from 1,468€

Fantastic 4.5rating (56)

Youth Care & Community Development

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

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!

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

About the program

Enhance the lives of disadvantaged communities through inclusion and equal opportunities

Program Description

Aldeas de Paz - Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives - Welcome to Aldeas de Paz's Community Attention Center (CAC) in Samana, where we uplift underprivileged communities through dedicated support. Our local team of teachers, therapists, social workers, and a pedagogue fosters ...

About the program

Program Description

Aldeas de Paz - Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives - Welcome to Aldeas de Paz's Community Attention Center (CAC) in Samana, where we uplift underprivileged communities through dedicated support. Our local team of teachers, therapists, social workers, and a pedagogue fosters community care for youth, combining recreation, therapy, and education. Education and inclusion are paramount. Committed volunteers play a crucial role in providing one-on-one attention, tutoring, and participating in our Football for Peace project. Together with our local team, we care for beneficiaries at the center and during home visits. Many Dominican children struggle due to poor study habits or lack of personalized support. Our warm learning environment fosters success through encouragement and praise. Join us at Aldeas de Paz to be part of a transformative journey, empowering individuals, and enriching lives.


Volunteer Placement or Internship:
If you're joining as an intern, we understand that your school or university may have specific requirements. Please inform us in advance about your internship criteria, enabling us to tailor a personalized work plan to suit your needs. Share your expectations and goals with us, and we'll work together to ensure you achieve them. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the internship.

Requirements
No previous experience or special skills are required. Basic Spanish skills are required but there are many activities where very little Spanish is needed and even beginners can be involved with meaningful work. Additionally we offer free Spanish language classes on a regular basis. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. We provide full support, and 24/7 backup. Ideal volunteer is proactive, result-focused, patient, and can work autonomously with supervision. Bring arts & crafts materials. Join us to make a positive impact!



Typical day

What to expect
Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, starting with a minimum of 4 hours daily! In case you decide for a full working week with up to 40 hours you are required to also help out at the early childhood development program at a local day care center! Diverse ...

Typical day

What to expect
Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, starting with a minimum of 4 hours daily! In case you decide for a full working week with up to 40 hours you are required to also help out at the early childhood development program at a local day care center! Diverse Activities: Specialize or participate in various dynamic projects to broaden perspectives and enrich skills. Encouraging Initiative: Your ideas and creativity shape the program and contribute to skill development. A Rewarding Experience: Join Aldeas de Paz for a fulfilling volunteering experience, making a positive impact and enhancing skills. Make a Difference: Contribute to meaningful causes and create lasting positive change in the community. Skill Enhancement: Learn and grow in a supportive environment, gaining valuable experience. Embark on a fulfilling journey with us, making a meaningful difference and gaining new insights and skills. Join our vibrant community of volunteers and make a positive impact.

  • Community Social Work: Assist families, outreach, coordination, immersion with Spanish skills.

  • Community Care and Development: Support inclusion, varies based on local circumstances.

  • Aldeas de Paz Community Attention Center (CAC) in Samana: Care for children with disabilities, tutoring, inclusive environment. Basic Spanish is helpful but not mandatory.

Holidays - Summer Holidays are from June 17 until June 28 and July 29 until August 18 as well as Christmas Holidays from December 16 until January 06, 2025. During holidays there might be some activities going on but there are no children attending! 

Attention: Volunteers are welcome to help out at our Summer Camp from July 01 until July 26 at our attention center in Samana and also stay at our Volunteer Guesthouse during Dominican Christmas and new year holidays! Even though working and business life comes to a halt through this two week period when the whole country is celebrating Christmas, our volunteers are welcome to celebrate Christmas and new year together with us and the Dominican people!

Activities can include but are not limited to

  • Assist with special needs education at the CA-Center and during home visits.

  • Support educational and social activities, creating didactic materials using recycling techniques.

  • Lead thematic workshops (basic Spanish skills helpful) and offer direct attention and monitoring during services.

  • Participate in weekly meetings to create lesson plans and multimedia content.

  • Learn to identify individual/family/community needs and assist with case studies and interventions.

  • Engage in recreational, developmental, and therapeutic activities for children and young adults with special needs.

  • Spending quality time with children, organizing art & craft activities, singing, and dancing to foster inclusion.

  • Assist with youth, family, and community development activities, offering support during home visits (basic Spanish skills helpful).

  • Help organize special events, fundraising parties, and community activities.

  • Organize intercultural events and meetings for locals and volunteers, fostering exchange and integration.

  • Plan workshops on disability and related topics for target groups (advanced Spanish skills needed).

Note: The list provides a sample of possible activities, and volunteers may have opportunities to engage in other tasks based on their interests and skills.


