NGO Management and Administration

Program Description

This versatile NGO management & administration experience and observation program gives insight into all aspects of running the Aldeas de Paz Foundation. This program is focused on those who are interested in starting their own charity or want hands-on experience in the day-to-day running of a grass-roots NGO. Volunteers and interns observe and assist the coordinator and director with office work, as well as in-community project support, administrative work and the coordination and supervision of community programs and participating volunteers. The NGO management volunteers and interns also help ensure the well-being of our volunteers and their coordination and full integration into various programs offered, as well as into the social life of the community. The foundation relies on NGO volunteers & interns to ensure smooth operations and therefore requires flexible and dedicated volunteers. Direct work with our primary beneficiaries is an essential part of the work of Aldeas de Paz, so the NGO volunteers and interns are also expected to participate in foundation-wide events and activities involving our beneficiaries.

Volunteer placement, apprenticeship or internship

You can join this program as a volunteer, apprentice or intern. As a volunteer you are free to commit any number of hours per week. That's up to you! As an apprentice or intern however you probably have to fulfill requirements set by your school or university. Please inform us of your school or university internship requirements in advance so that we can work out your personalized work plan together. Also tell us about your personal expectations and goals. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the placement.

What to expect
The NGO Administration volunteers & interns observe and assist the Coordinator and director with office work, as well as in-community project support and administrative work and the coordination and supervision of community programs. The NGO Management volunteer and intern will furthermore help to ensure the wellbeing of our volunteers and their full integration into various programs offered, as well as into the social life in Samaná.

Activities can include but are not limited to 

• Assisting with the coordination of volunteers, including conducting meetings 

• Supporting the day-to-day running of the NGO and attending meetings with local actors, authorities and community members

• Shadowing the director/coordinator in general administration and day-to-day tasks

• Working in financial accountability tasks such as financial planning and budgeting

• Attending frequent operational meetings to discuss events at the foundation

• Participating in and remaining informed of all the foundation’s programs

• Assisting with updating social networks and the webpage

• Helping promote our cause online and practicing fundraising through social media and grant writing

• Assisting board meetings, taking useful meeting minutes and preparing reports

• Assisting with editing our monthly newsletter

• Helping with editing information and job descriptions and assisting with updating listing opportunities and forwarding updated information to our international sending agents

• Activities for advanced Spanish speakers: Working on public relation projects designed to mobilize community support. These include, but are not limited to: radio broadcasts, participating in neighborhood council meetings, writing bulletins/columns, organizing community projects, working with locals to find new volunteer opportunities, translating newsletters and website information into Spanish.

Program Highlights

• Experience the Dominican style of live and chill by the rhythm of Caribbean music!

• Gain Spanish fluency with the help of our free Spanish classes and share daily life with locals

• Become more passionate about your studies and propel your career with international experience!

• Make memories you never forget during weekend excursions with your fellow participants!

• Enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Samana, climb the mountain peaks of pico Duarte and visit historical sites in Santo Domingos' colonial town!

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana such a special destiny?
Samana is the name of both the peninsula and its biggest town located at Samana bay in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic. It is a dramatically beautiful peninsula, like an island unto itself, of coconut trees stretching into the sea. The town of Samana is a scenic, beautiful and peaceful port, with friendly and easy-going Dominicans, living their life with tourism, agriculture and fishing activities, all set to the beat and rhythms of Merengue, Bachata and Salsa music. The Malecon (seaside promenade) of two kilometers length is perfect for strolling by day and night. It is the perfect place to while away the evening in a relaxing atmosphere in one of the many surrounding restaurants and bars. Hundreds of fantastic beaches surround the peninsula of Samana, which can be explored during a day trip or for the whole weekend. Experience the Dominican style of live and chill by the rhythm of Caribbean music!
Other highlights nearby are:

• Las Galeras y El Rincon - A small fisherman's town with beautiful beaches surrounded by nature. Travel by Bus (45 minutes / US$ 2,-)

• El Limón - Famous waterfall and swimming. Travel by Bus (20 minutes / US$ 1,50,-)

• Cayo Levantado - Small Island with beautiful beaches just of the coastline in Samana. Travel by Boat (15 minutes / US$ 2,-)

• Parque National de los Haiteses - Park made of mangroves, caves with ancient paintings and beautiful bays with pristine beaches. Magnificent limestone caves to explore. Travel by Boat 60 minutes / US$ 10,-

• Playa El Valle - A small fisherman's settlement with a beautiful beach surrounded by pristine nature. Travel by Moto Concho (MotoTaxi) (20 Minutes / US$ 3,-)

• Great Kitesurfing beaches near Las Terrenas only an hour from Samana! The whole Peninsula of Samana is a wild and precious natural gem! People are extremely friendly and nature is gorgeous! 

• Whale-Watching - From mid-January to late March the bay is home to some of the world's best whale-watching