from 911€

Excellent 4.8rating (16)

Cultural exchange and school review

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

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

Especially suitable

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

Services by La Escuelita

    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

        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

        4 weeks (min. stay) 911€
        6 weeks 1,267€
        8 weeks 1,624€
        12 weeks (max. stay) 2,336€
        Average fees 211€/week

        Program fees

        211€ 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

        The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


        Final Payment

        Your final payment will be agreed with La Escuelita during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


        Meet your organization

        La Escuelita

        Excellent 4.8 rating (16 reviews)

        Non-profit - founded in 2015

        Verified by Volunteer World

          Good response rate

        Coordinated by

        Evelin

        Spoken languages: Spanish, English

        About the project

        We develop and support projects focused on teaching and conservation of sea turtles and animals.

        Meet your organization

        Who we are? and What we do?
        We are a socio-community project that seeks to contribute to the educational and social growth of several villages in Panama.
        In many parts of Panama, it is common to find children and young people who have educational difficulties due to the limited resources available to them. Based on this problem and the common passion for education of many of the people who fight for the improvement of education in our country, we decided to create a space where we can have an impact with school reinforcement to improve the quality of education for the population.
         
        The sustainability of the project depends on the participation of volunteers, which is why we have been creating learning spaces in the village of Chame and the schools, as well as going to the homes of the children we have on the list (in need of support). These spaces are available for people who have the desire and enthusiasm to accompany us in this experience from 2 weeks.

        Where we work?
        The teaching methodology of the Panamanian education system is often quite traditional. Many of the children have a high rate of absenteeism, failing to pass the exams to enter secondary school (one of the reasons why they drop out).

        Seeing the low indexes in the quality of education that Panama has, the neglect of natural areas and mistreated animals, as well as being the country where I was born and studied, I decided to collaborate and support volunteer projects or projects that were focused on providing educational tools according to the age of the children, to give them within our possibilities a future with better opportunities and adequate social and work possibilities.

        Despite this need, Panama is often a country: 
        • For sure
        • With a good economy (although it does not reach all its citizens).
        • Culture and traditions that are maintained in the different provinces. 
        • Places such as beaches, volcanoes, biodiversity of fauna and flora.
        • Experiences that you can only live in a country that is considered to be a "tri-race country" because of its cultural diversity.
        Because of the above mentioned, it is an ideal destination for a volunteer, both young and old, as you can walk around in peace and quiet and visit the unique places that Panama has and support education.

        Mission
        To promote the growth and development of the skills of children and young people with educational difficulties from vulnerable communities through teaching, educational and leisure games, in order to provide more targeted support to ensure personal and professional growth.

        Vision
        To create opportunities to achieve skills development for children and young people from vulnerable communities.

        Values
        • Strength: Strength, balance and prudence in working with the children and young people who attend our after-school space are the best guarantees of the work and growth we do, as well as creating long-term value for them.
        • Respect: We strive for self-respect, respect for the rights and dignity of all people and respect for children.
        • Honesty: It is necessary to create an honest environment within the school review space where we work with the children, as well as the people who work directly with them, the teachers.
        • Social Responsibility: We know that to involve the children and the community where they live in the activities we do, it is necessary and vital, the participation of families, teachers, coordinators and volunteers, seeking the intermediation between all social actors through the collaboration and work of volunteers in the projects and activities that we develop.
        Why volunteer in Panama and why volunteer with us?
        • Many of the children have a high rate of absenteeism, they do not manage to pass the exams to enter secondary school, (one of the reasons why they drop out of school). 
        • Not to mention the lack of environmental awareness in the communities that are located near protected areas where sea turtles and other species live and live there.  
        • Another much-needed project is the protection and care of wild animals in Central America, which due to deforestation, illegal trafficking, attempted domestication or mistreatment suffer a decline of the species year after year.
        • The escuelita has also been involved in preserving the customs and cultures of indigenous communities that have been largely rejected by society.
        Seeing the low rates in the quality of education that Panama has, the neglect of natural areas and mistreated animals, besides being the country where I was born and studied, I decided to collaborate and support volunteer projects or those that were focused on providing educational tools according to the age of the children, to give them within our possibilities a future with better opportunities and adequate social and work possibilities.

        Through projects such as Donate your voice, one child, one backpack, donations of school materials, food and transport, we have reached more than 3,000 children in the community where we work.

        We try to generate the greatest positive impact in the areas and places where we collaborate. 

        16 reviews · rating4.8

        Nora Zang rating5

        2024 at Supporter at a Workshop for Women

        My husband and me had a wonderful time as volunteers at La Escuelita! We came as volunteers and felt like family from the first moment. Evelin and her team are really doing their best to make everyone feel comfortable. Also all the children and women we met in the project were kind, funny, ...
        Melissa Levy rating5

        2023 at Local Sea Turtle Conservation

        We learned so much about the challenges facing sea turtles and the efforts of the local community to monitor and protect them. We participated in nightly patrols and various daytime projects to support the project. We had a fabulous sightseeing nature cruise to local islands to snorkel and see ...
        Alexandre Ichiro Ide Shimohira rating4.4

        2023 at Help in Construction

        La pasé muy bien, conocí mucha gente, aprendí un poco lo relacionado con mi carrera y pude ejercerla en este voluntariado. Encontré mucho más de lo que había pensando en un ...
        Lisa Rass rating4.2

        2023 at Help in Construction

        I only stayed one week in La Escuelita, but it felt like home. People there are very welcoming and appreciate your help and support. I loved to live not only with other volunteers but also with a local family (monther + her daughters), that gave me a special insight about the real panamenian ...
        Alfredo Caranna rating5

        2023 at Help in Construction

        Traveling, meeting new people and lending a helping hand to those in need is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Our volunteer experience at Escuelita, located in the heart of Chame, Panama, offered all of this and so much more. From the very beginning, we were welcomed like family and ...
        Google Translator: La escuelita school review. Through this project, I have been able to support children from the school in Chame. Most of them have difficulties with reading, writing and mathematics. The days I stayed there, I went to the village school and supported them in the classroom. I ...

        Location


        You might also be interested in

        Contact Evelin
          Good response rate
        Spanish, English

        Most volunteers ask about


        Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Evelin
        Please do not share personal contact details for your privacy