’s Homes and Villages project where you’ll volunteer.
•  Accommodation in the Volunteer House.
•  Daily transportation to the project and back to the volunteer house.
  •  Three meals a day / five days a week.
  •  Support in La Paz and a permanent local coordinator 24/7, every day of the week.
• Administrative costs.
• Transfer to El Alto airport at the end of your volunteer program.
• Certified €200 contribution to the CiENViDAS project.
• International Volunteering Certificate from the CiENViDAS Foundation.

THE PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE

•  Flight.
•  Travel and medical insurance. (*)
•  SIM card: highly recommended and affordable. We’ll help you get one.

(*) TRAVEL INSURANCE: you must take out travel and medical insurance for your peace of mind. Or, if you prefer, we can offer our special insurance for volunteers, with cancellation coverage, for approximately €80 (2 weeks).

You can deduct 100% of the program cost on your next tax return (in Spain).

Spots are limited, so don’t miss this chance to take a trip with real impact.

Don’t wait — spots are limited.

• Health qualification or student in the final years of Medicine or Nursing
• Minimum age: Be 18 years old at the start of the program. If you are a minor, you’ll need to present consent signed by your parents or guardians.
• Required documents:
  • Résumé (CV).
  • Completed pre-registration form.
  • Criminal background check up to date.
• Attitude: An adventurous, caring spirit and a real desire to learn, help, and make the most of this unique experience.

This program is designed for people who want to transform lives while immersing themselves in an enriching culture.