Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Feb 2025
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 6 days
Feedback
54
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
This is a non profit sport organization
We start in 2020 providing Chess online workshops and lesson for kids in Bocas del toro, expanding later to local schools and remote ones doing these visits during May-July every year. The Scholar year is from March to December and we permanently promote chess in town as a hobbie activity or preparation for National tournaments where youngster and kids are our priority to make them participate.
I am Jou the Instructor and Director behind the Club and I am looking for volunteers interested to help and contribute grow and be sustainable our sport club and organization. As we want to impact effectively, I expect people passionate in Pedagogy, Social work, and Academic methodology to discuss the benefits and PROs of Chess in education.
our Schedule in heardquartes are:
*Wednesday 1 pm -3 pm (Spanish) /// Multicultural School
*Thursday 1 pm -3 pm (Spanish) /// Multicultural School
*Friday 1 pm -2:30 pm (Spanish) /// Multicultural School
Private Workshops
*Monday 3:15 pm - 4:15pm /// Tangerine International School (english-spanish)
*Tuesday 3:15 pm - 4:15pm /// Tangerine International School (english-spanish)
*Thursday 3:15 pm - 4:15pm /// Tangerine International School (english-spanish)
Free Public Workshops:
*Wednesday 4 pm - 6pm (Spanish)/// Colegio Rogelio Ibarra
*Sunday 9 am - 11am (Spanish)/// Escuela Carenero
DURING THE WEEK
*ONLINE lessons Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 7 pm to 8:30 pm. (Ask to join into the lessons for free and learn more.!)
Volunteer are not so involved here, at least they express they want, just for your information of Instructor itinerary.
Volunteers profiles is needed in preference:
1. WEB designer or content creator for social media Instagram and Facebook. I will explain how to do this content, but you can feel free to put your own ideas and style.
2. Experience from Teachers, Psychologists, or/and Pedagogists to connect or create lessons for the kids or youngsters. We might learn something new together.
3. I like to learn a bit about languages, phrases, and greetings in Deutsch, French, and Polski. We can exchange hours particularly to know vocabulary in HOW TO TEACH CHESS in those languages.
If you are interested please contact me.
Prefer long-term volunteers
Candidate profile:
-As possible Spanish & English speakers.
-Preferred age above 25 years old.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Teaching
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
you can learn and practice Spanish, I provide you with workbooks.
you can learn about Chess, and a lot more here in Bocas, Surf, Scuba Dive, Handcrafts, Tourism. etc
Help
Help priority:
- Web / Graphic designer / Video-Photo Editing
- Social Media Editor, I provide some guidelines to create the content but if you are an expert you can feel free to follow your style.
- Teach/Practice Chess with kids or/and people. You need patience.
- Language practice. (related to CHESS)
Thank you, Merci, Grazie, Dziekuje, Takk, Dank u wel, Danke,
谢谢 (xièxie),ありがとうございました (arigato), kiitos.
GRACIAS
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I want to learn more about vocabulary in French or Deutsch to teach Basic Chess
Accommodation
Options
Depends on availability: Private room or Dorm with Bunk Bed for 2 persons.
Common areas: a shared bathroom, shared kitchen, and living room.
Near to the Beach =)
What else ...
Scholar year goes from March to December, its the time more help is needed... in June and Septembre we have 1 week vacation feel free check our website- ask us for the link
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 192276542274
Feedback (27)
28 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Vollentueerd here for a month and it was very good, very fun and interesting to help out with all the activities. I also was able to upgrade my chess game. 10/10 would do it again.
16 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
Sam share and help us during 1 month, very enthusiastic and commited to collaborate. Good with the kids you can see how good connections he was able to make. A young and happy spirit valuable to have in your team as a volunteer. Thank you very much my friend and all the best in your next adventures.
(Excellent
)
16 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Stan)
Stan shared and helped us during 1 month, shown excellent ethics and commitment. His expertise and knowledge help us improve our website. I appreciate his patient and efforts to learn and play with the kids from workshops. Valuable volunteer, Young entrepreneur to have in your team. Thank you for your contributions and all the best in your… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Erica & Gustavo) for host
You know when a person is special when all the kids love him, and Jou is that special person. Meeting Jou, Alana, Rosário, Kelly, the volunteers and another children from the chess project in Bocas del Toro-Panama schools was a great gift for me, because I felt like part of the family and I was also able to help them as an interpreter and improve… read more
23 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Erica & Gustavo)
Erica is a profesional person sharing kind , and care about the project. She helped me in chess workshops with kids and was really helpful being involved with them learning and practicing. Thank you. Obrigada amiga.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
28 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Vollentueerd here for a month and it was very good, very fun and interesting to help out with all the activities. I also was able to upgrade my chess game. 10/10 would do it again.
