Volunteer work in Medellin Colombia
Medellin: the most innovative city in the world
Medellin is the second biggest city in Colombia and back in the 90’s it used to have the reputation as the most violent city in the world, due to the activity of the drug cartel of Pablo Escobar. But now things are different and Medellin has been named now ‘the most innovative city in the world’, due to the dramatic transformations in modern history, the political environment and a network of public parks, transportation, schools, libraries and museums. Now Medellin is a lovely place to visit. It is safe, bright, full of amazingly friendly people and cosmopolitan as cities as Santiago, or Buenos Aires.
However, despite the progress and as in any other big Latin American city, there are still many children affected by addiction, poverty, or violence.
Volunteer Work Latin America – part of the Travel Agency Dos Manos, offers volunteer placements in Colombia and is working closely together with a local foundation for street children in Medellin. This interesting volunteer project in Medellin was founded by the Dutch Ed Veldhuizen and empowers street children through participation in sports, recreational, cultural and educational activities, among others, my music lessons. In an interview, the founder of the project tells more about the key challenges of ‘his’ project for street kids in Medelllin Colombia.
Watch this video of the children having fun at music class and playing football to better understand how the projects run:
Many of the kids who have participated in these classes are teenagers now and studying or have already finished their studies and are working. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for all interested kids to participate in the programs, as the groups would be too large and there is not enough money to hire more staff.
Therefore the foundation for streetkids in Colombia needs volunteers, so more children can join the programs a have a chance of a better future for them and their families. Are you interested? Or do you have other questions or you want to support the project? Please contact VLA.
