Colombia
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The commune-based NGOs were born due to the need for social mediation, sanitary solutions and environmental sustainability in Las Colonias, a suburb on the outskirts of the city of Pereira. The residents did not have any kind of support nor protection from the government or public entities. Little by little, we gained the trust of the community’s residents with our transformative processes and a cooperative philosophy without political, religious or racial ideology. Since then, we have organized all kinds of campaigns to improve the quality of life in the community with the goal to empower its members towards self-sufficiency. The projects are financed by small donations from different sources, as well as communitarian events like environmental and cultural festivals, recycling and flea markets, among others. Our aim is to make the invisible part of Colombia known to various types of travellers.
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Eco Projects
Language practice
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
The travelers will learn about the “invisible Colombia” and the consequences of the civil war. This is an incredible opportunity to get to know a genuine and culturally diverse place. LAS COLONIAS makes up part of the Esperanza-Galicia suburb on the outskirts of the city of Pereira which is the capital of the coffee growing region. This settlement was formed 20 years ago by internal displaced people of all ethnicities from all over the country. According to the last census, there are 140 homes and around 600 people from diverse regions of the country, with afrocolombian, indigenous and mestizo ethnic groups.
Las Colonias is close to many charming towns and beautiful natural parks. There is lots of opportunities to enjoy weekends away exploring all the region has to offer.
A basic level of spanish would be helpful, however, a home stay with a host family is a fantastic spring board from which to improve spanish language skills at any level.
The work of the NGOs is focused on many different levels. We need help with a range of different projects and are always open to new ideas, however, we are currently looking for specialised help in a number of areas.
General:
1) Website design and training on how to handle sites.
2) Social networks management and contents production.
4) Communication strategies.
5) Writing, translation and editing.
6) Media production (photography and videos)
7) Graphic design.
Specific on community, gender and environment:
1) Some one with knowledge/ willing to research on recycling and waste management, willing to train in arts and handcrafts from recycled material.
2) Someone with knowledge on gardening, landscaping, flower production, horticulture and small scale permaculture, such as the planting and maintaining of basic vegetable/flower gardens.
3) Social workers or related professions able to work in projects of gender equity, lidership, entrepreneurship, self steem/development, conflicts resolution, community empowerment, teamwork, etc.
4) Support on cleaning and conditioning of river enbankments.
5) Someone willing to help in environmental awareness campaings, ecology, animal caring, natural resources management, etc.
6) Support formulating socioecological projects.
7) Murals design and facades redecoration.
Specific on bioengineering, smart and resilent communities:
1) Notions on architecture, drawing, engineering (civil, sanitary, environmental and related).
2) Bioconstruction and self-sufficiency.
3) Sanitation, water reuse, irrigation systems.
4) Biology, soil conservation, reforestation.
Anyone with a desire to learn and get involved with a truly Colombian community is welcome.
We believe that everyone can leave their footprint in Las Colonias in their own way.
Minimum stay: 2 weeks
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
Hey! I want to practice my English.
Volunteers will be hosted in various homes within the community. Expect basic accomodation with Las Colonias families. breakfast and lunch will be provided by Marleni's kitchen from Monday to Friday. For weekends and evening meals you will be able to use the kitchens in your host family's home. You will have access to internet conection. Laundry services will be at an extra charge.
In their free time, volunteers can visit the city of Pereira, the capital of the Colombian coffee region, in addition to visiting all the natural charms that are in the surrounding areas or relatively close. You can make multiple excursions by bike and walking and can also visit events in the city such as the agro-ecological market of the UTP (First Wednesday of each month) and the gastronomic and cultural festival of "La Cuadra" (First Thursday of each month).
Nearby natural attractions:
The coffee town and natural reserve of La Florida. (The unic "Model Forest" of Colombia)
La Suiza Waterfalls
La Pastora Waterfalls
Quebrada de la Cristalina
The small coffee town, Marsella (1 hr. away)
The small coffee town, Santa Rosa de Cabal y its geotermal springs (1 hr. away)
The small coffee town, Salento y the Valle del Cocora National Park (1.5 hrs. away)
The small coffee town, Santuario (2 hrs. away)
Laguna del Otún (A two day hiking trip with a night of camping)
The community of Las Colonias is on the outskirts of the city, about 30 minutes from downtown Pereira. From the city, you can take public transport (Route 37 price: 2200 COP) which will leave you 500 meters from the entrance to Las Colonias. Pereira is a fairly compact city so it is difficult to get lost!
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Let's be in touch for more details
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
More than two
3 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