16 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
Sam share and help us during 1 month, very enthusiastic and commited to collaborate. Good with the kids you can see how good connections he was able to make. A young and happy spirit valuable to have in your team as a volunteer. Thank you very much my friend and all the best in your next adventures.
(Excellent)
16 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Stan)
Stan shared and helped us during 1 month, shown excellent ethics and commitment. His expertise and knowledge help us improve our website. I appreciate his patient and efforts to learn and play with the kids from workshops. Valuable volunteer, Young entrepreneur to have in your team. Thank you for your contributions and all the best in your… read more
(Excellent)
25 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Erica & Gustavo) for host
You know when a person is special when all the kids love him, and Jou is that special person. Meeting Jou, Alana, Rosário, Kelly, the volunteers and another children from the chess project in Bocas del Toro-Panama schools was a great gift for me, because I felt like part of the family and I was also able to help them as an interpreter and improve… read more
23 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Erica & Gustavo)
Erica is a profesional person sharing kind , and care about the project. She helped me in chess workshops with kids and was really helpful being involved with them learning and practicing. Thank you. Obrigada amiga.
(Excellent)
23 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Daphné) for host
Spended 3 unforgettable weeks with Jou, a trustable, smart and fun Monsieur. He welcomed me, included me and made sure I had a confortable stay.
I had weak spanish level and didn't know about chess. Jou has patience and good teaching methods. My work with him was very chill, I had lots of freedom on activities to do to be part of his project,… read more
I had weak spanish level and didn't know about chess. Jou has patience and good teaching methods. My work with him was very chill, I had lots of freedom on activities to do to be part of his project,… read more
29 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Daphné)
Daphne, was so focus and intelligent volunteer. She helped making arts and handcrafts for the merchandise, as well she did some didactic materials we use for teaching chess in remote island workshops. Great contribution Merci beaucop.!
She is as well very reliable to do tasks or meetings , and she certainly learned some spanish making new friends,… read more
She is as well very reliable to do tasks or meetings , and she certainly learned some spanish making new friends,… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Cinzia) for host
So grateful for this incredible experience, can't recommend it enough! I was first meant to stay 2 weeks and decided to stay for 4 because i loved it and if i could have I'd have stayed longer!
I really admire what Jou does and his dedication to making a difference for the people here. The project's impact on the local children and communities,… read more
I really admire what Jou does and his dedication to making a difference for the people here. The project's impact on the local children and communities,… read more
11 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Cinzia)
Cinzia !! her beautfiul smile was bringing joy all the time. She stayed for about 3 or 4 weeks, being really commited to help in the school workshops with the kids, but also doing interviews, improving ideas for the website and to create more video contents.
She also with Benja, did a record of sales in the community market that occurs every… read more
She also with Benja, did a record of sales in the community market that occurs every… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Benjamin & Martin) for host
It was an awesome experience working with Jou in this project!
He is a very friendly and easy going person who is really pationate about chess and teaching chess to the children.
Apart from working with children and getting a grasp of the life of the local people there, I really enjoyed that there was always an open and free atmosphere where all… read more
He is a very friendly and easy going person who is really pationate about chess and teaching chess to the children.
Apart from working with children and getting a grasp of the life of the local people there, I really enjoyed that there was always an open and free atmosphere where all… read more
11 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin & Martin)
Benjamin stayed for 2 weeks collaborating very well. He likes chess and understand it so was able to teach to the kids, practicing his spanish communications. He also contributed to do a brainstorm about the website, being this really helpful since the project needs to expand and get support using social media and internet. Thank you very much all… read more
(Excellent)
1 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Yaël) for host
This workaway was just so great !
Jou is a very passionate, very pedagogical person. He's been very inspiring. He's the kind of person who gives you hope in humanity.
Only thing, you might get addicted to chess by the end of this workaway lol.
If you've been teaching in Europe, you will really like this workaway as schools and students attitudes… read more
Jou is a very passionate, very pedagogical person. He's been very inspiring. He's the kind of person who gives you hope in humanity.
