Boomers Abroad

Highlights

The town of Santa Elena de Uairen in Venezuela is the headquarters ofAldeas de Paz and the heart of La Gran Sabana National Park. The town has about 25.000 inhabitants and is at an altitude of 900m - 1000m (3000f - 3250f) with a nearly perfect climate (16C / 45F - 28C / 79F all year round). The town was founded in 1922 as a Capuchin mission and grew in the 1930s with the establishment of gold and diamond mines in the region. Santa Elena is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and a wealth of nature. The region is one of the oldest geological sites on the planet where prehistoric flat topped mountains are like ecological islands with endemic species such as carnivorous plants and lots of other natural treasures. You will find good shopping opportunities, restaurants, internet cafes, postal and telephone services, clubs, pool halls and nightlife opportunities, as well as a wide variety of tourist travel destinations. Santa Elena is also a good place to arrange adventure tours into La Gran Sabana and Mount Roraima in particular. The area known as La Gran Sabana, "the Great Savannah" is located in the south-eastern corner of Venezuela, at the border with Brazil and Guyana and is the earth's oldest surface. It is estimated to be 2 billion years old, and was formed when South America and Africa were still part of the super continent Gondwana. It is a high plateau, a land of wide open spaces. La Gran Sabana features tropical forest, spectacular tepuys (flat-topped mountains), rivers and gorgeous waterfalls, fern trees, orchids, bromelias and animals including tapirs, jaguars, pumas, deer, anteaters, snakes. It is unknown when La Gran Sabana was first occupied, but there are artifacts that demonstrate that indigenous peoples were occupying the Orinoco Delta at least 2 to 3 thousand years ago. At the time of the arrival of the first Europeans la Gran Sabana was inhabited primarily by Pemon indigenous which still are a majority.

Treks & Tours
We recognize the importance for volunteers to discover the beautiful La Gran Sabana and having a well rounded experience while here. Some exiting trips can be done on weekends while still achieving your volunteer commitments with us. It is always best to plan to be here for a longer period of time so you can fit in a tour and still feel satisfied with the impact of your volunteer work. Great Adventure Tours are organized and offered by local tour operators and we make sure you will receive great discounts. However, it is even cheaper to self-organize your trip and we can assist you to make the necessary arrangements. Volunteers then share the direct costs of a guide, porter, food and transport, instead of buying a complete package. Costs depend on the number of group participants to share with. Hiring indigenous guides, drivers, boat operators, and hosts directly benefits local economies and adds an intimate and connected feeling to your adventure. Indigenous guides will enrich your Gran Sabana adventure tour experience with their knowledge, their kindness and their dedication and enthusiasm for these places.

Qualifications

Anyone with an interest in working with horses and children can apply. None to little experience is necessary as training will be given by our staff riding teacher. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn is a must! However, Volunteers with experience are strongly encouraged to apply. This placement is a great way to experience another culture, make new friends and learn new skills. You are interacting with the community, building relationships and making a positive impact. Volunteers decide how many hours they want to work and we encourage them to form schedules which work for them and to work in any combination of programs. We emphasize that we focus on excellence and not on quantity! Note that young Volunteers who come with their parents must be at least 8 years old. The program and the facility operates throughout the whole year

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Credit Available

yes

Salary/Pay

free Spanish language classes

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A typical volunteer/intern needs to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and have a desire to take initiative. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities. We welcome individual volunteers, families and groups regardless of age, experience or background. You don't have to speak fluent Spanish as we provide full support and 24 hour back-up from our local staff. Volunteers and interns are the driving force of Aldeas de Paz, both through their work and through their financial contributions. Volunteering with us is a great opportunity to work side by side with locals, learn new skills, study Spanish, and immerse oneself in the Latin and indigenous culture. The beauty of volunteering lies in the fact that you are not simply passing through as a tourist. You are interacting with the community, building relationships and making a positive impact. It is an experience that may well change your life!

Age Range

8 to 80

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel to Venezuela

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 days

Aldeas de Paz - Language classes, Adventure, Volunteering, Internships's Mission Statement

We support disadvantaged and at risk children and young people of Venezuelan, Brazilian and Guyanan origin. We promote sustainable development, social justice and the "Culture of Peace" through enriching cross-cultural exchange and voluntary community service. We provide additional and alternative opportunities in educational, recreational and environmental fields and assist our beneficiaries to develop their potential and improve their own lives.

Year Founded

2000