Help out at our educational project in Paya, Colombia

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a passionate, intergenerational non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people and protecting animals and the environment. Our diverse team brings together different backgrounds, cultures, and professions to create innovative solutions and heartfelt connections.

    We are currently looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join us in Colombia. We ask for a minimum stay of three months, as it takes time for the children to build trust and for you to truly integrate into our community. However, we’re always happy to discuss flexible arrangements.

    You will live in a beautiful rural area about 3 hours from Yopal. Here, you’ll work closely with two small schools — one in Milagros and one in La Unión — where only three dedicated teachers serve about 30 children of different ages. Your role will be to support and enrich their learning, sharing whatever skills and subjects you feel comfortable with (English, art, biology, etc.). You will collaborate with the teachers to plan and deliver lessons that truly make an impact.

    Additionally, you will work alongside a speech therapist who supports the children individually, and you can get involved in community workshops in Milagros and La Unión, empowering local families and strengthening community ties. Throughout your stay, you will have open communication and regular feedback sessions with our team — we’re always here for you.

    On your days off, you can explore the breathtaking mountains, immerse yourself in local life, and spend time with the animals in the village. You will truly experience rural Colombian life in its most authentic and beautiful form.

    Practical details:

    Location: Milagros and La Unión, near Yopal, Colombia
    Monthly transportation to Yopal (a larger town with shops and a mall)
    Accommodation: A cozy farmer’s house in the community (bring your mosquito net and sleeping bag!)
    You’ll also spend 2 days per month in Yopal, staying with project team members

    We can also host two volunteers at the same time if you’d like to come with a friend or partner.

    If you’re curious, we’re happy to share feedback videos from our previous volunteers — just send us a message!

    We look forward to welcoming you with open arms and creating an unforgettable, meaningful experience together.

    ¡Te esperamos con los brazos abiertos para vivir una experiencia inolvidable en Colombia!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
  • Interests

    Interests

    Culture
    Sustainability
    Self development
    Farming
    Charity work
    Photography
    Languages
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Plant care
    Animals
    Beach
    Sailing / Boating
    Camping
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Outdoor activities
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Make a real impact:
    Support local schools in Milagros and La Unión, help shape educational programs, and empower children through creative learning and personal attention.

    Develop your teaching and community skills:
    Work hand in hand with the project team and local teachers to create meaningful activities and workshops. You will gain hands-on experience in educational planning and community engagement.

    Deep cultural immersion:
    Live in a rural Colombian community, experience authentic daily life, and connect deeply with local people, their traditions, and their way of life. You will learn to adapt to basic living conditions — limited internet, no supermarkets, no public transportation, and occasional electricity cut-offs — which will give you a true appreciation for simplicity and resilience.

    Grow personally and professionally:
    Strengthen your adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving skills while contributing to a meaningful cause. Together with the team, you will also learn to develop improvement strategies for future projects.

    Improve your Spanish:
    Whether you already speak some Spanish or are just starting, this is a great chance to practice and improve through daily interaction.

    Taste authentic Colombian food:
    Enjoy local meals prepared fresh every day by community members and discover new flavors and culinary traditions.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Support in local schools (main task):
    Work directly with two rural schools in Milagros and La Unión (about 30 children total), assisting the teachers with classroom activities and developing creative lessons. You can teach subjects you feel comfortable with — for example English, arts, science, or even sports. Your presence brings energy and new ideas to the classroom, helping children learn in a joyful, inspiring way.

    Develop and strengthen educational programs:
    Together with our project director and local teachers, help create and improve an educational program that supports both group work and individual learning needs. You will also support a speech therapist who works one-on-one with children who need extra help.

    Community workshops:
    Help plan, organize, and run workshops for the local community in Milagros and La Unión. These might include health, hygiene, environmental topics, or creative activities — always adapted to local needs and your personal interests and skills.

    Agriculture and sustainability (optional):
    Support the review and monitoring of small family orchards and crop projects, guided by the project director. This task is ideal if you are interested in sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, or simply want to learn more about local food systems.

  • Languages spoken

    Spanish: Fluent
    English: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You will stay in a cozy farmer’s house in Milagros or La Unión, where you will have your own private room with a bed. If you'd like to experience true rural life, there is also the option to sleep in a hammock.

    The house has a bathroom with a shower, as well as outdoor water access for washing and daily use.

    Once a month, you will travel to Yopal (a larger town with shops and a mall) and stay for two days at the home of a project team member — giving you the chance to connect even more closely with the team and enjoy a change of environment.

    We cover the cost of three meals per day, freshly cooked by locals in your accommodation. Snacks or additional items can be purchased in Yopal during your visits.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    On your days off, you can explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Milagros and La Unión. The region offers stunning mountain landscapes, lush forests, and quiet paths where you can enjoy long walks and truly disconnect.

    You will also find fascinating indigenous paintings in the area, giving you a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of this region.

    General facts:

    Duration: Minimum of 3 months, starting now (but we accept volunteers year-round)
    Location: Milagros and La Unión, near Yopal, Colombia
    Accommodation: Free, private room in a farmer’s house, staying with a local family

    Qualifications:

    - Experience working with children and/or rural communities in developing countries is desirable but not required
    - Environmental or social science training, or experience with crops, agroecology, or sustainable livestock is a plus (but not mandatory)
    - English and Spanish skills (minimum B1; B2 preferred)
    - Teaching skills in any subject (e.g., English, biology, art, sports, etc.) --> preferred but not mandatory
    - Interest in rural living and basic conditions (limited or no internet access, local food, no supermarkets, no public transport, occasional electricity cut-offs)
    - Good physical condition and health (long walks required; health services are 3 hours away by car; no bee allergies)
    - Vaccinated against yellow fever and tetanus
    - Good attitude, patience, adaptability, and curiosity
    - Minimum age: 21
    - Willingness to work 5 days per week and spend weekends in the village

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 154713548815

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Photos

The image depicts a serene forest scene with a small stream flowing through it, surrounded by lush greenery and rocks, evoking a sense of natural beauty and tranquility.
The image depicts a serene rural scene featuring a small house with a tarp covering the front, nestled among lush trees and bushes, set against a picturesque blue sky.
The image depicts a group of people standing together, with a mix of men and women, all facing the same direction, posing for a photo. They are dressed in casual clothing.
The image shows a group of people gathered around a table, with a few individuals standing in front, likely engaged in a meeting or discussion, surrounded by a natural outdoor setting.
The image depicts a rustic wooden house with a corrugated metal roof, situated on a stone pathway, surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a serene outdoor setting.
The image depicts a rustic wooden gate with a sign that reads \"GATE\" in green letters, situated in front of a small wooden house surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
The image depicts three individuals preparing food on a wooden table outside a rustic building, surrounded by a serene natural setting.
The image depicts a group of children and an adult in a classroom, engaged in physical activity, with the adult guiding them in a dance-like movement.

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