Only thing, you might get addicted to chess by the end of this workaway lol.
If you've been teaching in Europe, you will really like this workaway as schools and students attitudes… read more
12 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Yaël)
Yael, help me during 1 month in the schools with kids and took pictures to share what we do on social media. She was patient and learned new techniques about chess to help kids practice and enjoy playing chess as a pedagogic and educational tool.
She is kind and hardworking person and helped clean the area inside the house. I highly appreciated… read more
She is kind and hardworking person and helped clean the area inside the house. I highly appreciated… read more
(Excellent)
9 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marcello & Giuditta) for host
Una Hermosa experiencia con Joel para nosotros. Hemos gestionado la página Instagram haciendo storis y entrevistas a le gente porque la escuela era todavía cerrada. Que decir... el lugar es hermoso (Isla Colon) y el projecto de Joel con los niños también. Pensamos que nececitamos mas personas como Joel en este mundo. Nos dejo la libertad de… read more
9 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Marcello & Giuditta)
Marcelo & Giudi helped me 2 weeks taking care of the socialmedia. Great jobs doing stories, pictures, interviews and putting their own style. This helped the project get exposure and interactions. Time passed fast but your contribution was valued and made a difference. Grazie amici.
(Excellent)
9 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mirjam Reini) for host
Staying with Jou was great. He communicates his expectations clearly and transparently, can give good tips for excursions and concerts and you can quickly get in touch with other locals through him. Thank you !
9 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mirjam Reini)
Mirjam helped me for 2 weeks doing handcrafts with her talent to do it. They decorate our chess merch that we sale to collect funds for the project. She has background teacher so participate in our kids workshop.
She is committed to achieve goals and communicative to have a good relationship.
Thank you for your time and skills. Your contribution… read more
She is committed to achieve goals and communicative to have a good relationship.
Thank you for your time and skills. Your contribution… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maria Johanna ) for host
The project was a great and interesting experience! Jou is a very nice person and very driven to make his project a success. He is an important role model for the children he teaches chess, helping them in so many more aspects of their lives. Apart from playing chess, I learned a lot from him regarding the culture in Bocas, and he introduced me to… read more
18 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria Johanna )
Marianne, my young spirit and energetic friend. As a Psychologist and CEO of Team Building skills were really helpful for the Chess Project n the kids and youngsters, she spends 1 month here in Bocas, did interviews providing inputs to recognize the positive impact already done in 2 years and we talked about the new ideas how to improve the… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mark) for host
Helping Jou out with his project was a wonderful experience. Jou is a lovely person who has a real passion for chess and for teaching and it was a pleasure to be able to contribute in some way. I would recomment this to anyone who is interested in getting to know the local community and meeting friendly new people.
3 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mark)
Mark, an educated and smart guy, help me out for 2 weeks very well with assistance in chess workshops and markets. It was during holidays Christmas and new year holidays but worked a lot on the website of the chess project. Respectful, cheerful, and willing to get tasks done. Thank you a lot and best wishes my friend. Viel spass !
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Shuk Han) for host
It has been a crazy journey, I do not even know where to start. This 5 weeks had been way too short for me, as I felt the growth in me and it just started to feel like home, I have to go. I still remember the day I searched for workaway for someplace to stay in, I found this place.
First of all, Bocas del Toro is a perfect place to stay for a… read more
First of all, Bocas del Toro is a perfect place to stay for a… read more
2 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Shuk Han)
Shuk Han is a kind and beautiful woman always with a smile. Willing to work all the time and give the extra mile to get things done. She is athletic, and practices running and swimming, but we also had some time to share a beer or rum and have fun in outdoor activities, tours, and parties.
She didn't know anything about Chess before, but her… read more
She didn't know anything about Chess before, but her… read more
(Excellent)
20 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jekaterina) for host
Could not imagine better experience than this!
Work:
Being able to actually interact with local children - all of them the sweetest - and seeing their enthusiasm to learn chess, it was all very inspiring! I could connect with children on personal level (Jou trusted me to give private lessons to one of the students) and also just learn about chess… read more
Work:
Being able to actually interact with local children - all of them the sweetest - and seeing their enthusiasm to learn chess, it was all very inspiring! I could connect with children on personal level (Jou trusted me to give private lessons to one of the students) and also just learn about chess… read more
23 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jekaterina)
Jeka, really smart girl, with beatiful heart and commitement .
