Volunteer Coordinator: Tom McNair
email: amanecerbolivia@hotmail.com

VOLUNTEERS WANTED IMMEDIATELY…

• A bilingual fundraiser:

The fundraiser will assist and support Amanecer in making funding applications to international agencies and foundations that support similar projects in the third world. The volunteer will be offered accommodation (with spouse) and an office with suitable computer equipment. The candidate should have experience in the area but applicants with related education will be considered. Normally six months is the minimum service for a volunteer but in this case a commitment of one year is desired.

• A translator fluent in English and Spanish

A translator is required for translating official documents, reports, and publications. Occasionally the volunteer will be asked to translate letters between children in the program and their sponsors. The volunteer will be offered accommodation (with spouse) and suitable computer equipment. Normally six months is the minimum service for a volunteer but in this case a commitment of one year is desired.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Amanecer is a catholic based organization but does not require volunteers to be of the catholic faith or of any faith. Volunteers must be 21 years of age and willing to work in the program for at least six months. Knowledge of Spanish is essential. Preferred backgrounds for volunteers are education, childcare, psychology or health care. However, anyone who loves children can be useful and given the size and diversity of the program most skill types can be accommodated.

Anyone considering becoming a volunteer should realize that although the work is rewarding it can be difficult due to the requirement for acculturation and the emotional condition of the children. Our experience has been that volunteers need an advanced maturity level and a flexible nature to be effective.

FINANCES

Amanecer cannot help with travel expenses.   However, room and board will be provided tovolunteers who work for the full six month term. All other expenses will have to be covered by the volunteer or a sponsoring agency.

VOLUNTEER AREAS

The following list indicates the general areas in which Amanecer needs assistance. It is not an exhaustive list and if you would consider working with street children in Bolivia, no matter what your expertise or background, we would encourage you to contact us.

EDUCATION

There are oportunities to work helping children with their education in the various houses. The children also require tutors for basic math, science, geography and language.  This is also the possibility of assisting in the remedial school operated by Amanecer that teaches grades one through 7.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

There is a great need for skilled trades people or people not officially qualified but able to effectively help with the maintenance of the various facilities of the program.

CHILDCARE

One of the facilities of the program has 160 children ages 0 to 5. (There are currently 40 babies under 8 months in residence.) This facility has need of assistance in all operational areas including infant care and feeding, janitorial, plant maintenance and (most importantly) playing with and providing affection for children without parents.

MENTAL HEALTH

Many of the children have emotional problems and can benefit from individual
attention and counseling by professionals. (A high level of Spanish required.)

SPORTS

Sports are used to encourage healthy physical development and teach children how to cooperate in team play. Favorite sports are soccer, baseball and basketball. Volunteers with abilities in this area or willingness to instruct the fundamentals of these sports are welcome.

COMPUTERS

Amanecer has accumulated a number of computers of various ages. Volunteers with basic or advanced computer skills are needed to help maintain the computers and organize training.

Volunteer Coordinator: Tom McNair

email: amanecerbolivia@hotmail.com