ECOLOGICAL PROJECT BP-EC7 IN BOLIVIA

This ecological project is situated in Santiago de Okola, at about 1.5 hours from La Paz, on the shores of Lake Titikaka. This volunteer project in Bolivia is set up to improve the infrastructure of the community that has been working hard on creating an attractive place for (international) tourists. Thanks to the help of volunteers who help local staff to improve the tourist facilities and trails, Santiago de Okola is able to protect their rich natural and cultural heritage by sharing their traditions and customs them with the visitors.

Volunteers will start their volunteer program in Bolivia with a few days of acclimatization in La Paz, in order to get used to the altitude and get to know some local staff members. You will receive an orientation on your program and then move to Santiago de Okola where you will be introduced to your hospitable Bolivian host family and receive a tour around the village. You will be involved in a variety of ‘hands-on’ activities focused on improving the infrastructure of the community. You will be working on the construction and maintenance of some trails in the village, and you will also be involved in maintaining the tourist facilities (signs, bathrooms, gardens, lodging). Normally you will work in the mornings from 8 to 12 and in the afternoon from 3 to 6. For this ecological volunteer program, there is especially a lot of work to be done in the months of June, July and August.

Volunteers must follow these requirements:

• Intermediate to advanced level of Spanish (please ask us for information regarding a Spanish course in La Paz)
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Enthusiasm and motivation
• Willingness to live in a small and remote town
• Good communication and organization skills
• Interest in indigenous traditions and customs of Bolivia

Volunteers need to commit to a minimum of 4 weeks, although exceptions might be possible.

Volunteers usually work Monday through Friday from 8 to 12 and 15 to 18 hours.

All volunteers should speak Spanish to a conversational level so that they can communicate easily with the local staff members and the inhabitants of the community. If is recommendable to take a Spanish course in La Paz before starting your volunteer project in Santiago de Okola. Please ask us for further information and prices.