She did a great job , contributing with love, patience and skills to teach kids in a Chess project and even did a 1 to 1 to improve scholastic skills. I recommend her for any work exchange, she is from Estonia! all the best my friend.
She did a great job , contributing with love, patience and skills to teach kids in a Chess project and even did a 1 to 1 to improve scholastic skills. I recommend her for any work exchange, she is from Estonia! all the best my friend.
(Excellent)
28 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Eric) for host
My stay with Jou was awesome- he was a great host and really helped me to have a great time with both the volunteering and seeing Bocas.
Most of my time was spent helping kids at the various after-school programs and creating content for social media, but I was also able to help with walking Jou's super cute dog Kiwi and other random errands that… read more
Most of my time was spent helping kids at the various after-school programs and creating content for social media, but I was also able to help with walking Jou's super cute dog Kiwi and other random errands that… read more
28 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Eric)
Eric, help me for about 1 month in Febraury. He was really commited to do the tasks, thats after all not being difficult and taking so long time (maybe) he was always looking forward to be ready for next things. I highly recommend him, you will have a really efficient n flexible collaborator.
(Excellent)
11 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Beatka)
Beata, helped me few weeks with dog walking , recording videos and extras things sometimes. I was in the need of a extra hand and she showed me full commitment and a lot of energy to do whatever i need. A bit opinionated but i understood she wants to be busy and to have a purpose of her volunteering. Dziekuje Fajna :) Powodzenia
(Very good)
1 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Rory)
Rory show up really enthusiastic to help and be part of some voluntary work. i connected him with a spanish school contributing 1 month in different task as marketing, gardening, amusement =) right?! Thank you Pal for your reliability and willing. Best wishes in your travels.
(Excellent)
22 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Alice) for host
Jou is the most generous and fun person that I met in my trip, he tought me so many things and shared with me his home....thank you so much my friend!!
20 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Alice)
Alice, regarding work and duties is committed she likes to have a goal and be focus, apart is lovely person and very kind, she contributed a lot with the kids and my pochi italian. Ti auguro il meglio amica.! Grazie e Arrivederci.
(Excellent)
14 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (François) for host
I recomand this host, Jou is very friendly, help a lot for everything, and the work is basic, easy, helping Jou at the chess club it was a pleasure, and meet some good kids players also. Moreover, the dogsitting is easy with his lovely and energic dog kiwi, quiet, always wanting to run at the beach. Thank you Jou for everything, hope we see you… read more
29 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (François)
Francois a young tranquil guy, very responsable in duties, always good willing and asking in what to help. I consider he was really helpful with the chess club and walking kiwi, he was for 2 weeks as we agreed having brackground of tourism and customer service was a plus. Merci beaucoup Mon ami, bon voyage.
(Excellent)
5 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (France-Emmanuelle) for host
My time at Jou's place was really nice. Helping him with the kids at chess school and with the dog was barely work
11 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (France-Emmanuelle)
Mon ami France-Emannuelle ( Manou) j'ai connaitre cette personne pour moi avoir bonne chance,. when she was volunteering in another project I offered her to help me out with my chess kids club and Kiwi dog. Work with kids is not that easy but she did it great, a lot of patient and she is a lovely person. She stayed in my place and teached me some… read more
(Excellent)
10 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Saskia) for host
Jou arranged that I could work at the spanish school. I stayed at the school for 3 weeks for free, sharing a room with a guy. My job from monday to wednesday was putting up banners everywhere in the town and also on two other islands, which was pretty cool because so I could see a lot of the region. On thursday and friday I gave out flyers to the… read more
11 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Shane) for host
I have to thank Jou for making one of the most amazing months in Bocas del Toro happen. A true gentleman and a good friend, he would always go the extra mile to help you out with whatever it may be. I would recommend anyone who is interested in staying in the paradise that is Bocas del Toro, to get in touch with Jou. Gracias hermano!
10 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Shane)
Around July 16. Shane arrived to us to help us with some remmodelations, hard work and promote the Hostels/Parties Activities.
