ABOUT US: Aldeas de Paz is a sustainable and transparent grass-roots NGO based in Santa Barbara de Samaná, Dominican Republic. We are independent from political, religious or business interests and maintain independence by completely funding and operating our programs with the practical and monetary contributions of volunteers and interns.

OUR PURPOSE: We are a youth orientated organization with the purpose of educating, mentoring, inspiring and empowering young people to develop their potentials and help them to create opportunities for themselves and their community through our after-school learning programs recreational activities. We promote children rights and equal opportunities for all.

OUR MISSION: We promote a Culture of Peace through enriching cross-cultural exchange for people of all races and nationalities and we practice voluntary community service where we provide additional opportunities in educational, recreational and environmental fields and assist our beneficiaries to develop their potential and improve their own lives.

OUR VISION: Offering Volunteers & Interns the great opportunity to work side by side with locals, learn new skills, study Spanish and immerse oneself in the Latin and Caribbean culture. We share the values of peace, justice and tolerance, fundamentally focusing on the preservation of cultural values and the empowerment of young people while valuing local knowledge and working with cultural sensitivity. Our Volunteer opportunities are truly the microcosm of a world where people join together giving priority to improving life for humanity and promoting a Culture of Peace as a practical way to both prevent and resolve conflict

VOLUNTEERING: Volunteering is a great way to experience another culture, make new friends and learn new skills. The beauty in volunteering lies in the fact that you are not simply passing through as a tourist. You are interacting with the community, building relationships and making a positive impact. It is an experience that may well change your life! Volunteers are the driving force of our charity work, both through their volunteering and through their financial contributions. We have various programs currently under way and run by volunteers, as well as the long term expectation of opening a multi-faceted Attention Center in Samana. We encourage volunteers to form schedules which work for them, and to work in any combination of programs. Volunteers decide how many hours they want to work. We recommend a minimum of 4 hours daily for 4 days a week. However, volunteers & interns may work as many days/hours they wish. We emphasize that we focus on excellence and not on quantity! All travel costs must be covered by the volunteer. Budget at least 35 € Euro for in-country travel (including meals along the way) on top of whatever your plane ticket costs. Most volunteers will spend less than Euro € 80 a month on other personal expenses while here, but this depends on how you like to live.

LEARN SPANISH: We offer free Spanish Language immersion classes. Lessons focus on developing communication skills so that students are able to put their knowledge to practical use as soon as they step outside the classroom. Our teaching method enables students to develop four basic skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. The idea is to learn Spanish in a natural and spontaneous way, just as students have learned their mother tongue. Our students speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical real-life situations: the basic syllabus is supplemented by special exercises, such as role-play, situational dialogues and work projects. Outside the classroom the learning process continues as you are immersed in Spanish language and culture.

HIGHLIGHTS: There is no end of activities and sights to visit in your spare time. Visit the north coast for some of the best windsurfing or kite boarding found in the world, go whale watching, try fun hiking, biking or even white water rafting for those adrenaline seekers! You may also like to visit the Caribbean's highest peak or the Playa Rincon, said to be one of the best beaches in the world. Hunt round the quaint town of Monte Cristo for some great finds including bargain priced jewellery made from handcrafted beads, and try some with some of the local rum in one of the colourful bars!

UPON ARRIVAL:Upon arrival into Santo Domingo Airport, you will be met by an in-country pick-up service and transported to your accommodation where you will be based for the duration of your project.

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION:Your financial contribution depends on length of stay and starts at Euro 480,- per month all in, including: • Volunteer placement in the program/s of your choice • Accommodation • Placement introduction and hand-outs, supervision, regular briefings • Free Spanish language lessons • Certificate and/or written reference upon completion • Full support and 7 days, 24 hour back-up from our local staff • Santa Barbara de Samana bus terminal pick-up or Samana-El Catey airport pick-up. • Our staff will welcome you to our home-base upon arrival and ensure that all of your needs are met - from a safe and comfortable place to stay, to unparalleled access to perspectives and insight about the local culture

http://www.peacevillages.org

• Manfred Monnighoff
• 8297055123
• Need admin access?