There are so many reasons to volunteer. Our lovely friend, Megan, a veteran volunteer, calls it "Traveling with Heart". The thing is that, in addition to really making a difference in the lives of people who really need our help, you get to feel so. damn. good. So good that it is actually one of the most selfish things you can do! Volunteering also allows you to experience first-hand the reality of Cartagena that is so often hidden from view. But where to start? Our other amazing friend, Christina, started Domino Volunteers to help match people like you with organisations and foundations looking for help and to co-ordinate the entire process. Potential programs include: Children's Literacy, Sports for Youth, Mangrove Restoration and Sustainable Fishing, English Learning, Psychological Support, Prostitution Prevention among Adolescent Girls, Arts & Crafts, Technology. Some require longer term commitments.. others would be grateful for even a few days. Almost all would really appreciate donations.
Here is a list of items that the foundations have expressed they would really appreciate. You can contact Christina from Domino Volunteers and she can put you in direct contact with the foundation you would like to support.
Here is a list of items that the foundations have expressed they would really appreciate. You can contact Christina from Domino Volunteers and she can put you in direct contact with the foundation you would like to support.
- New clothes for children in sizes 0-16 and from 8-12 years
- Shoes for children between the ages of 5 -14 years (up to size 38)
- School supplies like notebooks, pencils and pens
- Footballs and sports equipment
- Small games
FUNDACION AFROCARIBE
Continuing the legacy of Cartagena's own saint, Pedro Claver, the Fundacion Afro Caribe focuses on bettering the economic and cultural development of Cartagena's vulnerable communities, addressing the extreme poverty and racism still experienced by the descendants of the African slaves (called Afro-Colombians), our man Pete (Pedro) dedicated his life to helping.
They run literacy and numeracy programs, help encourage and support tertiary-level education and applications, provide life essentials to children in orphanages and foster care and support and train local community businesses.
The program accepts volunteers on a (minimum) 2 week full-time or 1 month part-time basis. The organizers aim to match you with a program based on your interest, skills and experience. Some people prefer to use a professional skill like photography, IT, marketing, research or curriculum development. Some prefer to take a break from their everyday job and work directly with the children in one of their programs.
The foundation's current greatest need is the Literacy Program. Take a look at the video on this program here.
Domino Volunteers will help coordinate your placement in this program. Contact Christina for more information here.
They run literacy and numeracy programs, help encourage and support tertiary-level education and applications, provide life essentials to children in orphanages and foster care and support and train local community businesses.
The program accepts volunteers on a (minimum) 2 week full-time or 1 month part-time basis. The organizers aim to match you with a program based on your interest, skills and experience. Some people prefer to use a professional skill like photography, IT, marketing, research or curriculum development. Some prefer to take a break from their everyday job and work directly with the children in one of their programs.
The foundation's current greatest need is the Literacy Program. Take a look at the video on this program here.
Domino Volunteers will help coordinate your placement in this program. Contact Christina for more information here.
ALEX ROCHA YOUTH CENTER
Alex Rocha is one of those really, really GOOD people. His youth center, located in one of Cartagena's most impoverished neighbourhoods, San Francisco, works to give youth an alternative to crime, gangs and violence with education, art, dance and activities.
Read more in this interview with Alex by This is Cartagena. Truly inspiring stuff!
Then contact Alex directly by email to help out. Alex appreciates any time, teaching materials, sports equipment and energy you can give.
Read more in this interview with Alex by This is Cartagena. Truly inspiring stuff!
Then contact Alex directly by email to help out. Alex appreciates any time, teaching materials, sports equipment and energy you can give.