He wanted to learn spanish, with practice talking to people and with little help of a spanish book he did it great. Beside of any inconveniences by weather, etc he was committed to his duties and always had a nice… read more
He wanted to learn spanish, with practice talking to people and with little help of a spanish book he did it great. Beside of any inconveniences by weather, etc he was committed to his duties and always had a nice… read more
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabian)
Muy bien ragazzo, Fabian arrived really enthusiastic to Bocas, myself is really busy most time in the tour operator and other activities but i do my best to connect the volunteers with the hostels, school or any community involvement that offer some work exchange for accomodation.
Fabian aprendio espanol de una manera muy divertida, he… read more
Fabian aprendio espanol de una manera muy divertida, he… read more
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Fabian) for host
Jou was super helpful in getting settled in Bocas! Our initial agreement was that I could sleep at his place in exchange for italian lessons but he got me an even better deal. I worked for Habla Ya, the local spanish school, could stay there for free, got a discount on my classes and even a cash bonus in the end. I was around town and on the… read more
15 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Magda)
Magda, is a responsable and reliable person.. but most important always have a smile on his face =). She came when the hostal was about to close (I am now in new hostal) so she continue volunteering teaching me Polskie, as she mentioned the job will never be hard but she was committed as expected.
Baw sie Dobrze ..Do zobaczenia przyjacieluu!
Baw sie Dobrze ..Do zobaczenia przyjacieluu!
(Excellent)
7 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (Magda) for host
This hostel immediately became my home as soon as I stepped in on one very early morning. Every single person who works there made a very positive impression on me and it was really sad to leave this place after over a couple of weeks of volunteering. The work was not hard at all and I could spend most of my time exploring Bocas with Jou and/or… read more
28 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (GrietVC)
Griet, is really enthusiastic, smart and committed to make things done, and responsable without doubt. I didnt know her as much as i wished because i was busy sometimes but she was a great contributor for the hostal. Dont hesitate to choose her as a volunteer. Thank you Griet.
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (GrietVC) for host
I was planning on staying 3 weeks and ended up staying 5. Bocas is a great place to volunteer and see the best of the islands. Tundra is a great spot with lovely people who became family in that tiny period of time. I'll miss all of you!
15 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Aleksandra)
Sasha, arrived in our need of volunteers for cleaning/housekeeping. She was helping with other 2 volunteers that all together were enthusiastics to make things done without no shame and no mercy despite how dirty was the job.
She also promoted walking streets giving flyers to tourists about our Bar events, with a great smile.
I recommend her… read more
She also promoted walking streets giving flyers to tourists about our Bar events, with a great smile.
I recommend her… read more
(Excellent)
14 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Aleksandra) for host
It was my first experience with workaway and it was really nice one! Most that i liked in that hostal-is people who working there-all of them are super nice, friendly and helpfull! They ask to work about only 3 hours per day so i could have plenty of time for myself to explore this beautiful spot. Thanks to all the crew, that was nice time with… read more
27 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Eduardo)
Eduardo has been very helpful within hostel, working reception and the bar, always bringing
a smile to all guest and clients of the bar, willing to do an extra mile for the guests, self motivated and pro active.
a smile to all guest and clients of the bar, willing to do an extra mile for the guests, self motivated and pro active.
(Excellent)
31 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Eduardo) for host
very Fun hostel to work at, easy fun people to work with, I'm currently working here at the moment, there is work to do but once you are done, you got the paradisaical islands of Bocas del toro to enjoy.
18 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Olga)
Thank you Olga, she came to us when we were needing help for housekeeping for busy dates in the hostal.
Olga stayed with us 2 weeks and work together with other 2 volunteers we had open communication all the time she mentiond me had another proyect to follow soon. Really kind and reliable person. Best wishes in your travels.
Olga stayed with us 2 weeks and work together with other 2 volunteers we had open communication all the time she mentiond me had another proyect to follow soon. Really kind and reliable person. Best wishes in your travels.
(Excellent)
7 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Alba & Gisela) for host
Scrub nos dio la oportunidad de compartir esta experiencia y la verdad es que estoy muy agradecida por ello. Trabajar en este hostal me dio la oportunidad de compartir mucho tiempo con personas increibles. El stuff, me ha echo sentir como en familia, no solo han sido mis companeros de trabajo sino que he ganado grandes amigos. El trabajo es… read more
26 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Cheryl) for host
Funny guy, a great learner of languages so easy to work with
2 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Mathias)
(Excellent)
27 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Mathias) for host
Had a good time, he is a great person, takes care of his dogs and the local comunity, we had a really nice hiking in the mountains. I enjoyed my time and highly recommend it