Free-time activities

Special Offer

Enjoy free Spanish language classes for volunteers and interns, emphasizing practical communication skills. Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities naturally, similar to learning one's mother tongue. From day one, you'll use Spanish in real-life situations with ...

Free-time activities

Special Offer

Enjoy free Spanish language classes for volunteers and interns, emphasizing practical communication skills. Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities naturally, similar to learning one's mother tongue. From day one, you'll use Spanish in real-life situations with role-plays, situational dialogues, and work projects complementing the basic syllabus. Beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Dominican culture for a continuous learning experience.

Program Highlights

  • Immerse in the vibrant Dominican lifestyle, embracing the rhythm of Caribbean music

  • Master Spanish fluency through free classes and embrace daily life with locals.

  • Fuel your passion for learning and boost your career with international experience.

  • Create unforgettable memories with weekend excursions alongside fellow participants.

  • Relish the stunning beaches of Samana, conquer Pico Duarte's peaks, and explore Santo Domingo's historical colonial town.

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana unique?
Samana, a captivating peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, boasts breathtaking beauty. With its lush coconut trees extending into the sea, it feels like a secluded island. The town of Samana is a picturesque and tranquil port, where friendly locals engage in tourism, agriculture, and fishing, all accompanied by the lively rhythms of Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa music. A two-kilometer-long Malecon (seaside promenade) offers delightful strolls day and night, leading to a variety of charming restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing evenings. Surrounding the peninsula, you'll find hundreds of fantastic beaches, ready to be explored on day trips or weekend getaways. Embrace the Dominican lifestyle, enjoying the soothing rhythm of Caribbean music in this idyllic destination!

 


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 English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Education Requirements

at level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:30 - 17:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Fundacion Aldeas de Paz

Costs & Benefits - Affordable Volunteering with Flexibility

Do you dream of volunteering abroad but worry about the cost and commitment? Look no further! Aldeas de Paz offers a unique and affordable volunteer experience in the Dominican Republic, perfect for passionate individuals of all backgrounds.

At Aldeas de Paz, we believe in making volunteer experiences accessible. We offer a transparent fee structure with an open book policy, so you know exactly where your contribution goes. Additionally we offer flexible commitment options: Start with a few weeks and extend your stay if you love it! We offer special pricing for extension weeks, allowing you to keep your options open without an extended upfront commitment!

What's Included:

  • Seamless Arrival: Enjoy a personal welcome service and airport pick-up, followed by a free transfer to your placement location in Las Terrenas or Samaná.
  • Comfortable Accommodation: Relax in our fully equipped guesthouses, with free Wi-Fi and access to a washing machine, for a comfortable and convenient stay.
  • Language Immersion: Enhance your experience with free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement.
  • Program Support: Benefit from a placement introduction, certificate of completion (if applicable), and potential student credit for your participation.
  • 24/7 Support: Our dedicated local staff is available for full support and backup around the clock, ensuring your safety and well-being.
  • Explore the Dominican Republic: Get access to information about exciting adventure packages and in-country travel options to make the most of your time here.
  • Financial Transparency: Open book policy ensures you understand your contribution.
  • Comprehensive Package: This includes Spanish language classes, comfortable accommodation in our fully equipped guesthouses, a dedicated program donation, and all your arrival logistics: personal welcome service, airport pick-up, bus transfer, bus fare, and a free transfer to your placement location.

Benefits:

  • Gain valuable experience while contributing to a meaningful cause.
  • Immerse yourself in Dominican culture with on-site Spanish language classes.
  • Build lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers from around the world.
  • Enjoy a safe and secure environment in a beautiful part of the Dominican Republic.

Ready to make a difference and explore the beauty of the Dominican Republic? By choosing Aldeas de Paz, you get a world-class volunteer experience with affordability and flexibility. Contact us today to learn more!

Airport Pickup at Las Americas International Airport

Stress-Free Arrival - Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. 

Upon arrival at the airport, a friendly English-speaking driver will greet you, assist with your luggage, and ensure you have a comfortable bus ticket directly to your placement in Samaná or las Terrenas (approximately 2,5 hours). Once you arrive, our welcoming staff and fellow volunteers will be waiting to escort you to your accommodation.

Accommodation

Your Home Away from Home in Paradise

Live like a local and connect with fellow volunteers at our comfortable guesthouses in stunning Samaná and Las Terrenas. Choose from shared rooms (perfect for socializing!), private rooms for more peace and quiet, or even a homestay option for a deeper cultural immersion.

All our guesthouses offer:

  • Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your experiences.
  • Laundry facilities: Pack light and explore worry-free.
  • A supportive community: Make lifelong friendships and share unforgettable memories with volunteers from around the world.

