Volunteer trip to Colombia

This summer I will be embarking on a journey to Colombia through IVHQ's volunteer program. This fundraiser is to cover the program cost (accomodations, food, etc. through IVHQ) for the 3 weeks that I will be volunteering in Colombia. I apreciate every cent donated towards this trip and will share my experiences on my facebook page. I am hoping to improve my Spanish and learn about new culture. :)

Childcare volunteers are in high demand in Colombia to ease the workload of local workers who care for the children. Many of these children come from overcrowded living situations and are in desperate need of love and attention. Colombia has a very family-oriented culture and children in difficult circumstances tend to be taken in by extended families, or sometimes even by neighbors. Due to wars and fighting in the 1980s and early 1990s, many families in Colombia have been forced from rural areas into the larger cities, without anywhere to live. This puts a huge strain on the families and for this reason, children are sent to childcare center for a few hours of the day to receive education, interaction, care and food. Volunteers on this project work alongside local staff in providing care and attention to the children, joining games, songs and dance, and assisting with feeding time.