More Than Just a Place to Stay

Our guesthouses are more than just comfortable beds. They're a launching pad for your adventure and a hub for cultural exchange. You'll have the opportunity to bond with fellow volunteers, create lasting friendships, and contribute to a positive and respectful community.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo. We assist you to find cheap flights to Dominican Republic. 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 Dominican Republic provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Dominican Republic you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Dominican Republic. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Availability
This program is ongoing throughout the whole year. During summer holidays we offer summer-camp activities with the help of volunteers. Last week of December and the first week of January are Christmas holidays!

Time Commitment
A minimum time commitment of 2 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year 

Placement Location
Samaná & Las Terrenas

About your Placement Location
The Aldeas de Paz Foundation is based in the charming coastal villages of Samana and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Samana, in the north-eastern corner, has about 15,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its safety, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. The community values social responsibility and exudes a secure, small European town vibe. The Dominican Republic's countryside is widely recognized for its peacefulness, making it one of the safest regions in the Caribbean. When you join our program, you'll experience a welcoming and secure environment while contributing to meaningful projects in this picturesque part of the world.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,468€
3 weeks 1,650€
4 weeks 1,833€
5 weeks 2,015€
6 weeks 2,197€
7 weeks 2,379€
8 weeks 2,561€
9 weeks 2,743€
10 weeks 2,925€
11 weeks 3,007€
12 weeks 3,290€
13 weeks 3,472€
50 weeks (max. stay) 9,500€
Average fees 462€/week

Program fees

462€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 50 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 Fundacion Aldeas de Paz during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Fundacion Aldeas de Paz

Fantastic 4.5 rating (56 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2001

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Manfred

Spoken languages: Spanish, German, English

About the project

Aldeas de Paz is a sustainable and transparent grass-roots NGO based in Santa Barbara de Samaná and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic.

Meet your organization

History of Aldeas de Paz

In the 1990s a German entrepreneur developed the Peace Villages Foundation, a social purpose NGO. For this he left his successful business career behind to become a social activist. He joined grassroots NGO’s around the globe and worked as a volunteer with the intention of helping to promote a “Culture of Peace”. Learning to put his entrepreneurial skills to work and gaining important NGO management experience, enabled him to set up replicable and self-sustained development programs under the legal frame of Fundaciòn Aldeas de Paz in Venezuela (2001) and the Dominican Republic (2015).

These days Fundaciòn Aldeas de Paz operates successful development and aid programs in the Samana province, a peninsula in the north-eastern corner of the Dominican Republic. Venezuelan operations are temporaley suspended until the situation allows for foreign aid workers to return savely to the country!

The Beginnings in Venezuela

The Peace Villages Foundation started in 1995 a first humanitarian project in Merida, Venezuela. Right from the beginning the project was financed through a Rotational Credit based on the collocation of the founders own life savings in form of a personal loan used as seed funding or seed capital. As the rotational credit is returned it is re-invested in yet a new project and so on.

The work in Merida focused on children rights. Efforts were made to integrate street children and at-risk youth into a more stable environment, and at times into foster families. With the aim of creating a registered NGO in Venezuela, the founder and his friends succeeded with the legal constitution of Fundaciòn Aldeas de Paz in Caracas (2001) and the Dominican Republic (2015). Aldeas de Paz has been focusing its resources and volunteer support on cultural exchange and social development programs ever since.

During 2014 the social and political situation in Venezuela became increasingly violent. Programs based on volunteer participation ever since had to be temporarily suspended in Venezuela.

Aldeas de Paz in the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic our work focuses on education and human rights, gender equality, community development, environmental and climate protection as well as animal rescue. Aldeas de Paz actively promotes cultural exchange and sustainable, ecological tourism as a source of income for impoverished communities in the province. In addition, Aldeas de Paz strives to improve the lives of children, youth and young adults from vulnerable communities and disadvantaged backgrounds. The project locations Santa Bárbara de Samaná and Las Terrenas, both located on the peninsula of Samaná, are lovely coastal towns in the northeast of the Dominican Republic.

Timeline

1995, the first children rights activities in Merida, Venezuela, started. Focus is on social integration of street children and at-risk youth. Constitution of the Peace Villages Foundation

2001, legal frame work and constitution of Fundaciòn Aldeas de Paz in Caracas, Venezuela.

2002, a violent Coup d’état in Caracas. Aldeas de Paz activities in Caracas where forcefully suspended. Move to Santa Elena de Uairén, center of the Gran Sabana National Park near the Brazilian border in Venezuela. Development of various community based programs around social development, education and special need kids integration. Opening of the attention center “Tucusito” in the center of Santa Elena de Uairén.

2003, building of the new Aldeas de Paz Attention Center with school and equine therapy activities and Volunteer residence as well as community outreach programs for youth care and community development, indigenous empowerment, skill training and health prevention of the charity own 5 ha plot in a beautiful setting next to the rain forest on the edge of the National Park

2014, social and political unrest in Venezuela became increasingly violent and programs based on volunteer participation had to be suspended until further notice.

2015 Aldeas de Paz opens a new outlet in Samaná, the Dominican Republic. The foundation focuses its resources and volunteer support on social development programs and cultural exchange. Opening of the first Attention Center for special need kids in the province of Samana.

2016, Aldeas de Paz becomes the local host partner for the German Red Cross and the German Government sponsored program called “Weltwärts”:  German Red Cross volunteers join Aldeas de Paz in the Dominican Republic to help out for an entire year after which a new team will be placed every year.

2017, legal frame work and constitution of Fundaciòn Aldeas de Paz in the DR is completed. Opening of a new branch in Las Terrenas, a beautifully set town on the northern coast of the Samana province and peninsula with the same name.

2020, Our social programs have been developed and expanded ever since. Aldeas de Paz has become an important agent for Marine Conservation in the region and we where granted a UN sponsored project for coral reef restoration. Our volunteers reach has expanded too and we successfully opened a second branch in Las Terrenas not far from Samana where our attention centre and main office is located.

What we do

With our Youth Care and Community Work Program we aim to empower children and young adults by offering them additional educational opportunities and tutoring classes, as well as supporting and educating parents. With the help of local professionals we started the first ever educational and therapeutic initiative for children with special needs in the peninsula of Samaná.

With our Permaculture & Aquaponics internship you can study agroecology, food security and sustainability while living in the Caribbean at an permaculture inspired, agro-tourism Demonstration & Education Center near famous Cabarete Beach. This pilot project is located near a tropical river outside the famous surf town of Cabarete, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

Our small Community Attention Center, located in the heart of Samaná, hosts our special needs center and offers computer literacy, English and German classes and cultural exchange activities. In different locations around Samaná and Las Terrenas we offer a Diving & Marine Conservation Internship where we restore the coral reefs in front of the seaside town of Las Terrenas.

Additionally, we raise awareness for critical issues through our Social Media, Multimedia and Journalism Project. An awareness raising television program is planned, with the aim to help educate parents and attend adolescent issues. With the help of our NGO Management and Admin Program we coordinate our efforts and keep up with the management of operations in the area. Within this program, we support our staff to coordinate the various initiatives and logistical planning involved with the aim to become self-sustained in the community.

Our Medical and Dental Health Experience and Observation Programs allows interns and volunteers to shadow and assist the nurses and doctors in the local hospitals, neighborhood clinics and dental clinics.

Our  Animal Rescue Program offers interns the possibility to gain working experience with abandoned animals, promoting their health and defending their rights. Thanks to the great efforts of all the volunteers from around the world, Fundación Aldeas de Paz is able to make a positive impact on the local community!

56 reviews · rating4.5

Lisa Stuphan rating5

2022 at Youth Care & Community Development

I am Lisa and I spent two weeks volunteering for and with Aldeas de Paz in Samanà. I was part at the youth care project. Although I was only two weeks there it was an experience I will definitely never forget. My reason to go to the Dominican Republic was because I wanted to get to know a new ...
Emma Gallen rating4.8

2021 at Youth Care & Community Development

I would definitely recommend this program to someone who is interested in volunteer work. The foundation is working hand in hand with the community to advocate for the rights of people living with disabilities as well as other disadvantaged community members. I like what the program stands for and ...
Alina Kurmann rating5

2018 at Youth Care & Community Development

I stayed only one month with Aldeas de Paz in Samana, but this time was amazing. I worked in the Mama Elba school with children with special needs. The most amazing thing was to see the developments the children made. When they suddendly started to count or know new words. I also learned a lot about ...
Dorien Verswyvelen rating4.8

2018 at Youth Care & Community Development

Even though I only stayed for 4 weeks in Samaná, I felt welcome from the very first moment. During my stay I worked at the Mamá Elba school, which has been a very enriching experience. The kids were so open and kind to me from the first moment we met, which made the work so much more fun and ...
Anna Balzer rating4.6

2017 at Youth Care & Community Development

I had a really great time in Samaná with Aldeas de Paz. I worked as a volunteer for two month in school and I enjoyed every minute of it. The organisation really wants to improve the conditions in school for the kids and that's what I liked. Whenever I had a question or problem I could ask the ...
Naomi Baumgarten rating4.6

2017 at Youth Care & Community Development

I spent four months volunteering with Aldeas de Paz and I enjoyed every moment of it. Originally I signed up for the NGO management project but then I also joined the youth care & community team which is working in a small school for children with special needs and learning difficulties. I had ...

Location

Americas > Caribbean > Dominican Republic > Santa Barbara de Samaná

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Spanish, German, English

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